Here on JoeUser, there is a points system, which "rewards" participants for number of articles, numer of times viewed and number of responses. Assuming that a higher point value is better (anyone want to argue that?), and that a "good" (popular) blogger will have more points than a "bad" blogger... why do people insist on "pushing" those they consider trolls?
By clicking on those whose blogs you consider inferior, you're giving them points. By clicking on those inflammatory article titles that you complain about, you're contributing to the problem. By commenting on someone's article in order to flame them, you're stirring up trouble and generating more attention for people that you may actually feel don't deserve it.
I'm not talking about going to a blog of the opposite political leaning and having a heated debate over points you didn't agree with. That's what the forums are *for*, active (hopefully civilized) interaction between users, a discussion of ideas. I'm not talking about clicking on an intentionally provocative article in order to get a good laugh out of it.
I'm talking about visiting a blog that you dislike specifically to flame. I'm talking about clicking on those overly intriguing titles specifically because they make you mad. I'm talking about *giving people a reward (points) for behaving in a way that you disagree with*.
It reminds me of a Pro Wrestling situation. The venue puts up a Heel (bad guy) that no one likes. He gets booed incessantly whenever he appears, win or lose, but the booing is louder when he wins. The boss decides that he must be doing a good job, because his job is to be hated. So, he keeps getting the attention... If the fans are into it, that's fine, it's all part of the act. But if you truly become tired of that wrestler, the only way to discourage his "push" is to just STFU. Don't say anything.
When your least favorite blogger comes out from behind the curtain... don't boo. When a mid-carder comes out with an over-the-top article title... don't jeer.
Their push will die silently, without a word from your lips.