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

Must be my age

Getting surreal!

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

Crossed posts.

You've got the wrong thread Grannyeggs.

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

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

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

Further discussion is unlikely to bring any fresh answers.

Second that, Gracesmum

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?

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.

Frank/Hunterf The wonders of Gransnet!

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

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.

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?

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.

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

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]

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.

Movedalot

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.

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.

Funny, I was wondering this morning what had happened to Cheelu. She seemed really nice, but I remember she did get upset - but can't remember why.

I'm fairly new but have an appalling memory and a thickish skin. Perhaps this helps?

I joined last year and started a thread because I needed advice, and got lots of great advice. I log on every now and again, but as I work long hours I don't get chance to do so regularly. I think Gransnet is a great way of 'talking' over issues and long may it continue!

Thanks absent, will do - sometimes just don't get round to opening up laptop - especially when you pass your day in front of a computer