What would you do?

I first heard of GN when it was mentioned by someone on a Usenet news group and was curious enough to Google (other search engines are available).

I've mentioned it to several friends. One very internet savvy lady says she doesn't like it because it's too big and she just can't keep up with it. Others are non-committal and, I suspect, may already be members, active or not, and don't want to be identified. Others again simply shrug and say they're not really into "that sort of thing". (And, no, nobody has yet defined exactly what they perceive "that sort of thing" to be!).

I'd certainly endorse the idea of getting a slot on as many local radio stations as possible. Maybe push the idea of internet forums as an antidote to isolation. Perhaps its worth approaching the producers of R2 Jeremy Vine show, also, with the same agenda?

I know who you are nfk!!
I am doing my best to keep spreading the word about Gransnet in Essex but I come across lots of the unfounded fears of the internet that nfk mentions.
There needs to be a Gransnet education programme to allay these fears.
Yes, us Gransnet addicts need to spread the word and lead by example.

I can't even remember how I came upon Gransnet but I'm so glad that I did.

I guess costs would come into any advertising so that would rule out Billboards and sides of busses. A previous poster mentioned the morning tv show, and there's also the lunchtime show, both of which seem very popular.

An article on one/both of those would reach great numbers. And it would indeed be a coup if Esther Ranzen or Gloria Hunniford would front the article. OK.... wishful thinking, perhaps a member of the Gransnet Team.

Can a spot be found on loose women maybe one of our GNHQ ladies could do an interview one lunchtime.

A friend told me and I tell my friends. I think they can guess who I am if they look for me but I don’t care. Some are afraid of Facebook let alone something with - Forums! They feel sure they’ll be tracked down by scammers and their back accounts hacked and such. How to reassure I don’t know.

When I became a grandmother, I googled online. I came across mumsnet so wondered if there might be a gransnet and hey presto!

A friend recommended Gransnet site, I also go on Mumsnet as well, find Gransnet a bit "cliquey" at times.

I came on here after a link sent me to mumsnet.
I was moving areas and googled to find out any drawbacks or bad things, the link sent me to mumsnet which is full of advice because of the schools.

Gransnet was slagged off so many times, that is how I heard it existed.

I think that asking newer members how they got to us would be good as nina said.

I also agree with her point about not spreading the word myself.

And, from a purely personal point of view, I'm not sure I want lots more posters - I find it difficult enough to keep up as it is and add into the mix name changes, u shall be totally befuddled!!!

Rufus2
*I'm currently hatching a cunning plan to counter the bodily-function obsessions. More "functions" are still waiting in the wings! sad
A new Forum titled; "GripesNet" could siphon off all "no-hopers" moans.
It's still a work in progress! grin*

Would be lovely for it to expand.
It seems that plans are a foot elsewhere to change the status quo of Gransnet.

Rufus2
I'm currently hatching a cunning plan to counter the bodily-function obsessions. More "functions" are still waiting in the wings sad
*A new Forum titled; "GripesNet" could siphon off all "no-hopers" moans.
It's still a work in progress! grin*

Get it on the telly on one of those awful breakfast programmes! It'd be far more enlightening than some of the other rubbish stuff they churn out I'll volunteer as would, I'm sure, loads of others...maybe the Edinburgh meet-up grans who have been going almost as long as GN and have a lot to say for themselves

I found it by googling "FORUMS" a couple of forums I've been on for years are dying a death and this one is more diverse and busier.
I don't read magazines, listen to the radio, try to avoid the doctors etc. so can't imagine how else I would have found you all.

I came across gransnet by accident, I was aware of mumsnet as they are often mentioned in the media by way of "we asked Mumsnet users....." Therefor I think Gransnet need to comment more on current affairs, popular media subjects and opinions of products and situations to get the name out there.

Ads in doctors' surgeries, and in community centres, if there are still any.

I admit I don't share the wonders of GN with friends and family for fear of being recognised . I wonder how many members are the same ?

Apart from the press, which is how I found GN a couple of months after it started, I don't know.
I 'll be interested to see how newer members found all of us wonderful people

Get Esther Rantzen to talk about it

How about An article on BBC local radio stations ? Maybe thinly disguised as a public / anti loneliness service for older people ?

How about a little ad in one of the ladies magazines, I know there are some specifically aimed at the older generation.