Why do you use Gransnet?

I like it because I have very little social interaction in the real world. It connects me to people who want nothing but a friendly chat and a bit of advice. The great thing about the internet is that you are in control of when you use it. The wealth of information that subscribers hold is phenomenal. I have asked many questions, from caring to the elderly, hearing aids, to how to get somewhere. There is always a lovely GNetter to answer.

There is so much positivity on here. The generation that use it seem to do so much. Some are still working, some caring for others and some volunteering. It amazes me how many do all three.

I don’t look at anything other than forums, as I come on here for the social chat. I must be a bit blind, because I have not noticed the intolerance that others speak of.

I think it has grown too big in the sense that it is not possible to cover all the various topics and keep up with anything general. I simply do not have the time to browse so just try to add helpful info from my experiences. Sometimes I get a response to my post but it is easily lost in the proliferation of all the other comments as is any further reply I make.

This means that there may be many places where I might make useful comment but never know about them. So many posts contain info not directly related to the OP so we could benefit from some elimination/replacing of comment leaving leaner threads to peruse.

I just read the threads that come up on my daily email. I read them everyday. I sometimes comment, but have never seen anyone respond to my comments. It seems to be a friendship group as people comment that they know all about posters’ family problems etc. which, of course, I don’t. It feels a bit like an exclusive club and I’m an unwelcome member. Perhaps Gransnet would be better if new commenters were made to feel welcome and part of it, and not ignored when trying to contribute.

A friend recommended Gransnet to me when I was discussing some details of a family issue I had. It was comforting to realise that others have experienced similar situations and in many cases sadly, their problems are worse than mine. I continue to read the forums each day. There is always some topic of interest to me, and a lot of support for those who need it, which is so nice to see.

What bring me to Gransnet? mostly loneliness I lost my darling husband and while I still do work full time and am probably a younger gran than most, I like to feel part of something even though I don’t comment or get involved very much. I was on mum’s net but find the harshness and vile Language very off-putting nastiness for the sake of it isn’t my thing. Also, it’s all about celebrities rather than politics again not my thing. My daughter is in her 20s and prefers my Gransnet. I often forward her post about DILs and relationships.
I don’t use the games bit. I like the UK political and current affairs post. Although as I teach politics I am not allowed to comment on any such post. I like the competitions and cookery suggestions I would value more suggestions for people that live alone and find it difficult to be motivated when there no one to look after anymore. I love the fashion and beauty post and have no problem with articles aimed at looking younger. There are no meet up groups in my area (SO1) but that is something I would be interested in.
I have never seen craft or ideas or anything on recycling this is something I took up when my husband died and would be very interested in ideas.
AS a teacher who is widowed I work full time but weekends evening, half terms and seasonal holidays are long and lonely so that’s where Gransnet comes in.Thank you
I don't have facebook
. Sorry if I have gone on it’s summer holidays and spoken to no one for a couple of weeks.

Oh PS I would love an edit button as I alway see typos once I have posted

It's comforting to realise that however big or small a problem might be, there is always support and advice. Also, that more often than not, someone else has gone through a very similar thing. We can't always talk to our nearest and dearest, but we can talk to other Gransnetters though, and that can lift you out of some very lonely places. A very big 'thankyou' for that.

I log onto Gransnet from my Canadian home for two reasons ... Firstly the recipe section is useful and on the occasions when I need it I can always find "genuine" English style recipes. Secondly I often read the posts because so many of the subjects, opinions and views are a reminder to me of what a blessing it was to have moved to this great country five decades ago and in doing so we have reshaped our lives and particularly our outlook and perspective on life now we are in our retirement years.

I mainly just read the threads from the links in the daily email, although often the title doesn't really reflect the content.
Two dislikes - the DH etc and abbreviations - SIL seems to be used for son in law and sister in law and not everyone's H is a dear or darling.
Secondly the advert appearing above the links as I read on my iPad and have to keep scrolling down for the links instead of just seeing them - lazy, I know.

I just like to hear people's views on life. It has helped in my lonely days when I thought no one cared. It brightens my day usually check it before going off to wirk and again on a night when I'm watching tv, entered completions and won a couple of books.

I usually look in once a day. Have gained useful information and tips.

I get very annoyed at posts that state exactly what has been said previously, what help is that to anyone? How this can be avoided I do not know other than regular reminders to refrain from this practice. If you have nothing new to say, don’t say it.

Have noticed a lot more moans recently. Daughter-in-laws seem to dominate!

I do sometimes wonder?
It used to set me up for the day. A shared anecdote, a laugh, stimulating discussion, maybe a crumb of comfort when life was hard, but above all company when there is no one to talk to. Now?
With the exception of Soops Kitchen and the Good Morning thread it can be a minefield of peevish moans and groans, backbiting and tedious political bunfights. Endless games threads complete the menu. No objection for those who enjoy them but sometimes there seems to be little else.

