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

(449 Posts)
LaraGransnet (GNHQ) Fri 10-Jan-20 16:27:00

We're really happy to read threads like this and know that the site is hitting the mark with you. But we also know that for all of you who are regular posters, there are many more who, for whatever reason, haven't yet joined in on the discussions and we wondered what could be done to make the site more welcoming to newbies? If you are new (or can remember back to when you were) what barriers do you think users may come across that stop them from joining in the chat? And if you are a lurker (although we prefer to think of you as reader) if you're happy to post just this once to let us know what stops you usually, we'd really appreciate it. Any insight you can give us be most welcome and rewarded with a virtual bottle of wine grin
Thanks
GNHQ

kittylester Sun 12-Jan-20 17:15:21

I agree with nankate, bullying was involved.

kittylester Sun 12-Jan-20 17:14:48

Poshfosh, this isnt really the right place for your post. Try starting a new thread and you should get some replies.

MerylStreep Sun 12-Jan-20 17:03:03

Sodapop
uk bias maybe that's because the vast majority of us live in the uk and GN is a uk based company ?
Would you say that French sites have a french bias
Btw. To those who don't know: Sodapop lives in France.

Poshfosh Sun 12-Jan-20 16:48:48

'Petty

Poshfosh Sun 12-Jan-20 16:48:22

New to gransnet so please be kind. Nearly 60 yrs of age and struggling really badly with jealousy. Both Dh and myself work in same firm. New lady started and is constantly going round to dh. Now started messaging him. Even writing this makes me seem insecure. Dh tells me to stop being so pretty and to grow up. Any suggestions please

ExD1938 Sun 12-Jan-20 16:47:34

Where are you from sodapop? (just curosity, don't answer if it comes across as rude.)
Some people make some unpleasant digs at people who post controversial subjects instead of what is written.
Thats the only thing that bothers me.

sodapop Sun 12-Jan-20 14:19:31

I think Gransnet is a lot less 'cliquey' now than it was when I first joined. Things can get heated at times but so can face to face discussions.
Like BlueBelle I dislike the constant use of abbreviations/initials and they can be confusing.
I always enjoy dipping in and out of Gransnet , sometimes the topics are interesting to me others not so much. It's always good to hear other points of view and to know that posters can offer valid help and advice if its needed.
Not so happy with the frequent man bashing and the UK bias.

rafichagran Sun 12-Jan-20 13:54:57

Lol, Good grief, people can choose to be offended, and there is alot in the world to be offended by, but flirting Ye Gods, PC gone mad.

ExD1938 Sun 12-Jan-20 13:13:13

Lol - that'll larn ya

Rufus2 Sun 12-Jan-20 12:44:18

Does Admin have the ability to contact members directly to their email addresses?
ExD1938 Yes! I speak from experience! grin Whenever I ask for details of which particular Guideline has been breached following "deletions", which has been quite often (purely for training purposes of course grin), I've always had a prompt reply to my email address.
Although on one occasion after a personal deletion, HQ replied that I'd been reported for "flirting" shock
I felt quite chuffed to think I was thought capable at 91, but we know what dirty old men are like! grin
I think I'd posted a Scottish joke at the time, copied from the 'Net,, but I've since learned.!
The message ended by asking me to remit future posts to HQ, presumably for vetting; that was my turn to "delete".
OoRoo

ExD1938 Sun 12-Jan-20 12:01:00

I started posting years ago, then lost the link when I changed my computer (not very competent with IT) and now I'm a Great Gran.
There's no Greatgran's net.

Does Admin have the ability to contact members directly to their email addresses? If so, perhaps a gentle message to an aggressive poster to ask them to tone their message down and to address their remarks to the content rather than to the perceived personality of the poster might be a way round it. Or is that a bit 'schoolmarm-ish'?
Remarks like '*So and So* you are a horrible person', help no one, but you could say something like 'isn't that post rather horrible?'

rafichagran Sun 12-Jan-20 11:38:45

It's not your opinion that counts though is it Nan kate I have not seen it. Bullying , if it had happened needs to be stopped, but by the moderators. If I was being bullied I would be reporting it and expect action to be taken.
If somebody takes offence at Good will to all men I feel sorry for them, it is a saying. Honestly, bullying I dont think so.
I could not care less about being ignored or shot down in flames I can look after myself but clearly Gransnet are concerned that a lot of people are not posting given the membership. I know alot of you know each other and that is grand but this is a anonymous forum for everyone. Posters should not feel awkward about posting.

NanKate Sun 12-Jan-20 11:21:50

I'm perfectly happy to see Rufus post on GN he has as much right as anyone. However he regularly picks on Mary and at times it verges on bullying IMO.

rafichagran Sun 12-Jan-20 10:51:36

Rufus Dont listen to Nankate you keep posting how you like. I am not offended by you, we are all different and we all have something to contribute. You may have offended some Grans but how many have you not offended?
Gransnet is for everyone, not just the clique or the so called prolific posters. There are thousands of Gransnetters and we are all equal.

Alexa Sun 12-Jan-20 10:45:33

I like people to disagree with me when they really mean it or feel what they say.

