An observation behaviour online

Funny, isn't it that, while kitty mentions "the left leaning (apparent) majority", Penstemmon says "it feels overwhelmingly that there are more centre/right of centre members on Gransnet".
Call it a draw?

I'd love to know who all these centre/right of centre members are...and why they seem to be conspicuous by their absence on most political threads!

As a newcomer to GN I have trawled through many sites and posted on a few. Tbh I was mildly shocked by some of the blatantly rude and often insulting and scornful ripostes fired by other contributors. I have no idea who people are, how long they have been posting, or whom they "follow" if indeed they do. All sounds very childish. It's good to have the various forums (ok fora for pedants' corner) where opinions can be expressed, and robustly contested where appropriate, but for goodness sake nobody needs to be rude. I found those kind of exchanges especially prevalent in the political discussions. No, GN doesn't have to be about swapping recipes and knitting patterns and clearly there are some very articulate and erudite people blogging, I don't suppose the timbre of posts will change just because a few of us take issue with rudeness, but it does almost seem as though some people get a kick out of being nasty. As a newcomer I probably have no right to comment. But there you are I've said my piece.

I heard an interesting comment on tv last week to the effect that the tories have a huge silent vote that doesn't make itself heard but votes for them. He didn't actually say the "grey"vote but that was the implication. People who vote labour when young often turn blue when they acquire money and possessions. We shall see.

I would describe myself as a centre/right of centre member, I don't often post on political sites as I don't have views that I want to air.

Bellanonna you have every right to comment, as does every member on here, new, old, returning etc, and I agree wholeheartedly with your post.

(Damn, damn, agreeing again!)

Carry on like this Phoenix and your reputation will be shot.

I think my "reputation" pompa is mainly for being that daft old bat who writes silly things about cats, falling in bins or underwear malfunctions!

Well said bellanonna. I too am a relative newcomer and your post could have been written by me!

Oh dear, looks like you have two people agreeing with you now - do we constitute a 'clique'? (runs for cover )

I haven't said much on this subject, because to be honest, the few negative comments on Gransnet are like compliments compared with some of the stuff I've seen on other forums. Most of the negatives on here are just female bossiness, which I ignore.
The usual pattern is a lively discussion followed by someone on the losing side making personal attacks on his/her opponents. Which can be more or less nasty.
I know it's wrong, but on one forum there was a particularly nasty piece of work, and I used to delight in needling him to get him going with his vitriol then he would be temporarily banned.

Does it depend on how many others agree with you, Ash Tree? You could end up with a majority on the thread, so no longer a clique, I presume.

TriciaF "female bossiness" go wash your mouth out with soap ! WOW what if I had said that, I would be heading for the back of the sofa (again).
You have blown your cover, I shall be watching for your vitriol inducing comments in future. Note to myself, be nice to TricaF in future.

You're safe pompa, there's not enough room for all of us behind here!

I have just realised that the posters who are most combative in debate, and those who are most vociferous at attacking others, are absent from this thread. I wonder what the significance of that is?

Interesting observation Elegran, I've been wondering the same!
I have to admit I sometimes dread some posters' responses to my posts - because of the tone of response, which I'm sure they wouldn't use face to face.

Well, I'm not sure who you're thinking of specifically, Elegran, but have you actually read the whole of the thread?

I wouldn't be too sure about that loopylou, I have a friend who does say these kind of things to my face, often asking me to justify why I think the way I do. I tolerate her because she is kind and caring in other ways but it does sometimes annoy me.

Well, I have quite heated debates with DB who is of a different political persuasion to me (although at the moment I am a 'sitting on the fencer who could be persuaded') but he has never called me names.
I have one real friend who is apt to make rude and outrageous remarks but we do realise that he has a problem in that he is unable to call a bloodyshovel a spade even to spare someone's feelings!
I think you are right loopylou, I wonder if posters who call others names because they disagree with their views would do so if face to face.
And I have allowed myself to be drawn in on a recent thread and retaliate which I should not have done. At my age I should know better

How does female bossiness differ from male bossiness I wonder?

I've just remembered that I accused pompa of being bossy not long ago...

That's an interesting question petallus how does female and male bossiness differ?Perhaps it's the same?Males would say they are being problem solvers no doubt.

I suppose I am centre/right of centre, but try to stay out of political debates/threads as I feel my views are not up for public discussion.

The difference between male/female bossiness is subtle :-

Female bossiness - she thinks her opinion is correct
Male bossiness - his opinion is correct.
Simples !

I shall now go and find another thread with sofa to hide behind, think I have dug this hole about as deep as I dare, time to stop digging

I've also remembered why I accused pompa of bossiness...