Within the past few weeks broadcaster Stephen Nolan sued the elusive Pastor Jimberoo for trolling after employing his ‘private security Team’ (whatever that means) to track down the IP and address of said Twitter user. Not, it would seem being content to sue one troll, I've read that he has a ‘few’ ongoing cases against others.
But what’s stopping me, or indeed any other ‘joe public’ taking someone who has said something I disagree with. Well, that one’s easy – Money, yes, cold hard cash. To initiate civil proceedings in respect of libel or defamation, it would seem is a costly enterprise…. Anything up to £5,000 – £10,000. And lets face it how many of us have that sort of cash lying under the mattress. And moreover, what’s the point in suing someone who hasn’t a pot to piss in either?
So what, is a troll? No, not those little monsters we so excitedly read about in the 3 Billy Goats Gruff who waited under the bridge only to spring up when the goats were passing over the bridge. I can see how the terminology started, but the word ‘troll’ is, in my opinion, far more widely used by ‘victims’, than is necessary: with many claiming victimhood for people merely challenging their posts, not being abusive, name calling nor being sweary!
So, is it right that people in the public eye - who have a say in the mainstream media on which we see and interact with - should then, sue, when someone disagrees with their viewpoint? Quite often, the reason why these normally sane and rational people tweet and retweet is to actually get some recognition and answer from the person? It in my book is called ‘discussion’. I have been attacked at times mercilessly by folk on Twitter, and for me, I merely block, report (on Twitter) and either ignore, or fight back by challenging the remarks. Sometimes, much to my amusement, they then claim to be victims of My trolling!! In my world, it’s a case of ‘don’t start what you can’t finish’!
Now, personally, I think Nolan has most definitely worked hard to get where he is, I can’t take that away from him, and there was a show he did on television a while back where he was so compassionate and empathetic that it almost made me cry. The problem however, is that these compassionate programs are not what Mr Nolan is known for! A friend also commented that he did a podcast on End of Life and the complexities of euthanasia and said that it was a well put together piece of journalism. However, he is more widely known for his daily morning show on BBC Radio Ulster whereby the more aggressive the ‘guest’ and divisive the conversation, the better.
But what’s stopping me, or indeed any other ‘joe public’ taking someone who has said something I disagree with. Well, that one’s easy – Money, yes, cold hard cash. To initiate civil proceedings in respect of libel or defamation, it would seem is a costly enterprise…. Anything up to £5,000 – £10,000. And lets face it how many of us have that sort of cash lying under the mattress. And moreover, what’s the point in suing someone who hasn’t a pot to piss in either?
So what, is a troll? No, not those little monsters we so excitedly read about in the 3 Billy Goats Gruff who waited under the bridge only to spring up when the goats were passing over the bridge. I can see how the terminology started, but the word ‘troll’ is, in my opinion, far more widely used by ‘victims’, than is necessary: with many claiming victimhood for people merely challenging their posts, not being abusive, name calling nor being sweary!
So, is it right that people in the public eye - who have a say in the mainstream media on which we see and interact with - should then, sue, when someone disagrees with their viewpoint? Quite often, the reason why these normally sane and rational people tweet and retweet is to actually get some recognition and answer from the person? It in my book is called ‘discussion’. I have been attacked at times mercilessly by folk on Twitter, and for me, I merely block, report (on Twitter) and either ignore, or fight back by challenging the remarks. Sometimes, much to my amusement, they then claim to be victims of My trolling!! In my world, it’s a case of ‘don’t start what you can’t finish’!
Now, personally, I think Nolan has most definitely worked hard to get where he is, I can’t take that away from him, and there was a show he did on television a while back where he was so compassionate and empathetic that it almost made me cry. The problem however, is that these compassionate programs are not what Mr Nolan is known for! A friend also commented that he did a podcast on End of Life and the complexities of euthanasia and said that it was a well put together piece of journalism. However, he is more widely known for his daily morning show on BBC Radio Ulster whereby the more aggressive the ‘guest’ and divisive the conversation, the better.
I have to admit, I dislike his show, never listen to it, unless I am somewhere where someone has it on, and I’m not rude enough to squeal ‘Get that off’. Unless I’m in my parents house as mum is addicted to it, until I land and then she apologises and says ‘Ok, Ok, I’m turning it off before you throw it out the window’. For me, its just too divisive and argumentative (yes believe it or not, I like a quiet life and only open my big gob to challenge rubbish, lies or hypocrisy).
So, the announcement came that Nolan had tracked down the Pastor and had extracted over £120,000 out of him to keep his anonymity. This I have to say, doesn’t sit well with me. Some people may think that in fact going by the definition of trolling, then that would describe Mr Nolan’s guests or show. I however, put it down to securing ‘ratings’. Yes, again, it would seem that divisive shows whether on television, radio, or indeed press commentary sells and that in turn, brings in the money. So who is to blame for oftentimes less than scrupulous media productions which focus on the more divisive aspect of life here in Northern Ireland? Is it the producers or editors of shows and newspapers, or the commentators and broadcasters themselves? Perhaps, the public themselves can be blamed for listening in or buying the papers?
If Mr Nolan was so worried about the trolling, why did he not just go to the PSNI, why go straight for the money? It’s not as if he is on the breadline? Also, why Only go for the ‘Pastor’? I have to honestly say, the Pastor was merely saying what 25,000 + of the petition signers (of which I wasn’t one) were thinking. And in fact, I have seen some posts tagging Nolan which even I was mortified to read, and I don’t shock easily!! Why not go for them as well? Answer, they’re nobodies, no money and nothing can be gained. To me, it was a tad hypocritical of Nolan to single out one man when his shows are formed around antagonistic questioning and guests who are, quite frankly as far as I can see, only there to get people riled.
