Something I notice is that a new member will appear here and make loads of posts and then disappear.

People also change their username for various reasons - one in particular - and you know who you are hmm - does this quite often. Why no idea.

I don't see why it matters. If someone has a problem and looks for a forum where they can get advice, gets that advice and then leaves then the forum has served its purpose. For others who are on GN all the time it may well be that they are lonely and need the company, that is fine too. Surely we should welcome people at their own level of particpation and be happy for them all.

Movedalot

Moved I fully agree with what you say in relation to people participating at their own level, but I feel that if someone has asked for advice and receives it, then a quick "thank you" wouldn't go amiss.

Agreed phoenix it would only be polite but unfortunately a lot of people are no longer so . In other threads it is becoming very clear that you can take what you can from the system as long as you are not found out. In this case you can take from GN and not feel the need to say thanks. Such is life these days. [grumpyoldowmanemoticon]

Unfortunately some people only come for advice and do not want to do anything in return.
Taking my conversations about care fees for example. I think most people only take an interest when parents have to go in to homes etc and they are directly affected.
I only got involved as some of my friends parents had to go in to care but I did study the subject before I joined my father in his house which was half owned by me as I did not did not want to find myself homeless had he gone in to care.

Frank

N fk.......I agree a thickish skin probably helps! Dare I venture to suggest that some people may leave because they find the condescending attitude of one or two posters on some threads too much? As with any written communication it is difficult to gauge the 'tone of voice' in which any comment is made, but some people ,intentionally or not, do come across as thinking themselves intellectually superior. No doubt I will come across as being paranoid !! Just a suggestion to answer your interesting question.

Why 'unfortunately' Frank? If people need advice and some of us have the expertise to give it, surely that's one of the functions that G'net can fulfil. If they are satisfied with the advice, why should they then feel obliged to participate in debate or chat?

agapanthus I think you are right, some people do sound patronising/stroppy/superior and it can be very offputting.

anno totally agree with you but also think phoenix is right and a thank you would be nice too.

I do agree anybody is free to leave gransnet at any time and they do not have to participate in any debates.
I would give advice if I feel I could help.
I came for advice about my printer a little while ago as there was nothing in my instruction manual about the fault and the shop could not help.
Oddly enough since I asked about the fault on Gransnet it has gone without me doing anything.

Frank

Frank/Hunterf The wonders of Gransnet!

Being of a nasty suspicious nature, sometimes. When we get a very emotional/contentious issue posted by someone who never responds and is never heard of again, I do sometimes wonder whether it is some journalist/activist flying a kite hoping we will respond with a series of uncharitable or reactionary views that will make useful ammunition/publicity.

Unfortunately since with very few exceptions most people respond to these posts, thoughtfully and with kindness, anyone looking for a juicy bit of nasty reactionary prose from us is rather disappointed.

While I think flowerfriend has made a valid observation, I do not really see how this is a topic for discussion do you? Already we have suggestions that maybe some people have left because maybe some people have been coming across as sounding as if they are "intellectually superior" or patronising . We are in danger of lapsing into more of the same old same old.
Fair point, flowerfriend but can we move on?

Second that, Gracesmum

I agree, after all the question about people coming and going has been answered.

Further discussion is unlikely to bring any fresh answers.

I know Dorking, but didn't recognise it at all.

Oops don' t know how that happened, I was on the Mayday thread.

You've got the wrong thread Grannyeggs.

Crossed posts.

Oh, thank goodness, grannyeggs! I couldn't see what I'd missed!

Getting surreal!

Must be my age