I sometimes wonder if I am reading the same Gransnet as gets described in some of these 'state of the boards' threads.
It's not often that I've seen people posting libellous or dangerous things - some of the vaccine stuff was a bit idiotic, but I've seen a lot worse out there. Speculation over court cases happens sometimes, but it is usually pointed out that this is wrong and the posts are taken down.
Posters 'getting the better of others' who then seek revenge is an alien concept to me, and I don't know how others would know if it were happening anyway, as presumably all the vendetta stuff happens off the boards. That sort of comment seems to me akin to speculating about a court case, though - obviously it's not illegal, but it can turn people against posters who have never reported anyone at all, in a Salem Witchtrial sort of way - 'Goody Loudmouth was seen arguing with Goody Vanishedgran just days before she disappeared - burn her!'
I understand that the RF threads can get heated, and tend to assume that all the intrigue and backstabbing happens on those, but I may just be too dim to notice what goes on under my nose. I don't read the RF threads, as I'm not interested in them, other than in passing. I can't imagine falling out with anyone over them though.
There are people on here whose opinions on certain topics are totally opposed to mine, just as in 'real life'. On other topics, however, we can be in agreement and disagree with those who more usually share our views. Again, just as in real life. I don't see politics as signing up to a code of beliefs, so that someone's views on A can predict their views on B. It sometimes works like that, but it's by no means a given.
Anyway, Iam64's leave of absence has run out. It's time she was back amongst us .