Chapter 1: Understanding Trolls in the Digital Era

In today's world, the mantra seems to be about embracing one's true self. However, what if that true self embodies the characteristics of a troll? As a public health scientist and writer for Medium, I've encountered my fair share of these individuals. One even labeled me the most formidable writer on the platform, a title I find oddly flattering. I elaborated on this in my inaugural episode of what I hope will evolve into a mini-series.

While I am still adjusting to these trolls, I remain thankful that 98% of the feedback from my readers is positive. Some engage in thoughtful discussions regarding the subjects I explore, and these exchanges are generally civil and respectful. I welcome diverse viewpoints, as we are all adults in this discourse. You, the reader, are my audience, and my role is to provide engaging content. If you enjoy it, we may connect again; if not, that's perfectly fine. Ultimately, it’s about the CONTENT—at least, that's what I believed.

Chapter 2: The Misplaced Focus on Visuals

The commenter illustrated a common issue: prioritizing visuals over the substance of the writing. His focus seemed to center on the images accompanying my posts rather than the content itself. I can empathize with this tendency; I too was once captivated by images as a child.

One notable topic of contention was the copyright symbol: ©. I used to include it with image credits to safeguard my work from being misappropriated by unscrupulous sites—something many authors on Medium have experienced. My lead images often consist of a blend of AI-generated and my own creative elements.

Current laws are explicit on this matter: AI-generated images themselves aren’t eligible for copyright, but works that combine AI and human creativity are. This is not a covert method to extend copyright to AI elements. Anyone can utilize the AI components of my images freely, as they are accessible on various platforms.

The commenter's discomfort with my © symbol prompted me to reassess its use—not because of his threats, but due to my newfound awareness of the evolving IP laws surrounding AI content. If future regulations require me to eliminate these symbols, I would prefer to address it proactively.

In the first video, "Knighthood - A Troll Hunt Riddles 2024 Part 2," we delve into the complexities of dealing with trolls and the humor that can arise from such interactions.

Chapter 3: The Nature of Intellectual Property Theft

The “copyrighted/trademarked material” referenced relates to popular cartoon characters that AI-generated images produced based on my prompts, aiming to create something inspired yet distinct. While this IP scrutiny could be valid, there are fair use provisions that allow for parody, which is precisely what I intended with these images.

You might assume that I would be frustrated by this self-appointed guardian of copyright. Surprisingly, I feel a sense of gratitude. His effort to alert creators about potential IP violations, while perhaps misguided, shows a level of concern for the creative community.

As someone who embraces a Zen approach, I have developed a "Do-I-Give-A-Shit-O-Meter" to gauge my reactions. In response to his comment, my meter registered nothing. I hope you find this insight useful for navigating your own encounters with overly critical consumers of your work.

The second video, "We Found EVERY TROPHY (& TROLL) ON THE MAP!!! - Call of the Wild," highlights the thrill of discovery and the humorous side of trolling in interactive media.