Grans are grandma's and grandpa's

inimjingl, I have been a member of Gransnet almost from Day1, there have always been a few Granddads, and they have been welcomed. Early on the discussions were largely based around Grand-parenting issues, as the membership has grown the subjects have become more diverse.

As far as I am aware, you are the first person to openly say that Granddads should not be on here, there may be others that think that way, but I have not seen any hostility to our presence. Hostility to our views, yes, but that is a different thing.

As far as our wives views, I only know Mrs. P's apparent view. She often watches over my shoulder and looks at the various posts, she views them with a mixture of interest, amazement and amusement. We often discuss the subjects and views posted. One day she may join, she is very interested in the book group, but her U3A book group keeps her busy reading atm.

Be careful with those cakes - they may be virtual cakes, but I blame them for the real pounds that I put on. (Nothing to do with a week in Italy !)

pompa, I don't think jingl's view reflects majority opinion. Gransnet is clearly designated as 'grandparents' web site'.

To be fair, there is a 'being a gran' slot at the top of the page, which, when you open it, says 'good granny guide.' This, accompanied by an image of two women. It's easy to infer from that that this is for grans only. I welcome grandads' views, too.

Perhaps the logos and sections for topics beyond the forums should be amended to reflect that men are welcome, too?

I think there was some discussion at the outset on the subject. Some were in favour, others not so much. However, I am only stating my preference.

Can't imagine any man in my family, whatever age, wanting to sit over a computer chatting to a bunch of grannies!

But each to his/her own.

I like the logo of the women with the banner - harking back to crusading women and reminding me how much I owe them. It also makes me believe (naively?) that grans today could band together and have some influence although we seldom agree on anything. So please don't change the logo.

I was going to say that I don't mind having the male presence but, in reality, I like it better just being women as we don't really have all that many places to just be women.

I think if we had lots of grandads posting it would certainly change the dynamics, and some grannies might not feel as secure as they do now. One or two is OK.....

If you would prefer a women only forum, why not join one, there are several available, a quick Google search has found at least 10 specifically aimed at women only.

I'm sure that you could eventually persuade the men on here to leave if that is what most want. We won't stay if we are not wanted.

pompa don't you go anywhere I may need some help with my plants soon and I will miss the chats in the shed with the secret supply of cakes hidden away from glass

What on earth makes you think I need suggestions from you as to what forums I should join!

I really don't care whether you stay or go.

By "you" I meant any/all grandads.

I like the atmosphere we have on Gransnet. That comes from it being mostly women, but with no bar on men - they have their input and they are welcome.

I do think though, that forums (fora?) which are mostly made up of men seem to become fight clubs or "see me, I'm macho" displays. Those who have joined Gransnet don't do this, (or maybe if they are so inclined they don't stay)

It is a matter of balance. At the moment it is just right, it could stand some more male views, but not so many that the inmates take over the asylum.

I don't want to start chatting to men.

To be perfectly honest.

Not ones I don't know.

Come down off the ceiling Jings You would say yourself that anyone who does not want to read what you post can ignore it or stay away, so don't bridle at someone else saying it.

What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.

You don't have to chat to men if you don't want to, jingle. There might - hypothetically, of course - be some women I'd rather not chat to. That would be my choice and my right.

Sigh.

I'm nowhere near the ceiling.

Just putting my point of view.

Yawn.

Bye.

pompa Mrs P is all woman!

Perhaps the name should be grandsnet!

I like the 'mostly women' atmosphere, too. Before I retired, I managed a group of all female staff in a female offenders' hostel, and we had a policy of only recruiting women but allowing male staff to work occasional shifts there. That seemed to work ok as long as the balance stayed predominantly women, not because we were anti-men but because it was meant to be a female environment dealing with women's issues. That's how I see Gransnet in the main, but the occasional chat with grandads, and hearing their views, is fine with me

Exactly, when!

I think I must be gender-blind - I don't care what sex someone is, as long as they post coherent, well thought out/amusing posts.
On the other hand, I was a member of an expat forum where we had to set up a 'Women Only' section because some men would post really vile comments if a woman wanted to discuss some personal health issue. The Grnasnet men are not like that, I am sure, so I hope they stay and recruit their friends.

Like Greatnan and Jeni I lke to talk about steam trains and traction engines and oh the lovely steamboats on the lakes. We can hardly talk to the Grandpas about knitting. I am happy for them to be here and to talk to them with the exception of one who pm me.

Lots of men knit.

Well, some anyway. No reason why they shouldn't.

Think Kaffe Fassett for a start.

Have you been on The Waverley, harri or pompa? If not, I recommend it. It's the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world.

LOL, knitting is one of my areas of expertise - well sort of - Mrs. P started knitting againg after about 50 years, it was me that kept finding the You Tube vids to help her out. And the coffee and sympathy each time she had to undo it.

Knitting is only a special kind of weaving and loom type weaving was traditionally a male preserve, after the women had done the spinning. You can do spinning and knitting while you are walking about watching kids. You can move it from place to place so that you can multi-task. Loom weaving is more of a sit down job.