I will say this only once and then I will --bog off-- get back to Xmas

jingl I really liked your clear, honest and open post. Didn't see any sins .... and I'll say it again - a warm welcome back. I've missed you.

Certainly agree with your posts Elegran - particularly the last one.

SHE'S BACK!!!

I'm feeling a little smug but I'm sure I wasn't the only one who thought that maybe 123 was you but your new name is a bit of a clue and the style .... Ooooh, I'm sooo pleased you're back. Properly back.

(And, even when you got a bit outspoken I for one never thought you spoke with malice.)

Happy Christmas!

I remember Maudie. I had my suspicions about her.

I'm new to the characters involved here, so I don't know any rights and wrongs, or who has been nasty (or was thought to be) to whom. But: if you know that saying something to a group of friends would cause offence, you don't say it. Surely 'watch what you say' is normal behaviour in social beings, whether you are writing or saying. And people sometimes have a thinner skin than usual because of what is happening in their lives. On a forum, you can't know that. Plus, if you take personally something that has been written, it is easier to re-read and refuel the hurt or resentment, than when it was only said. Gransnet can be like a great village, with all the factions and misunderstandings and crossovers, particularly as you don't always get the tone in writing.

I think you are right i all you say Icy - it is only reasonable to be concerned about others' feelings, as I am sure that in the main posters on GN are. I have found them to be kind and supportive, without the need to cause any distress.

The more abrasive posts seem to wash by me; but that is not the case for everyone and we cannot know what is going on in their lives that might make someone easily hurt. Best to err on the safe side. That does not preclude honest debate and a range of opinions, which are always interesting.

You are right, icylittle. It is sometimes difficult to know what tone of voice a post would be said in. Add to that a few people who seem at times to be actively looking for someone to post something that hurts them, and others who "just open their mouths and let their belly rumble" and you could have wars breaking out all over the place at the drop of a hat.

Too much "robust exchange" can be wearing for everyone, and too much sweetness and light can tempt a deflating retort. Luckily, the vast majority of posts on here are within reasonable limits.

I love that 'belly rumble' saying - I've never heard that before. One to keep!

Cari, can I suggest a little "guideline" here? If and when you decide to ban someone, can you let them know you are doing it? Don't just leave them wondering why they cannot log back in. Some of us, well me, are a bit slow cottoning on to things. Especially when it is a website that wobbles technically a bit every now and again. (No offence Tech!)

This is politely meant.

jinglbellrocks....so much for you saying ' no one would be interested' lol

jings as my dgc would say......"You rock!"
I'm glad you're back too

I'm glad too, but wouldn't it be better to raise the point about informing a member that they're about to be banned with GNHQ direct?

I'm confused. If,as you say, something you said 'upset HQ quite a lot there must surely have been a dialogue of some kind between them and you at some point? So, the banning would not have been entirely unexpected?? And I thought that, round about that time you left anyway so perhaps they couldn't contact you to tell you cause you'd gone. [just a thought]

Here we go round the mulberry bush…

No Tegan. It Wasn't hard to guess why I was banned. In retrospect.

Don't bother your pretty little head with it absent. Go and have your breakfast.

Unless you really want to sing some nursery rhymes, of course. I could join in. We could have a bonding sing-song across the miles.

But first I must get my sausage rolls out of the oven.

I want one - are they ready?

Get in the queue, granjura!

They are about to go into the freezer.

DH has had one and I have had two some smallish end bits.

Sorry.

Merlot, Dollie ,Elegran, Ana and Thatbags Yep. I agree.

Nice to see you post again Jingle but I have to say I get so frustrated with the name change thing ummy jig, up your bum chum scenario. Only because I never ever read between the lines and I think it's a new poster.

PS. I know it isn't just you who has done it, PROBABLY.

The thing is, once one gets in a huff and buggers off takes some time out, you can't get back on with the same name.

It was this or jonumbers which was invented by another poster, and which I quite like. [chenille]