So, what’s the difference between Nolan - conducting a radio program every day whereby there is division, heated discussions and quite often arguably libelous and ridiculous comments made by guests - and a man who detests having to pay his TV licence to fund this divisive diatribe and sets up a petition to get the show cancelled? There was the same outpouring of disgust at the Jeremy Kyle program and in fact, one judge likened it to’ a human form of bear baiting’ Quite frankly – I’m not so sure Nolan is entirely much different, apart from the subject matter. To my knowledge, Jeremy Kyle hasn’t sued the author of that petition…. And the money? Did we hear that Mr Nolan was wanting to merely teach the Pastor a lesson? Then give the money to charity. Again, to my knowledge – he’s keeping it! I guess that’s the rates on Mahee Island paid for the year then. Again, I have to say, I, to some extent, admire his rise to the dizzy heights of notoriety in the scheme of things, but one must wonder, at what cost? Well, those he’s suing are all too well of that.
It has now been reported that the Justice Minister Naomi Long has now started proceedings in respect of trolls – I don’t know who they are, but as one who has engaged with her in the past, I suspect and hope it could be some of the more aggressive loyalist accounts. Sometimes, they basically badgered that woman, and before anyone says ‘Liberal latte drinking Alliance supporter’ I’m not!
The real parody however, has come within the past couple of days with Jamie Bryson claiming to ‘sue’ for libel, Pastor J as well! Its beyond comprehension that Jamie Bryson can claim anything, given the fact that he sails dangerously close to the wind of of libel and slander while stirring up tensions in what is an already precarious time in our post-conflict era. I suspect, he won’t get very far in that action, and am awaiting with bated breath for the court case! I have however offered my services and statement to anyone who he does issue proceedings to because I can confirm and prove that the same person libeled me, trolled me and then cried when I responded merely challenging his falsehoods.
As a parting gift, to those who want to claim victimhood, please, don’t be hypocrites, don’t get above your station…. Look in the mirror before you constantly cry about someone doing the exact thing you are guilty of!
So, the announcement came that Nolan had tracked down the Pastor and had extracted over £120,000 out of him to keep his anonymity. This I have to say, doesn’t sit well with me. Some people may think that in fact going by the definition of trolling, then that would describe Mr Nolan’s guests or show. I however, put it down to securing ‘ratings’. Yes, again, it would seem that divisive shows whether on television, radio, or indeed press commentary sells and that in turn, brings in the money. So who is to blame for oftentimes less than scrupulous media productions which focus on the more divisive aspect of life here in Northern Ireland? Is it the producers or editors of shows and newspapers, or the commentators and broadcasters themselves? Perhaps, the public themselves can be blamed for listening in or buying the papers?
If Mr Nolan was so worried about the trolling, why did he not just go to the PSNI, why go straight for the money? It’s not as if he is on the breadline? Also, why Only go for the ‘Pastor’? I have to honestly say, the Pastor was merely saying what 25,000 + of the petition signers (of which I wasn’t one) were thinking. And in fact, I have seen some posts tagging Nolan which even I was mortified to read, and I don’t shock easily!! Why not go for them as well? Answer, they’re nobodies, no money and nothing can be gained. To me, it was a tad hypocritical of Nolan to single out one man when his shows are formed around antagonistic questioning and guests who are, quite frankly as far as I can see, only there to get people riled.
So, what’s the difference between Nolan - conducting a radio program every day whereby there is division, heated discussions and quite often arguably libelous and ridiculous comments made by guests - and a man who detests having to pay his TV licence to fund this divisive diatribe and sets up a petition to get the show cancelled? There was the same outpouring of disgust at the Jeremy Kyle program and in fact, one judge likened it to’ a human form of bear baiting’ Quite frankly – I’m not so sure Nolan is entirely much different, apart from the subject matter. To my knowledge, Jeremy Kyle hasn’t sued the author of that petition…. And the money? Did we hear that Mr Nolan was wanting to merely teach the Pastor a lesson? Then give the money to charity. Again, to my knowledge – he’s keeping it! I guess that’s the rates on Mahee Island paid for the year then. Again, I have to say, I, to some extent, admire his rise to the dizzy heights of notoriety in the scheme of things, but one must wonder, at what cost? Well, those he’s suing are all too well of that.
It has now been reported that the Justice Minister Naomi Long has now started proceedings in respect of trolls – I don’t know who they are, but as one who has engaged with her in the past, I suspect and hope it could be some of the more aggressive loyalist accounts. Sometimes, they basically badgered that woman, and before anyone says ‘Liberal latte drinking Alliance supporter’ I’m not!
The real parody however, has come within the past couple of days with Jamie Bryson claiming to ‘sue’ for libel, Pastor J as well! Its beyond comprehension that Jamie Bryson can claim anything, given the fact that he sails dangerously close to the wind of of libel and slander while stirring up tensions in what is an already precarious time in our post-conflict era. I suspect, he won’t get very far in that action, and am awaiting with bated breath for the court case! I have however offered my services and statement to anyone who he does issue proceedings to because I can confirm and prove that the same person libeled me, trolled me and then cried when I responded merely challenging his falsehoods.
As a parting gift, to those who want to claim victimhood, please, don’t be hypocrites, don’t get above your station…. Look in the mirror before you constantly cry about someone doing the exact thing you are guilty of!
⏩ Lesley Stock is a former PSNI and RUC Officer currently involved in community work.