For instance I do not support Brexit ideas and I am interested to know why some do.

NanKate Sun 12-Jan-20 10:23:21

I have never known Marydoll hold a grudge against anyone on GN. She has a wonderful sense of humour and keeps many of us laughing with her Novellas.

On the other hand your style of humour/innuendo Rufus does not appeal to a number of us on GN.

I find it very sad that you take any opportunity to have a go at her, particularly as you know she is battling a number of illnesses.

I ask you in a reasoned way, without animosity, to stop having a sly dig at her. Perhaps that could be your New Year Resolution.

Como2020 Sun 12-Jan-20 09:51:22

I’ve been around since the beginning, but have a new name, only dip in and out occasionally, and comment infrequently.
Overall, I find it’s changed for the worse.
Recently, the underbelly of GN has been exposed on threads discussing royalty, in particular The Sussexes. The sheer unpleasantness has me wondering why I’m still a member.
It makes me question why moderation is not more robust in this instance, when it seems to be just plain petty on other occasions.
I guess I just don’t like the virtual, gossip magazine GN has become.

Rufus2 Sun 12-Jan-20 09:08:58

I was "picked" on by one poster, who took a dislike to me
Marydoll Come, come Mary! Don't be coy! I don't mind in the least if you tell everyone it was me because I can then put my side of the story {grin
As you say, it turned out you weren't well, also suffering jet-lag after your brief visit to Noo York, and therefore not in a mood to appreciate my comment about it being the "season of goodwill to all men" Didn't realise you held grudges, but please accept my apologies. hmm
Perhaps this will cheer you up; I've not broken my New Year's No. 1 resolution not to use "Scotch (people)" again, even after 12 days!
OoRoo

Rufus2 Sun 12-Jan-20 06:48:08

I'd love it if there were more grandads posting - get out there and start recruiting!
Bradford Am I included in your exhortation? confused
Sometme ago, "1943" and me formed a mini NATO to ward off attacks by mobs of misandrists and I"m glad to say we won!. grin
Unfortunately their posts remain in the archives which also still contain posts how Grandads were being hounded off even then and probably turn off prospective recruits. Even DHs seem afraid to volunteer. Perhaps the "mean girls" get at them1 grin
Btw; as you well know, Aussies say "Keep the bastards honest"!
OoRoo

BBbevan Sun 12-Jan-20 06:15:44

Sara65 you have expressed my point of view exactly. Thank you ?

Rufus2 Sun 12-Jan-20 06:14:29

Evening All; My Ode to GN! Just replace "she" with GN and it says it all for me! smile

Where do I begin
To tell the story of how great a love can be
The sweet love story that is older than the sea
The simple truth about the love she brings to me
Where do I start

With her first hello
She gave new meaning to this empty world of mine
There'd never be another love, another time
She came into my life and made the living fine
She fills my heart
She fills my heart with very special things
With angels' songs, with wild imaginings
She fills my soul with so much love
That anywhere I go I'm never lonely
With her around, who could be lonely
I reach for her hand, it's always there

How long does it last
Can love be measured by the hours in a day
I have no answers now but this much I can say
I know I'll need her 'till the stars all burn away
And she'll be there

Lovely! smile
OoRoo

Lilypops Sat 11-Jan-20 23:23:11

I couldn't believe the level of sheer nastiness that was on the now deleted thread Reconcilliation, the OP merely suggested that nice , non confrontational comments would make GN a nicer place, all hell broke loose and it turned so nasty with really vicious comments between posters that it got removed, What was that all about ?

Lilypops Sat 11-Jan-20 22:07:58

I tend not to post anything political or controversial as I know I will be shot down and I hate confrontation of any sort, I am quite happy to just read the posts and occasionally offer words of help if I çan , I also will ask for advice if I need some,
Sometimes I feel ignored but it really doesn't matter to me , I just enjoy the posts , I do think it can be a bit cliquey with the same posters going back and forth , but that can happen anywhere .I don't enjoy the games though, but I do like GN

Cotswoldslass Sat 11-Jan-20 22:06:15

I stumbled on GN in the summer. I did put a problem out there and the majority of people were so very kind and helpful. I had one rather nasty reply and (funnily enough) I noticed on other posts that this person tends to post nasty replies so I have not taken it personally..I tend to lurk rather than post. Reading some posts I feel some people can get very personal and abusive. Such a shame but luckily they are in the minority. The majority of people of this site want to share their experiences in order to help others, and give their support.

PamGeo Sat 11-Jan-20 21:48:36

I stumbled across Gransnet last year, took me ages to post anything, I'd felt like a rude eavesdropper until then.
I'm not on GN everyday and try to dip in and out when I can.

I am an estranged parent and had been struggling with all that brings emotionally but reading the threads has helped me gain a different perspective.

I don't like the truly disruptive argumentative posters who just seem to want an argument rather than be helpful or butt out but I find almost all the other gransnetters funny, witty, helpful and delightfully rebellious at times.

Long may you live to write and contribute.

I choose to ignore the annoying ones.