Charles, IMHO, this hypothetical person can no longer be considered a troll since a troll by definition operates outside the norms of the group. By your own statement, "he largely remains within the boundaries of proscribed behavior." Unless you mean, "once a troll always a troll", without the possibility of redemption. You weren't suggesting that were you? Secondly, spam has a legal definition and if the conference is a non-profit activity it is considered a "public service announcement", not advertising, and it is excepted from the law. This exposes a possible imprecision in the application of another web jargonistic term. Since spam is legally defined, a responsible person would report this person to authorities. Also if a mechanism for a person to unsubscribe is part of the mailing and he has complied to the requests then again, no foul. Assuming he is using an pseudonym, the use of a pseudonym is not unusual even in AIR-L. where many people are known only by their email address or alias. Most listservs do not require a real name for registration. I think I remember it to be true of AIR-L as well. ICBW So in answer to your question, the only name you can reasonably apply is "participant." in good standing. One could assume that he has learned to be a good nettizen. There remains the possibility that a few members of the list could flame him so as to provoke a defense that will then be considered poor netiquette and evidence of "Trolling." But of course if he is smart he will not be provoked. Wouldn't the flaming be a violation of group norms? Your question actually exposes the subjective nature of such labeling. Good job and cleverly framed. James _______________________________________________ The air-l@listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org Join the Association of Internet Researchers: http://www.aoir.org/ --------------------------------- Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV.