to think that perhaps we should be more tolerant of fellow posters?

I usually preview it then forget to click post!

Rufus if you so much as type Marydoll's name on this or any thread I will report you. Have you no empathy?

It is blowing a gale here but at least my washing is drying.

To be honest, I feel that a "hard" but well-conducted debate can be very beneficial at this time of great stress for many people.

I would never claim to have always been "an angel" on this forum but I feel that I have never responded with personal abuse though that has often been thrown at me just for being a man on this forum.

The above is, I believe, the key to a good debate. By example, many may not appreciate what I state in regards to the way that the women's equality campaign has been conducted over the years. In that, I welcome strong challenges to my thoughts and beliefs, but many in challenging those thoughts become very personal in their responses, and that I will not accept and at times I will respond by requesting that the post be deleted in extreme circumstances.

Further to the above I very much dislike the "all men are slobs, liars, dirty, groupers threads that often pop up on this forum, and I have often posted strongly in those threads to the women posting such, stating my thoughts, as they are obviously women who are always perfect in every aspect of their lives.

As one of the few males on the forum I wish to see far greater diversity on the site, and towards that end have been considering starting what could be a very controversial thread which I would hope could draw more men into the forum should they see it.

It would also be good to see if a debate on such a controversial subject could be held in a reasonable and respectful manner.

However, I am still thinking about that, ??

If I do I will promise it will be nothing in regards to women's equality, politics or Covid-19, but a matter that I have held very strong views on for a considerable number of years and I believe that other hold strong views also

So who is up for really hurling a subject about, with great respect for each other's views of course. ?

At least it may make us forget all else that is going on in the world for a time if nothing else. ??

And me?

Laughterlines that is exactly what I do ??

I would never normally be unkind face to face but sometimes I want to give a very blunt reply to somebody.

What I do is write an angry reply. This vents all my aggression but then I delete the post without sending. Nobody gets hurt. I feel like I have given them a good telling off. Simples.

Cari , I would like to add my best wishes too, to all the team. GN is a lifeline for many.
I have experienced so much kindness today.

Well said, Cari. How are you and your family? I hope you are all well and will remain so.

Stop it, Rufus You are very quick to complain about how someone speaks to you, so stop prodding others.

And I am still on the thread

Rufus, today of all days, Back Off.
If anyone wants to know why I'm upset, please read the GM thread.

Rufus Sewell is an actor I like, that's it, why does it always have to be about you?

How's it all going Grandad?

I may have argued with you about a certain subject but we were, obviously, both coming at the discussion from different angles and, I realise with totally different experiences. Neither were wrong probably.

Re: Grandad1943's comment - it wasn't me, in case anyone is wondering!

Shelmiss
You mean you don't keep up to date Excel spreadsheets of everything?
Very remiss of you.
???

Rufus you have me more than ever (I'm very easily at the moment.

T'other Rufus (Rufus S) sends his best.

Do you mean me Grandad1943? I hope not! I may have disagreed with some of your posts on political threads but I hope I've never been unpleasant to you? Apologies if I ever have.

Some posting on this thread are drawing a smile from me. One forum member who is telling all and sundry that they should be more pleasant to one and another recently accused me of being totally ignorant in regard to a matter I had not even made reference too.

I then pointed out the error to him/her to which the poster disappeared from the thread never to return. ?

I feel some in this thread should think back over their past posts and how they have addressed other forum members before sounding off in regards to their wonderful character here.

Looks like you've answered your call to the party Rufus2
Play nicely now

Is there a Rufus in the house? Step forward and say something
*Jalima*.; Sorry! Lemongrove Which one do you want!?
There are 3 Rufi!

Rufus (aka Chewbacca prior to her sex change.)
Rufus S (AWOL!)
Me!

Your call!

There is only one actual poster, Rufus2, the Antipodean poster
Marydoll Go on! : finish it off,
"but we don't quite like him!," the cheeky SOG!
Ta-Ra

Shelmiss I know exactly what you mean! I also am very wary of certain threads (and posters!) You certainly need a thick skin to join in some debates. I am saddened by the way some people word their opinions, they can be quite cruel. I really don't think most people would speak in real life to others that way, well, I hope not anyway. In some ways I wish I was tougher, but then again ......

Shelmiss
Ah yes, the demands to ‘explain ourselves’ using umpteen facts and figures ( for our every comment)?I remember it well.
You carry on ‘carrying on’ and don’t be wary.