I only read the Forums and not all of them. As a newcomer it can feel as if I am intruding as other posters seem to know each other. I feel my posts are mainly ignored, as they are rarely commented on.
A Thanks or Like button would be useful, as would an edit.

I don’t do games or competitions. I enjoy AIBU, and posts about relationships, and like to read a range of opinions, but some posters are very judgemental.

I come on here when I am sitting down after meals as it is company. ( my husband is not very chatty).

I love Gransnet. I'm afraid .I have a bad habit - mobile first thing on waking. No man is an island, etc and Gransnet feels like a community of like minded (???) people or at least people with more sensitivities than say a mixed group. Mumsnet can be ok but the strong feelings are very harsh. Perhaps generational plus we tend to some values and activities at different stages of life.

I rarely dip further than the email with topics but love it. Seriousness, a good laugh, it's all here

I'm not actually answering your question, sorry Gransnet.

I notice lot of posters here who we don't often see actually posting. I'm sure there are many "lurkers" possibly not posting because they feel a bit out of it, not part of the regular groups.

It's a real shame to think that lonely people come here because they may not have talked to anyone for ages, and they STILL feel lonely here.

Maybe we need another regular thread, a bit like Soops kitchen, where people are always kind, and newcomers are welcomed? I think there used to be something like that? Anyone could then happily post, with the hope that someone will reply, and they can just get used to Gransnet gradually. New people can chat together. Longer term GNetters could pop in and say hello and welcome.

People say they don't get a reply to their post when they do get up courage to post. Gransnet, can we please have a LIKE BUTTON? This would at least make people feel their suggestion or comment had ben seen and appreciated. Is it really too much to ask?

Finally, if you have any interest that is not mentioned, start a new post yourself. You may be surprised and find some like minded people.

Likewise, if you fancy a coffee locally, start a thread suggesting this, and mention your area in the title.

Be brave and have a go at posting. you have nothing to lose. Welcome to you all

I like the forums.
It is interesting to see what other people's lives are like & sometimes they are having problems I can relate to.
At a particularly difficult time in my life I was able to post what was happening in my life & got a lot if support & wise advice. It was a lifeline as I only had 2 friends I could open up to.
It got me through a very difficult time & I am still very grateful.

I joined Gransnet when a local Streetlife, which had been brilliant, was bought out and died. I mostly read interesting ideas and comments on the days events. I haven’t yet started a tread myself, but I do comment, as a man and a GrandDad of nine, on those subjects which interest blokes.

I joined fairly recently and, after seeing how MN was operating, thought there would be less of the cliquey 'atmosphere' and back-biting.
There are cliques and there are a certain number of the same GNers who sing from the same hymn sheet. Anyone who disagrees might as well be fodder for the cliques.
I read the forums and recipes with interest but will/have reduce(d) my replies due to the sensitivity of many GNers.
It's a useful site/tool for those who are round pegs fitting easily into round holes but I'm not one of them.
I usually dip in and out during the day but never start a thread however, it is interesting to read the views of others and serves as a reminder, if nothing else, that I'm extremely lucky not to have the problems most of them face/have faced, at one time or another, which is, in my view, a positive.
Altogether, I'm convinced that it fulfills a need for many older women, most especially those who have to spend much of the day at home for many different reasons but I am never likely to meet or make friends on here.

Usually glance through daily and look through any interesting topics.
So sad that there are some people who use because they are lonely....so many lonely people out there! One of the reasons why I joined Anna Chaplaincy - visit the sick, lonely and housebound. Worth considering if you have the time?

How about a 'Grandadnet?' - I am sure they would be interested in something similar.

Oh yes pinkjj27 I so agree, an edit button would be brilliant

I also tend to browse on my iPad in the evening in front of the television mostly. Really enjoy the different topics and opinions. Agree with the need for a “like” button or some way of following one particular post.
Where do you find the games? And I guess you find “real” GN friends by arranging a meet up. Yes?

I really agree with the posters who complain about the abbreviations. They do sound twee and often not even truthful. I rarely post because usually the point I want to make has already been made. I did smile at the poster who described Gransnet as being too left wing. My feeling is quite the opposite and, as I read the posts, I can feel very lonely and weird. But I do find a lot of the advice on dealing with say, in-laws very sound and I think has helped me to bite my tongue at times. I think most people are either kind or indifferent to other posters. I only look at the threads we hear about on our daily email and I use my lap top to access the site. I do think you provide a really needed service and long may you last.

Aly, for the games, go to forum, then scroll down to games. You can usually work out what the game is after reading a few posts.

Sometimes a discussion is opened which mirrors my family situation. Like many people on GN, I find solace in reading how others cope with similar problems. So yes, I find it both helpful and comforting.

I use my phone for 99.9% of everything (although I do have a laptop and notebook) but never watch live tv. Only sometimes use tv to view larger picture format of iPlayer and YouTube via wireless connection from mobile.
I think 'like' buttons would end up like 'followers' on Twitter or 'friends' on FB. I could write a list of those GNers who would receive high numbers, some, simply because they play certain cards.