Another GNer feels they have to leave

Well, I don't knit these days because I tend to get cramp in my hands.
Oops, {looks around shiftily} have I said too much?

I've just realised there's an easier way - the Gransnet search box.

So if someone comes across a GN post from me, maybe because they googled Grumpy Granny or suchlike, and they wonder if the Grumpy Aunty/Daughter/Friend I refer to is actually them, then they just have to put my username into the GN search box and all my posts will helpfully appear, and they can look for any identifying clues.

I should think it is possible if someone came across a post that sounded like a situation in their family, they might then try googling the username from that post to see if they could get clues.

I went on google and put my name and gransnet and it came up with the postings. then tried a few of the better known names and they all came up with their postings. SO is it likely anyone would be that interested they'd go to that bother? I don't know, it's anyone's guess.
Maybe knitting and recipes is the way to go then.

I changed my name because I was concerned about being identified from my first post that was personal.
I've just put that name in Google and a list of all my posts came up one after the other so anyone reading those who knew me would know straight away it was me as in following posts I mention things that aren't personal but would identify me.
I feel quite sick and stupid for thinking it was just to gransnet. I hold my hand up, I didn't read the small print.
I feel for you Annsixty. From now on we should just write about recipes and knitting and hope no one finds those threads.

Oh for heaven's sake! Dare I say storm in a teacup? Old (not even) news, I must try harder not to become so 'clearly distressed' by trivia in the future! Damn-if I'd written the article myself I would have been paid.....

Just searched again elegran and included site name -couple of threads came up but
not many So it would appear that someone looking for a particular user would have to use site name as well as user name when searching? Doesn't explain how some GNetters show up under just their user name with no site reference though. Try it yourself and see what happens.

katek the DM ran an article on a thread you started about splitting the bill or not. The posts on it had different views, but were all amicable and chatty - but the DM managed to inject some argy-bargy

"Clearly distressed over the awkward situation Katek added: 'I have tried to explain that it still costs to produce the hot water, milk etc but it falls on deaf ears.'

The other grandmothers on the forum seemed to get riled up over the controversial topic."

They are not very imaginative in their treatment of Gransnet, are they?

www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-4212174/Grandmother-mortified-stingy-friend.html

KateK, it's nothing to do with security settings - Kate is a very common name even with a K at the end so a search will come up with all sorts of things not connected to you.

If you search your username with the word Gransnet next to it you'll find some threads that you've posted on.

No elegran - just put my user name but did the same for everyone and some names come up and others don't.

I post to both Buzz50 (as Merseymog) and to Gransnet. I Googled "Cindersdad" and absolutely nothing. Googling Merseymog however finds some Buzz50 posts. Who cares really, if my anti-Brexit posts help to spread the word then so much the better. Forum usernames are by definition anonymous. Both Forums are open to the wider world.

If you Google your own real name you'd be surprised what can turn up.

Did you put Gransnet into the search engine as well as your username, katek?

"Elegran promises clients the best people and the best technology . . . ."

But I couldn't possibly be a down-market estate agent, katek

I don't pretend to understand it but I - along with several other GNetters - do not appear in either a Safari or Google search. Two or three names did appear but def in the minority. Is it anything to do with individual security settings?? Hopefully someone with more understanding can explain. I was just curious to see how many threads from GN could be found elsewhere and there are actually surprisingly few.

The comments that can be seen on Google made by me , were the thread I started about Philip & Holly on morning tv

I saw a letter I recognised in the DM. But what post subject matter are you referring to as I don't think I is that letter?

And you are an upmarket NYC estate agency elegran

It appears that I am an organic garden fertiliser. I cannot find anything else about myself under my user name on Safari. Off to try Google.

Sorry that was reply to RIverwalk

No but it would be simple for those who know me to make a calculated guess. I just feel that we have been hoodwinked or in my case a bit stupid . I don't belong to any other social media , & have enjoyed Gransnet. I haven't posted anything that I wouldn't want people who know me to read, it just that I didn't think they could. Thanks for reply, best wishes

Are you known to family, friends and neighbours as norose4?

I think people should stop scare-mongering. Yes, all old posts will stay around somewhere but newspapers are not likely to trawl through old threads.

Unless someone malevolent knows you're on GN and your username and they want to do some digging around, your old posts shouldn't come back to haunt you. If an old thread did somehow make the front-page in the DM, how likely is anyone to be recognised?

That said, some members do need saving from themselves with the amount of detailed information they give out!

Thanks Elegran, no I didn't expect to see it just by typing topic on Google especially not with my username. Ahh well as they say nothing's ever for nothing.!

Thanks Maryeliza54, I shall still leave, I feel hoodwinked & a bit stupid , I have just typed in a comment on Google from a thread I started & it came up, there for all to see with my user name & I am only on Gransnet I haven't joined any other social media.