A small dilemma

Of course not....! [quick look behind shoulder emoticon]

I considered changing my name some time ago but didn't in the end. It's perfectly obvious to anyone I know who I am and for that reason I don't enter into too many personal details, although there are lots of things I would like to discuss on GN but feel I shouldn't. I also, since I was accused of being racist (for calling Sarkozy a weasel!) don't enter too deeply into any political discussion or anything that may cause offence to either me or anyone else . I may yet change my name but we all have a certain way of expressing ourselves and I'm sure people would realise who I was eventually. Sad, but as we are open to all and sundry, it's probably best to keep schtum.

Gally, how on earth could anyone think calling Sarkozy or anyone else a weasel was racist? I'm actually shocked by that - it's absolutely ridiculous . It really is very sad that people are discouraged from putting forward their views, however controversial (not that yours was!), by put-downs from those who disagree.

Well Anagram I did actually call him a french w.....l . I hate confrontation so now I just take care of what I write and keep my observations neutral (ish)

Me too, Gally.

Me too Gally even though sometimes I'm

Gally Ariadne Ella46 I completely agree - I have plenty of thoughts when reading various threads, but am wary of putting forward my views in case they cause controversy or confrontation

Gally Ariadne Ella moomin....that's why I hardly post any more.

Oh I so echo the last few posts - I read most threads but rarely post as I have seen some remarks which were probably not intended to inflame do exactly that and others then unable to let things go.

Gally, Ariadne, Ella46, moomin,notsogrand Me too. I'm very careful about making comments on some of the threads as I don't wish to get into a fight on Gransnet! I enjoy the site too much for that and I don't like the nastiness and abuse you see on other sites and wouldn't want it to happen here. There are many comments on threads that I completely disagree with, but I feel everyone is entitled to their own opinions and some people take it personally if you disagree with them. Life's too short for that!

I also don't post too much personal information in my posts.

Gally I remember that and I do think it was a deeply unfair comment. Weasels are extremely athletic, graceful and successful animals. Sarkozy is an ugly little ex-president with racist views.

Perfect description. absent

All of you who are reticent about posting because of the harshness of some replies please don't be. I have put my head above the parapet a few times and it is hard but well worth it. I do feel it is wrong that some people dominate threads with their very strongly held opinions, not because of those opinions but because of the way they express them. If we could all be a bit more sensitive about the way we post then perhaps we would get a wider range of opinions instead of a few people dominating some threads.

I'm off for a spa day now before I get soundly beaten by those who have previously said there is no need to be nice or sensitve to others and that 'most' of us are up for the harsher comments.

I agree Gally, I don't say too controversial on here either. In real life I am far more forthright, but I think face to face it's easierto say just what I think. I do love GN though, and admire those with loud voices and who are not afraid to give strong opinions.

Oh my goodness, everything went wrong at the beginning ofthat message! I left out the word "anything,"

Hope you enjoy the spar alison .

goldengran I changed my user name by deleting my membership and rejoining but I understand that if you contact gnhq they will change your user name for you. The reason I changed had nothing to do with gn but because I made a couple of revelations about my family which I regretted and felt if they read them they might not understand.

Like bez I echo much of what has been said about posting but feel it is such a shame we should feel like this. I make very few comments although I often have strong opinions or some knowledge about the subject matter. I always self censure along the lines of is this acceptable or is this pc. I think that being sensitive to how other people react is what we do in the real world anyway. If I join a group I will adapt to the culture of that group and not immediately try to change it. I do feel that there is a dominant ideology on gn as there is in many groups and it is sometimes difficult to voice my opinion and when I do it is not always heard.

In "real life" I prefer to go with the flow. When confronted by ill-mannered, disruptive folk, I turn around and make myself scarce. In cyber-space I'm no different. There is far too much bitterness and aggravation and mayhem in this small world of ours. The last thing on my mind, is to hurt or provoke another to lash out and add to the chaos. Not well put. But you get my drift...I hope!

soop Perfectly! As I said earlier, I agree with you.

I'm with you soop.

AlisonMA Enjoy your spa

soop your drift is clear and wise as usual

Welcome to the nest Grannyeggs

I think it's possible to take forthright remarks as unkind when they are not, nor ever intended to be. I have certainly found it helpful to bear that in mind quite often. Mind you, I do like straightforwardness myself, which must help, I suppose.

You're right, of course, Bags. Just occasionally there has been a hint of sarcasm in some posts, which I find can be very hurtful, even if meant to be funny or clever.

Oh dear! I hope it wasn't me.