Is there a such thing as a bait question?

Do you think that there are certain questions that are asked just to get a rise out of certain members?
Reason for me asking is because since I spend a lot of time on here my SO was skimming the site when I walked away and he was asking about some of the questions and why certain ones were asked if they know nothing more than an nasty argument was going to ensue. He chalked it up to women just being catty and I tried to reason with him and present several counter points but then he raised a good point about how some (certainly not all) women can say or do certain things just to get a rise out of women they don't like.

So I was wondering is there a such thing as bait questions here on CM?

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Asked by Anonymous at 11:26 AM on Feb. 15, 2012 in About CafeMom

Answers (31)

Absolutely. The askers are usually called trolls and the questions are usually asked Anon.

Answer by hootie826 at 11:27 AM on Feb. 15, 2012
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Yes. There are some that are asked that I'm pretty sure are only meant to get people going.

I have to be honest...I like a bit of drama- it amuses me at times and honestly keeps this place from getting boring. That said, I don't like it when people resort to putting others down or pointing fingers or any of that.

Answer by charlotsomtimes at 11:29 AM on Feb. 15, 2012
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I like the fact that you used the operative word 'usually'. I've noticed to be taken seriously tho a lot of those who might ask a bait question use their screen name. It's easy to wave an ANON away and never take them or their question seriously but a person willing to use their screen name might be labeled as a trouble maker but still respected.

Comment by Anonymous (original poster) at 11:32 AM on Feb. 15, 2012
Absolutely. Around the last election, there were a lot of questions that included things like "backwards conservatives" or "bleeding-heart liberals" in their opening line. Those questions were only asked to incite drama.

Answer by DusterMommy at 11:59 AM on Feb. 15, 2012
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I remember those days Duster and I'm not looking forward to them this election season, but we all know they're coming.

Comment by Anonymous (original poster) at 12:01 PM on Feb. 15, 2012
of course. and unlike a pp said, i find they are usually not Anon. what would the purpose be to post bait anonymously? as has been said of serial killers, they want to be found out, they want to be known. same with baiters, IMO.

Answer by dullscissors at 12:06 PM on Feb. 15, 2012
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Yes. There are questions that are asked for just that reason. In fact, in this very section at least once a week someone will post a 'question' telling all of us regulars how mean we all are. Something to the effect of 'why do all of you b*tches come on here to call other women b*tches' (I guess irony is usually lost on these types).

And there are others that want to debate, but want it on their terms so they ask a general question with no details asking about other's opinions, only to later open a new question with tons of details (which often times changes context of opinions) and the OP will attempt to toss irrelevant general opinion in the mix if your opinion happens to change with the context of the situation. Gosh, I hope that made sense.

Answer by QuinnMae at 12:08 PM on Feb. 15, 2012
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hahaha QuinnMae I think I was able to follow most of what you said. Thanks.

Comment by Anonymous (original poster) at 12:20 PM on Feb. 15, 2012
sure there are bait questions
some anon ones
some with screen names
some in debate section - and let's face it=with debate there has to be some controversy or there would be reason to debate the topic
some are aimed at other members-a question asked but really just a poke at another
some are in just for fun - 95% of members play along, and 5% say that there is no place for fun questions on this site

as for men ALWAYS getting it straight on issues- some issues yes= but most (not all) men are not as able to express personal feelings like women (women to get emotional when feelings come up) but at least they do not need to go into a cave to remember to take feelings into the equation. men have their way to express, women theirs

generally= men fix toasters, women fix relationships (at least both try to) i know a lot of toasters in the landfills, and divorce is sky high

Answer by fiatpax at 12:30 PM on Feb. 15, 2012
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i've found that a lot of times bait questions dont have any description other than the question. its like they want ppl to misunderstand the question.

Answer by okmanders at 1:35 PM on Feb. 15, 2012
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