You have to be very careful of stalkers. They change handles and avatars frequently, but pay attention to their syntax and spelling. That rarely varies.
Thanks everyone for your effort. I think I'll go for the usual suspect trolling then because it seems to cover the kind of behavior I have in mind best. Stalking seems a tad too strong. There might also be less known strategies like unilateral / illicit dialogue or topic shifting but these terms would not be short and crisp enough.
Stalking is actually the more precise term for the behavior you describe, and the one most likely to be used by forum administrators to reference it. Use whatever you prefer, though.
That may be true, Ken, but if you go by a definition, then stalking does not really fit: "In a legal context, “cyberstalking” is the prolonged use (a “course of conduct”) of online harassment intended “to kill, injure, harass, intimidate, or place under surveillance with intent to kill, injure, harass, or intimidate” a target. (See: 18 U.S. Code § 2261A). Cyberstalking can comprise a number of harassing behaviors committed repeatedly or with regularity that usually cause a target to suffer fear, anxiety, humiliation, and extreme emotional distress." What we have is often annoying but not that severe. And since I expect some real smartasses to come forward they'll quickly find out that, although it covers that behavior, I couldn't possibly have created the word "jackassery" myself because it's codified: "a large quantity of stupid, asinine behavior; typically referring to a group of people exhibiting poor judgment." I do appreciate your help coming straight from the horse's mouth. I feel well-prepared for the battle.
OK, how about "asshattery?" And as for stalking, I think there's more than one interpretation/meaning. (I "stalk" internet sales. ) If you assume the general meaning of the word, "harass or persecute (someone) with unwanted and obsessive attention" it seems to fit your requirement, Thomas.