New user? Old user? Lurker? We'd love your views.

Cunco I've been lurking to keep an eye on folk who had major problems with health of themselves and loved ones.I just wanted to see how it's been working out for them.I'll stay in the background though,there are a few very viscious people on the site .I dont need that in my life I have enough to be going on with.

I agree with gagagran wholeheartedly. I was Lurker for a long time and enjoyed reading some of the posts I don’t do much in the political threads as my dad used to say keep away from religion politics and football! However when my mam was in care home and dying your threads helped me and afterwards did a few posts and had some lovely messages back. And a couple of private posts which really helped me. I love gransnet and I’m a very private person so it’s nice to read about others lives but don’t want to get too dogged down by the really sad or awkward political posts.

I too wondered where you were paddyanne.

It seems so easy for the keyboard warrior types whereby, undercover of anonymity, some bullies have a field day. I do hope you reported whoever upset you so much that you felt you had to leave the forum. Bullies will continue to upset you if you take the bait. Not worth a reply and best ignored.

Hope to see you posting soon.

I have been a member of GN for many years but stopped reading and posting 3 or 4 years ago mainly because of lack of time.( and the birth of 4 further grandchildren in that interim). On returning to GN some weeks ago, I changed my name mainly because the original one was too close to RL.

I have begun reading posts again and recognise so many and have learnt a little of how their lives have changed. It is like re-meeting old friends. Time is still an issue but Gransnet offers such a variety to all users and the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Will post when I feel I have something to offer otherwise, I will continue to read, when I can.

Glad to see you Paddyanne. I missed you.

I’ve been a member since the summer of 2012. Shortly after joining I attended what I think was the first Scottish meet-up, then the second one not long after. On each occasion I met some very lovely people who I still very much look forward to seeing whenever possible.

I’ve always been more of a reader/lurker which is reflected in my real life personality but Gransnet has provided me with lots of support, many laughs and a fair few WTF moments. Long may it continue.

I'm new and glad I found this site. I like the mixture of posts. I don't mind sob stories as it makes you realise that there is no such thing as a 100% functional family.

Agree with your post Rufus not passive aggresive at all just honest. Yes there is a clique on this site
Just caught up with this Rafichagran; thank you. for your support. I've been busy on other things "Down Under". I've been brought up to be honest and I'm pleased to see my comical video on Border Collies has been re-instated so others can enjoy!
"Don't tell Fibs on your CV!" Very clever!
Thanks!
OoRoo

paddyanne good to see you posting, I miss your posts, “don’t let the buggers get to you”

As you say lavenderzen a little kindness goes a long way.

Reading through the posts on here, I find it very sad that so many people have left because of rude comments made to them (I was one. I was even sent 2 Private Messages). I think there is a thread elsewhere about kindness - a little kindness goes a long way.

Billybob my dad was just the same when out and about, he had dementia, and would strike up a conversation with anyone, he was very friendly (I miss him).

I did leave Gransnet for a while, nothing personally aimed at myself, but someone posted their friend was in a queue waiting to pay for dog food I think, the person behind her asked her if she had a dog, and in return got a snippy reply. This made me rather sad as a relative had just been diagnosed with dementia and whenever I took her out and about she would strike up conversations with random strangers, once the stranger realised that she was perhaps not in full command of herself, treated her with great kindness which I appreciated very much. Apologies for rambling, pleased to have aired my grievance.

I am finding it interesting that several members have left because of insults and returned, as have I. I only recognise a few names from last time, 3 years ago, and had thought people had left but, of course, they may have changed their alias. Now I am pondering why do we, who have left, return? I suspect the answers include that we like the opportunity to express our point of view, challenge others and ourselves in the continuing, if forlorn, hope that people will discuss contentious issues while playing the ball rather than the man or woman. Of course, it could just be to pass a few minutes exercising the little grey cells.

paddyanne, I echo marydoll's post. It would be could to see you post.

paddyanne, it's so good to see you posting. I missed your posts and wondered if you were OK.

However, I'm sad to read the reason for you not posting, it's a horrible feeling when that happens to you personally.

I’ve been on Gransnet since the very beginning and have seen it change quite a bit over the years. I have never changed my name.

I have said on many occasions that I do not have any real life friends but have found huge support from the Gransnet community who have helped me through some of the toughest times in my life .

I've been having a break after an incident where I was personally attacked rather than my opinion on the subject.I probably wont post just sit back and watch...for a wee while .

I have been on GN for about 3 years, but left and rejoined with a new persona, for no reason than I was bored with my name.
I have found GN brilliant for asking advice about problems, and think it can be very supportive, and also company for those who perhaps live alone, insomniacs etc. I have seen a few posts in middle of the night.
I am kind of addicted to reading posts each day, and think many would make brilliant novel fodder!
I am very aware that this site is public and open to journalists to peruse and find this somewhat inhibiting. I would rather pay a subscription and have more privacy.
I recognise regular posters names, but have a poor memory for many unless they have really memorable names, as some do.
I am interested in the political posts, and have learned a lot from them, but they do degenerate at times, it's that sort of subject, with a surfeit of ego enhancement on display. Same with other hot topic threads about the Royal Family or Religion.
GN great source for any domestic related information.
Is it cliquey? Yes, inevitable IMO. Is it mainly cosy middle class? Yes in the main.
Too many games threads for me also.

Ex husband was a wood carver and gilder, so we were allowed to live there!

I had received so much wonderful support from other members on GN
Phoenix Excuse me for asking, but are you same Phoenix who said, way back when, that you used to be in Grace and Favour at Windsor Castle?
As an ex-Windsorian I'm curious as to how you managed that and also why you left! My dear Vera had relatives who worked at the Castle, many years ago, of course!
Just curious.
OoRoo

Oh, and I think it's often possible to spot researchers. They come along and just ask a few questions, with no backstory, (or very sketchy ones), such as 'What is your opinion of cotton sheets? I love them.'

(If there is a thread about cotton sheets, I'm sorry - it was the first thing that came into my head ).

Sorry Doodledog, I didn't mean any harm. I suppose I am a bit dim, it just never occurred to me.
No, please don't apologise . I was correcting my own earlier post that had a million typos.

maz, I suggest you start a new thread for you problem. You will get far more people reading and replying.

My 22yr old son has only been with girlfriend 3 months hes sleeps at her mums house every night except weekends they stay at ours.she told me they are going to try for a baby soon .shes no job and only 19 yrs old. I will be really upset if she gets pregnant. Shes on the pill so son doesnt think he needs to use protection. What does anyone else think. Its really put a barrier up between g/f and myself .

HQ do not answer my posts or they take a long time to do so. I also feel that their policy on banning posters is totally ineffective
Greenfinch; Disagree! I have regular discussions with HQ, mainly "which guideline did I breach this time?" and they always reply by return post, even though sometimes I think they misread my message. But I always say please!

I'm not aware of any posters being banned, unless they're being taken outside and shot at dawn; usually when I'm fast asleep.!