Can I just warn any lurkers out there...........

How lovely petallus your mother was obviously very proud of you. I can't remember my mother saying or writing anything about me. When I cleared the family home there were only a few photos and they were mostly of my children, more proud of GD because she could play the piano.

Sorry to butt in, but didn't really want to put it elsewhere.

The lurkers, I don't mind, indeed there is something to be said for having a good lurk, getting a feel for the site, understanding the wide range of topics and opinions that abound. A bit of time spent having a thorough lurk could be time well spent, so that an informed decision may be made before joining and making a contribution to the many faceted world of Gransnet. In fact, I positively urge you to lurk.

However the jumpers, I am not so keen on, especially when there is a distinct whiff of merde de vache about them, if you will pardon my French. I wonder what they hope to achieve, and having wondered, I am none the wiser, which vexes me somewhat, and I do not like to be vexed. Another point that is causing me a small amount of consternation, is the number of jumpers that we have had recently, again, I wonder why, and again, having wondered, I do not know.

So, in conclusion, I would say to things, namely, lurkers, feel free to lurk and if after a suitable period of time you would like to join us, then do so. Tell us a bit about yourselves, how you came to be here and what you would like to give to, and take from your membership. And to the jumpers, I say *F&#k O$$.

I appreciate the comments on my post so thanks.

Nanadog I think many of us have 'issues' with our mothers. I was no exception but was just lucky that things got sorted out in time for us to be good friends in the ten years or so before she died

So sorry Nanadog

Nana

Am I out of order saying thank goodness the old saying 'Like father like son' or in your case 'Like mother like daughter' proves to be a load of old crap!!!.

Oh dear does that make sense.

Forgive my ignorance phoenix, but what is a jumper? It's not a term I've heard before other than referring to the garment.

Oh dear. I just googled it under Internet slang jumper, and it's not nice at all.

I looked up 'jumpers' too and I can't see how it is relevant in this context. Is there some definition that is not given in the list of internet slang?

I've not heard of the expression but assumed it was someone who 'jumped' into a thread, made a post likely to cause comment, then 'jumped' out again and didn't return to address any of the responses.

We have had quite a few posts where the originator obviously expected to get widespread agreement with their views, and when this did not happen they simply withdrew. I think some people had a view of grandparents that we would all be right-wing, judgemental and critical of the young/disadvantaged/unemployed. How wrong could they be?
And, of course, there are the usual idiots who just want to annoy sensible folk, but they are usually fairly obvious to spot. When spelling mistakes are random and inconsistent, most of us have the sense to spot a spoof and don't encourage the poster by replying.

Thanks Pogs and nightowl

And jane and petallus

So sad Nanad I am sorry to hear that.

phoenix how can you know if someone hasn't been lurking for ages before they do in fact jump in.

I do object to new posters who when we have had disagreements choose that very time to announce they are new but won't be staying around if this is what Gransnet is like. . They never stay around anyway.

Oh heavens, I wasn't aware that there was an internet term for it, I truly just meant it as someone who "jumps" in without introducing themselves. Sorry if I have offended anyone, that was never my intention.

Faye I take you point re not knowing if someone has been lurking for a while before joining, but I notice that they will often start with a sort of "Hello I've been looking at the site for a while and have decided to take the plunge and join" type post, and usually then go on to tell a little about themselves.

There have been a couple lately who have joined like that and seem to making good contributions and getting a lot from the site too.

It's the ones that start straightaway with a question and no introduction that sometimes ring alarm bells.

He he. I wasn't offended. Just startled!

It is always good to learn a new word...........

Not one I shall be using any time soon though....

Of course the jumpers in Tom Stoppard's play of the same name were "logical positivists mostly". All together a different kettle of fish.

We could do with a new word to describe those antisocial twerps who only post to see how much trouble they can cause. They just see being called a t***l as evidence that they have managed to rile genuine posters - their main aim in life - and GMHQ gets cross. It also devalues genuine ethnic t****s busy continuing their native traditions in their snug burrows under Scandinavian bridges.

Any suggestions?

Saddos?

I might have a better one! How about an acronym?

Time Wasting Attention/Thrill Seekers

What do you think?

phoenix excellent*

Do you think HQ would allow it though?

phoenix While I appreciate your delightful sense of humour and the cleverness of your suggestion, I have an intense dislike of insults being based on words for female genitalia. By all means call me a humourless misery guts but that is how I feel.