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    Aditus
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

Prickly Prompts - 1. #759 The Troll

Use the following words in a story – a troll, a sleeping kitten, a pair of handcuffs, a notebook, and an ugly painting.

Mirko petted the sleeping kitten rolled up on his lap. The troll had spread their vile poison again:

Poor attempt at a mystery story...meager imagination...paltry...no ingenuity...predictable plot.

It hadn’t taken long for the reactions to roll in. At the moment, the arguments were becoming increasingly heated. At first people had simply contradicted the troll, some even tried to uphold proper argumentation and pointed out especially well-written parts to refute the troll’s comments. Then the speculating had begun. Some thought they would recognize the typical lingo of certain members. Insults flew, feathers were ruffled. Mirko placed the kitten on top of the computer case, her favorite sleeping spot besides his lap, and got himself a coffee. Back from the kitchen, he pushed his notebook aside to make space for his mug on his cluttered desk. Then he locked the thread. Again. And banned the troll. Again. Not that it would help. They would come back with another username.

Sipping his coffee, Mirko thought of the ugly painting... of a troll he’d seen on a building in Cologne. Immediately Alex’ voice griped in his head. ‘Paintings aren’t ugly. Controversial, edgy, thought inducing—’ He blended out his art historian friend’s lecture. It had been ugly. The greenish-brown troll was shackled to a three-story wall. Eyes wide open, his mouth caught in a silent cry. What if it were their troll? And he let his meager imagination fly. Water ran down the wall. Wrists chafed. The troll shivered in the cold. Writhing against the wind and the pelting rain. And begging to be released. The painting’s colors became darker and darker. The only bright spot were the shiny handcuffs, gleaming in the last light. Finally, he vowed to never troll them.

The coffee was gone. Mirko felt decidedly better. Shaking his head at himself, he thought about ordering pizza.

‘Police investigate: Who painted best-selling author Solveig Meyer’s face on the body of the shackled troll?

With this piece I started my new prompt/flash fiction/shorts collection.
I hope you liked it. :) Any thoughts? Comments?
As always @Valkyrie has been so nice to edit this. Thank you!
Copyright © 2019 aditus; All Rights Reserved.
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 
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My theory is we aren't ready for social media or the internet way of communicating. Too many thoughts get far too much air play, totally unwarranted. Trolls surely have their own demons, but be honest about them instead of taking it out on others. So no sympathy from me, shackles or not.

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Paintings can be ugly – sometimes intentionally, either in theme or the use of unattractive colors, color combinations, or proportions.

Anonymity allows individuals to express hateful ideas or thoughts, then disappear back into oblivion. Anonymous complaints can chill discussion and conversation. But removal of privacy can be even worse. Seditious views, against an oppressive [agent or agency], can be an important means of change. Against a benevolent [agent or agency], it can be destabilizing and dangerous.
 

All content in this post refer to theory and is not intended to refer to any specific situation or [agent or agency].

Edited by droughtquake
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‘Police investigate: Who painted best-selling author Solveig Meyer’s face on the body of the shackled troll?

Obviously, it was the kitten!
;–)

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Fascinating, Adi. I saw this as the author looking at this reaction to his creation from a detached place, yet feeling the frustration when his hard work and vision gets corrupted by someone who lacks their own vision. At some point, you have to close the lid... the thread... and distance yourself... but can you ever really? Our imagination... re the 'ugly painting introspection... is one way we/he can exact revenge... and still keep our self respect. :)  I try to keep in mind trolls might have little else, and any reaction is better than no reaction. :unsure: 

 

Oh, yeah... and Prickly Prompts is a good name. :P 

Edited by Headstall
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1 hour ago, Headstall said:

I try to keep in mind trolls might have little else, and any reaction is better than no reaction. :unsure: 

And no matter how hard you try, some idiot* (who has never posted any stories) complains that you haven’t written new chapters fast enough to suit them.
;–)
 

* Gee, I wonder who that idiot might be?
;–P

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37 minutes ago, droughtquake said:

And no matter how hard you try, some idiot* (who has never posted any stories) complains that you haven’t written new chapters fast enough to suit them.
;–)
 

* Gee, I wonder who that idiot might be?
;–P

Hey, chirping for more is a compliment. I don't mind that at all. :)  I actually don't mind any comment... good or not so good... and I appreciate anyone who leaves one. :yes:  

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14 hours ago, droughtquake said:

Paintings can be ugly – sometimes intentionally, either in theme or the use of unattractive colors, color combinations, or proportions.

Anonymity allows individuals to express hateful ideas or thoughts, then disappear back into oblivion. Anonymous complaints can chill discussion and conversation. But removal of privacy can be even worse. Seditious views, against an oppressive [agent or agency], can be an important means of change. Against a benevolent [agent or agency], it can be destabilizing and dangerous.
 

All content in this post refer to theory and is not intended to refer to any specific situation or [agent or agency].

I agree. :o 

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15 hours ago, Puppilull said:

My theory is we aren't ready for social media or the internet way of communicating. Too many thoughts get far too much air play, totally unwarranted. Trolls surely have their own demons, but be honest about them instead of taking it out on others. So no sympathy from me, shackles or not.

My theory is we aren't ready for social media or the internet way of communicating Will we ever be though? Lots of hot air, hot bods and the occasional gem. 

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12 hours ago, Timothy M. said:

That last sentence left me with several questions. Intriguing little prompt piece.

Good! :devil:

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12 hours ago, Parker Owens said:

I’m completely intrigued. What an interesting take on the web-based age of communication. 

Thank you!

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7 hours ago, Headstall said:

Fascinating, Adi. I saw this as the author looking at this reaction to his creation from a detached place, yet feeling the frustration when his hard work and vision gets corrupted by someone who lacks their own vision. At some point, you have to close the lid... the thread... and distance yourself... but can you ever really? Our imagination... re the 'ugly painting introspection... is one way we/he can exact revenge... and still keep our self respect. :)  I try to keep in mind trolls might have little else, and any reaction is better than no reaction. :unsure: 

 

Oh, yeah... and Prickly Prompts is a good name. :P 

Thank you, Gary! @Timothy M. infected me with the alliteration virus.

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12 hours ago, Headstall said:

Hey, chirping for more is a compliment. I don't mind that at all. :)  I actually don't mind any comment... good or not so good... and I appreciate anyone who leaves one. :yes:  

chirp ... chirp ... chirp, chirp ... chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp ...

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1 hour ago, dughlas said:

chirp ... chirp ... chirp, chirp ... chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp, chirp ...

tumblr_pqdpcm4Jgh1wfvbkto1_1280.jpg

Sorry, @Timothy M.. I was going to save this picture for one of your stories or Topics, but I couldn’t resist!  ;–)

Picture of seven fledglings in a row, four of which have their beaks open and begging.

Edited by droughtquake
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