GNHQ please make it clear that these forums are public!

I think it could be called globalisation.

Never forget there are just six degrees of separation from you and anyone on the planet.

Thank you Grannyknot for raising this issue. I have found it to be a real 'eye opener' regarding what can happen to our posts.

I do hope that it doesn't fade into insignificance with time and that it resonates with new posters who like me were unaware of connections with other social media sites.

Think posters have put forward good suggestions regarding GNHQ highlighting warnings on the site!

If GNHQ are not going to do anything then I would advise the OP to start with 'this is for GN only and is not to be shared elsewhere'.

Leticia I don't think a poster can do what you suggest, because of the Ts & Cs that we have signed up to simply by being Gransnet members.

On another note re posting - I'm currently agog at the poster who said (on another thread) that he/she posts under 3 different names! What a funny old world this is ...

Gk "I'm currently agog at the poster who said (on another thread) that he/she posts under 3 different names!"

I'm even more agog that they don't confuse themselves with who said what! Perhaps they do! I know I would - I have enough trouble just being me!

Does she/he answer her/his own questions I wonder?

Just picked up this thread - am horrified to find out about FB - it will make people wary of what they reveal and will also reduce spontaneity.

minimouse even with just one of me, I sometimes come across something I wrote ages ago, and I think "I caaan't believe I wrote that!" So now I'm thinking of having a disclaimer on every post "That's my opinion today but it may change at any time in the future"

Like others, I can only cope, just, with posting under one name. I did not think that it was allowed. I personally know somebody who uses two names. I would be more confused than I am at present but that is not difficult.

I post less and less these days. The idea of one poster using multiple identities gives me the creeps.

I didn't think it was allowed, but suppose with different ipesses they crawl under the radar.

Grannyknot I know what you mean - I'm often surprised to read something I wrote ages ago which I'd completely forgotten about

I don't think people should be allowed to have more than one Gransnet identity - it makes you wonder if there's a reason for them doing that.

Is it against the rules I wonder?

If there was another one of me perhaps I could answer that question

GNHQ . Is it allowed for one poster to have multiple identities?

We don’t allow members to change their usernames because we want everyone to be able to trust the relationships they build up with others on Gransnet.

so I would think it is not within the rules to have more than one identity.

I think GN relaxed the rules recently after the thread about FB and privacy, but only to allow posters to change their usernames if they wish - not to appear as three different posters.

It's funny isn't it that we can't change our names 'to build trust' but Mumsnet change names all the time. Maybe they don't need trust ;-)

charleygirl mentioned a friend who uses two names. How is this so?
Changing names is one thing, posting under multiple names is quite another.

GNHQ #needtobemoreontheball.

Prob. not enough staff.

If you have more than one email address, you can register with GN from each of them. And No, I am not someone who does that.

Sometimes, on Mumsnet, the OP will say that they are a regular poster but changed their name just for that thread, as it is of a personal nature.

If they can cope, why can't we be allowed to?

Does make you wonder!..that if someone has 2/3/4/5/ diff emails, diff names..then they may well start a Thread off...then of course to set fire to it...repling under one of their other names...(there fore adding fuel to the fire so to speak) to get a reaction etc etc .. bit sad if you ask me! But then people do strange things ....!

I really cannot think why! you would want to do this only to stir up trouble..I personally really couldn't be arsed bothered " how can you trust anyone"!

"replying"

I started a thread a few months ago, it was very personal to my particular circumstances, I'm sure now that I said to much. I had some lovely very supportive replies, but one kind gransnetter (can't remember who now) reminded me to be careful as what I had written could identify my family. I then asked Gransnet to delete the thread, which they did. I try to be more careful now.
I'm disappointed actually that what I thought was private to gransnetters (admittedly there are many of us) can be hijacked and made public without our consent.

Said too much

I have ended up with 2 usernames - Imperfect27 and also grannycat - which I had completely forgotten about. The second one is my 'local' gransnet username - I was asked to create one when I joined early last year and was a bit bemused at the time, but then decided to be 'different' to differentiate the two domains (? right techy term?) in my own mind. Recently I posted on a thread on a Southwark gransnet forum - didn't even notice, but I automatically came up as 'grannycat' and I asked if the thread, which related too bereavement, could be copied across to this site GN said 'yes' ... so reposted under Imperfect. All very confusing to me, let alone anyone else!!

Whoops - Grannycat with a capital G - that's me!

utterly horrified...new to forums, never use facebook and yes did think this a great way to let off steam, give support to people in despair by sharing experiences etc, but not that this was a public forum. What a shame was going to post an appeal for a community idea and get your feedback/support, but no wish to have it pulled apart by the media, and will try to remember this warning ...thanks grannyknot

I think to be realistic a Forum like GN wouldn't be free or even exist if it was private and exclusive to users. There would be no money to be made which I guess is mainly from advertising. I don't use FB but before joining GN regularly looked at posts on here which are open to everyone, including the press, to read and use as they want. Pity really as I think GN is a lovely, supportive and (mainly) friendly and welcoming community, but you do need to be cautious.