Skeptics or Trolls?

Hello guys and gals...

...Thanks for lending a bit of your precious time...it won't take very long...

I am a skeptic, and I'm used to being named SKEPTIC, in a derogatory manner, and didn't understand what was wrong to being able to think outside the box, or have a point of view, different than the vast majority...

That was long before the internet, when knowledge traveled slower, and/or was harder to get, and after many years of having mixed feelings, finally started getting some answers to my concerns...
...and have been clearing up some traditional misunderstandings, as well...

I have found out that the "skeptic" label, has been the perfect disguise, chosen by trolls, pessimistic, cynical, ignorant, close minded, and bitter people that give "reasonable skeptics" a really bad name...

Here's an excerpt from the article by Massimo Pigliucci "Why Skeptic Doesn't Mean Cynic" at the Skeptic Friends Network

Let’s start with the basics. The Oxford Dictionary defines cynisism as: “1. Tending not to believe in the integrity or sincerity of others. 2. Sceptical. 3. Contempuous; mocking. 4. Concerned only with one’s own interests.” Also according to the Oxford, the word probably derives from a Greek root naming a gymnasium in which the philosopher Antisthenes used to teach. Antisthenes was in fact the founder of the cynic school in ancient Greece, which was characterized by contempt for both pleasure and wealth.

Dictionary definitions, of course, are a mix of prescriptions for the “correct” usage of a term (we better try to use words consistently, or communication soon becomes impossible), and of descriptions of both current fashion and the past history of words. It is therefore interesting to note that while the Oxford lists skepticism as the second meaning of cynical, if one looks up skepticism itself the same dictionary tells a different story: “1. A person inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions. 2. A person who doubts the truth of Christianity and other religions; an atheist,” from the Greek for ‘inquiry, doubt.’

Well, if being skeptical means to doubt accepted opinions, given that the majority opinion is that there is some kind of God, I suppose a skeptic has to also be an agnostic (notice that “doubting” is not the same as “categorically negating”). More generally, though, skepticism seems to me to have a much more positive connotation than cynicism. While I would have admired Antisthenes’ contempt for wealth (I’m not so sure about pleasure), I would not make it a centerpiece of my philosophy. To doubt claims that are not backed by evidence, on the other hand, seems only reasonable. And to attempt to inquire into the soundness of such claims by seeking evidence in favor or against them ought to rate among the highest virtues of rational animals.~

~~~~more on the article page > Why Skeptic Doesn't Mean Cynic" at the Skeptic Friends Network  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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>>A skeptic is someone who:

*-thinks different, doubts and questions seeking knowledge, from a neutral position.

*-is willing to follow reasonable methods, expecting to get the results proclaimed in theory. 

*-remains open minded and expectant.

*-doesn't blindly believes, neither stubbornly denies

*-remains neutral until reliable proof is found.

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I have to admit that, am not a 100% skeptic, because I don't need much proof, as I, usually, end up trying it myself....or maybe, I am 'over' skeptic... oh!, now I'm confused....  

 Thanks for your kind attention 

Comments and suggestions are always welcome

PS: This brief essay has been done as an attempt to help members to identify a serious skeptic from the common "troll">>>An Internet troll, or simply troll in Internet slang, is someone who intentionally posts controversial or contrary messages in an on-line community such as an on-line discussion forum with the intention of baiting users into an argumentative response.