Gransnet makes me feel lonely

jamsidedown there is longstanding poster on here who has changed her name because she felt her username was rather downbeat. She was encouraged to go for something more cheerful.

If you think you are unlucky you might end up with a sort of self fulfilling prophecy. Don't become an "Eeyore".

BlueBelle at the moment I'm over the 50 thread limit on my page, but I only look at the ones that have new posts. It's time for another tidy up!

I'm another one who usually sticks to the I'm on and Last hour pages. Sometimes I'm on here in the middle of the night when there's not much going on and I'll check out the Active page, but I should really look at the Unanswered page to be more supportive.

Those of you who think you're invisible, well you're not! Even if I don't reply to you, I do read your posts.

Thank you Kittylester... I do post more than I used to and quite enjoy it all really in spite of my grumbling!
I am now over 80, - very very old! But still have all my marbles.

Hello Jamsidedown love your name. I'm not on here much but I have made a very good friend through Gransnet and on the other side have had a few nasty comments too. For me its like a virtual coffee morning. If someone doesn't want to speak to me or wants to be nasty I move on and talk with the nice people. I tend to stay with the lighter threads as I find day to day life contentious enough and living with someone who soaks up all the news and talks politics day and night that's quite enough for me. Just keep joining in and keep it fun.

All so true! You have to take GN with a pinch of salt and a bit of a thick skin. It's not very nice when your posts are apparently ignored but I suspect that happens a lot of the time as people do mainly like to talk about themselves. It would be nice if there was a 'like' button then at least you would know that someone had responded even if they didn't actually reply. Keep posting, jam. This thread of yours has been very well received!

It would be great if there was a Like facility on here as with Facebook, as I like so many of your posts!

The arguement against that like button from GNHQ is something to do with it introducing some kind of competiveness which is ridiculous. What they don’t realise it that people like yourself Jams feel marginalised and there are many on this thread saying the same. A like button would fulfil three functions.

Firstly, it would simply indicate ‘I agree’ and that would make a poster feel included.

Secondly it would offer silent support to those being overwhelmed/browbeaten/whatever by more dominant posters.

Finally when there is something you would have liked to comment on but the post was a day or so ago and things have moved on, then you could acknowledge that person’s contribution.

But GNHQ apparently know what’s best for us old biddies.

OldMeg - a case of Gran knows best! I agree with all you say - “Like” !

I think a like button is a good idea. The competitiveness will be there with or without it.

Thank you both. I try to apply reason and logic to my opinions and it’s nice to be recognised.

I don’t think GNHQ realise how important this is.

Hello, jamsidedown please call into the kitchen and make yourself comfortable. It is a pleasant place and you will soon get to know some friendly folk.

I'm hoping all is well in the Caff, Marydoll. Your lot are great bunch of laydees.

jamsidedown If you ever need a place in which to throw caution to the wind...I would recommend the Argy Bargy Caff. No visitor ever leaves without having had a right raucous time. Some appear to have moved in full-time.

Well, you got a lot of replies to THIS thread, jamesidedown, so I hope you feel more welcome now! It might be a good idea to comment here and there on other people's threads for a while, so they get to know you a little, before you open one of your own. You don't have to say anything "controversial," if you're not comfortable with that or try to say something profound. Just a simple, "I feel for you" or "I agree," now and then would probably help.

Speaking of agreeing, I think a "like' button is a good idea, too, for all the reasons said above. But it's up to GNHQ.

Sorry, that should read "jamsidedown," not jamesidedown," lol! We need an edit button, too!

Thanks Soop, I've not been in the Caff for a while, as I am spending most of my time supporting various family members who are ill. I'm planning to write a Trip Advisor guide, entitled: "Hospital family rooms in the West of Scotland, I have visited"

I shall raise a glass to you at the Edinburgh meet up. You will be sorely missed......That is if I can dig myself out of the snow!

jamesidedown,, feel free to visit the Argy, we are a motley crew, but would give you a warm welcome.

Thank you, will drop into the caff and kitchen

It's a problem on a lot of forums that I have joined. When you are new you are effectively intruding on a clique of folk who have bonded over a long period of time so don't think you will suddenly be welcomed as a friend. In my experience you have to keep adding your comments - after all that is what the forums are supposed to be for - and accept that there are a group who have "known" each other for quite a time. I have found that after a period people will start engaging with you. Stick with it.

I think what’s surprised me is the amount of nastiness on the News & Politics thread & has made me wary about commenting but tonight I’ve jumped right in. Everyone has opinions but it’s seems to get personal quickly so I’m trying to find why to the friendly kitchen.

Fizzy please carry on jumping right in. That board can be a bit of a bear pit, so a new voice is refreshing. Just don't run straight back out if someone snarls at you!

jamsidedown A cosy chair awaits your arrival in the kitchen. You will made very welcome.

Marydoll I would love to be able to join in with the next Edinburgh meet-up and have a further hearty blether-session with you. It's just a tad too far. And...the car has decided to play silly buggers. Which means that we'll be needing to borrow a pal's "spare" in order to get oot and aboot. Take care.

Also, a cosy bar stool awaits you in the Argy, totter in on your platform boots and ring the bell on the bar for service.
Big Jim or Barry or one of us will be along soon.
Look on the chat forum threads for The Argy Bargy.In fact I am off there now for a pre lunch snifter.?

I think a like button would be a good idea- I have never thought of it being a competitive thing. I suppose it depends what you want out of it. I like being anonymous and am never going to go to a meet up so will always be an outsider. I avoid things like Soop's kitchen because that really makes you feel an outsider when you realise that it has a long history and people know each other and you haven't a clue. However if you want that sort of belonging I expect you just have to persevere until you become an 'old timer'.

I had a look last night and I couldn't find any recent thread petitioning for a 'Like' button, although you only get 10 pages of search results. This is the only message board I've come across with no option to show support or otherwise for a thread. The bare minimum I know of is a simple 'Like' option and lots of message boards give both a thumbs up and a thumbs down option.

Do you think there would be a lot of support for a petition? I don't mind starting a thread.

Aw Jamside, sorry to hear you feel ignored. I joined a while ago but have only just started visiting the site regularly and feel the exact opposite to you. I feel accepted already. Don't hold back, jump in and comment on threads, it's your right.
I tend to look at the Active posts because I don't have enough time to read every thread. Other folks must be the same. I'm sure nobody ignores you intentionally. So don't take it personally. Big hug x