* Guest Editor
- Jonathan Bishop, Centre for Research into Online Communities and E-Learning Systems, Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University

* Journal
- International Journal of E-Politics – IGI Global

* Introduction
Since 2011 prominence has been drawn to ‘Internet trolling’, the posting of provocative messages or other content on Internet websites for humorous effect. Since the popularisation of self-described “trolls” on websites like 4chan, who as online miscreants abuse others for their own sick entertainment only, has meant mass media across the world has grasped the term to label all forms of Internet abuse as ‘trolling’ and all Internet abusers or cyberbullies as “trolls”.

This focus of the term has provided a new legitimacy to young people seeking the Internet as an avenue to express their resentment at lack of opportunity in the economy, and also the ever present discontented masses who resent the success of any ‘ordinary person’ who makes it into the headlines, whether they win a school swimming contest, or a rare opportune Oscar. This special issue explores the implications and issues of Internet trolling to suggest appropriate strategies to improve the management of flame trolling, which tries to harm, and foster greater kudos trolling, which tries to create good humor and social bonding.

* Objective
The objective of the proposed Special Issue is to highlight the issues facing, legislators, law enforcers and those seeking or elected to public office. Research contributions in this special issue will provide insights for rethinking approaches to Internet abuse, cybercrime, and other areas that have an impact on the management and proliferation of Internet trolling. The contents in this special issue are of interest for researchers working in the domains of information security and cybercrime, human computer interaction, organizational science, cyberculture and multimedia studies, and political science.

* Recommended Topics
Topics to be discussed in this special issue include (but are not limited to) the following:

- Effectiveness of information security policies and laws for dealing with flame trolling
- Extent and limitations of webmaster powers over trolling (i.e., sysop prerogative)
Limitations, challenges, and barriers to ICT systems as a result of trolling
- Media representations of Internet trolling, “trolls” and “the art of trolling”
- Political, ethical, security, privacy, and legal issues
- Politics of Internet trolling and the use and misuse of “trolling” for electoral gain
- Powers and controls of website controllers and the impact of state regulation
- System design for encouraging kudos trolling and reducing flame trolling
- User experiences of trolling, and attitudes towards kudos and flame trollers

* Submission Procedure
Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit papers for this special theme issue on Internet Trolling on or before February 8, 2013. All submissions must be original and may not be under review by another publication.

INTERESTED AUTHORS SHOULD CONSULT THE JOURNAL’S GUIDELINES FOR MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSIONS at http://www.igi-global.com/Files/AuthorEditor/guidelinessubmission.pdf. All submitted papers will be reviewed on a peer review basis.

Authors are invited to submit two to three international academics with expertise on their paper who may or may not be called to act as reviewers. Papers must follow APA style for reference citations.

NB. Papers can be submitted any time before the deadline, as reviewing will take place throughout the period of the advertising of this call for papers. Successful papers for the special issue will be give a letter of approval so the authors can put their publication on their CVs. A edited book on Internet trolling is being compiled concurrently. Authors should indicate whether they wish their paper to be simultaneously considered for this. Again, this will be done between submission and deadline, and authors will receive a confirmation of acceptance letter to add their chapter to their CV.

All submissions and inquiries should be directed to the attention of:
* Jonathan Bishop FBCS LLM
* E-mail: jbishop@crocels.com
* Centre for Research into Online Communities and E-Learning Systems, Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University