Yeah, I'm back, and yes, I am going to write another article...only this time I'm not going to write out a article to blab on, and on, and on about the problems DA has.
We know they're there, and we know we will all eventually have to deal with them one way or another, so this time around I thought I would cut to the jugular and write out a few suggestions on how to deal with assorted obvious [problems] without making a HUGE stink and causing a scene.
So here goes...

1.What is the proper way to deal with an art thief?

Answer: When you find, or are informed of an art thief, the first thing you do is to take a look and be sure that your art work is indeed being copied, stolen, traced ,ect. However, when doing this, be discreet! There's no need to make a mountain out of a molehill.
Next, if indeed your art work IS being stolen or used without your permission, REPORT THE IMAGE AND LET IT BE.
We all want to play hero and go telling the person how WRONG they are, and what they are doing is stupid and immature, but the truth is all you do by doing that is make the person angry or possibly embarrassed to the point of retaliating against you in some rude manner. So, all in all it's best to just report the image, leave the situation for a day or two, and then if you haven't gotten a note from the DA staff about action being taken, then report the image again.
[_{Make sure that when you report the image you check the box in the corner of the report window that says ' notify me' so DA can let you know if/when action has been taken.}]

VERY IMPORTANT!!!
Another thing people tend to do is write long (or short) journals asking people to report the stolen image as well, but in truth this only seems to trigger people to write comments on either the image or the offender's page no matter how much you try to discourage it. So only use a journal to your friends/watchers are a VERY LAST RESORT. I mean last resort as is if the stolen image has been reported by you alone at least 2 times and no action has been taken. However, there's a much more reasonable way to do this that won't cause so much attention.
Sometimes the severity of a complaint is more noticeable when more people show concern about one common problem, so if you yourself don't see results after trying, see if perhaps you can get a few friends/watchers you KNOW won't make a huge deal to report the image as well. Eventually all complaints given to the DA staff will be taken in stride, but there are virtually TONS of people on this site daily, not only as members but guests as well, so you have to bear in mind that not ALL complaints made can be taken care of right away and patience is a good thing to have. If you've reported the image, and have valid evidence to show the image being reported is indeed stolen, traced, copied, or is in any other violation of DA's theft policy, then you have nothing to worry about. They'll get to it, it'll just take a while.
DO NOT! I REPEAT! DO NOT write a journal naming the person and saying how horrible they are and how much you hate them or how worthless they make you feel by stealing your precious artwork. Ok? Those of us who have had the joyous experience of having our art taken have all done this before, and though it may make you feel better to have people pat you on the bum and say things like 'How could they do that to you!?!?' or 'That's horrible! Those people should burn in Hell!' having their name up in neon lights is NOT going to make the alleged thief have it any easier.
We all dislike stealing, especially when it comes to things we make or are proud of. Sometimes it just makes us want to hurt or harm the person who stole from us just as much, if not worse, but keep in mind that you're dealing with a person you don't know on the other end of the situation, and thought they may have hurt you by stealing something you worked hard on, that still doesn't give you are reason to make an ass out of yourself, or allow others to make a scene.

So, now that have melted your eye balls with a long ass explanation, I am going to give you the guidelines described above in a simple, easy to follow list.
Are you ready?
Ok...here we go....

1. Be discreet.
_{Get in, check if the art work IS stolen, or indeed yours, report if it is, and get out.}

2. Journals writing about thief with their icon/screen name available to everyone = NoNo.

3. Asking a few GOOD and trustworthy friends/watchers that you KNOW won't bash or flame the suspected/guilty thief to report the image as well is a good thing.
_{However, make sure they are people you can trust to just report the image and nothing else. If you ask all your watchers to report the image, someone is BOUND to start the trend of writing a comment of two on the thief's page or the stolen art work. There's no need for that.}

4. Be patient!
_{DA's admins and staff can only deal with problems at a certain pace, and with thousands of members making possibly hundreds of complaints, or asking a billion different questions on a daily basis, it can take some time to crack down on an art thief or stolen art work, so be patient. If you reported the image with valid and clear evidence of theft, actions will be taken, and the image will be removed}



2. How should I react, or what do I do when I'm dealing with a troll??

Answer: First thing's first; You don't react, you report.
The definition of a 'troll' varies from person to person, and though the views and opinions differentiate, one things remains the same: Trolls. Are. Annoying.

No one likes to be bombarded with random rude and unrelenting comments when they come onto a place they usually have fun, but there's a proper way to deal with it, and an improper way.

Improper:Flamers beware!! I'm coming out with guns a-blazin', an' grit in my eyes! FLAME ME WILL YA? WELL, YOU JUST MADE A BARGAIN WITH THE WRONG WARHORSE! DIE!! DIE!!! DIE!!!!

Why is this wrong/improper?
_{This is the wrong way to do things because if you react and respond to the troll, you're given them a reason to reply back to you, and no matter how reasonable your comment/reply may be, they're more than likely NOT going to respond as nicely. So threats, swearing, name calling, the tossing around of the words 'stupid' and 'immature' are all useless and should be left out.}


Proper:First of all, if you read the comment, either shrug it off and ignore it if it's not too offensive, and possibly hide it so it doesn't get any unwanted attention. Then after you've done that, report the person for harassment, and place their screen name/username on your 'block list' (For how to do this, go here:: [link] )and let it be.
Some trolls will either go away and leave you alone after they find out they can no longer post on your page, but some will be persistent if they really have a problem with you and WILL create a new page just to make a scene. If this should happen, repeat the steps above until the person is either removed permanently from DA. (Which may take a while, but stay strong, and be vigilant! Don't give in, and don't give up! You can do it )

Why is this the proper way?
<sub>This is the proper way of doing things because it not only saves you grief and stress, but it also teaches a troll that they can't always get a reaction from everyone, and eventually the entertaining prospects of trolling may lose its fun after while if everyone does this instead of replying and making a scene.</sub?



So, there you have it!!
I figured since I wrote an article about how much anguish and trouble these problems, and the people who make these problems cause, I thought it was only proper to write an article stating a few simple ways that people can follow or use to fight against these problems, which can hopefully help stop, or at least delay the deterioration of DA's friendly atmosphere. (As harsh as that sounds, it's kind of true =/)
I hope this helps a few people, and though it may be common sense to some people on here, others may not know exactly how to deal with these things whether it's cause they're new members or just never thought about it.

This article is based wholly on the opinion of the individual who wrote it. Though it contains information from other people as well, again the statements written above are not fact, nor should they be treated as such. These are personal opinions that are being stated to the public in hope that others will find information or views that will help.
If you agree, or disagree, you are asked to kindly be respectful in your replies, answers, and comments. Every and all rude, insensitive, and improper comments will be ignored, and/or hidden. You have been warned.</sub>