An awful lot of nastiness these days, don’t you think?

In regards to forum members being requested to provide some evidence of what they may be claiming and stating, then I believe that is a perfectly reasonable request.

All on this forum should face the fact that some members make claims and statements that appear, and often are, quite frankly rediculas. In that situation what is wrong with asking that forum member to provide a link to what they are stating?

However, we then at times witness that forum member stating they are being "got at" just because a reasonable request was made of them for a link.

In any aspect of life, we are often asked to provide "back up" for anything we state, try to purchase or often just to prove who we really are.

Spot on Daddima

Hmm, I agree with you at some point. There are always people who just can't stand those who have different opinion, so they call them names, accuse them of being nasty, etc, etc. It doesn't matter whether you really insulted someone or maybe it was just your opinion that is different. You will be called nasty no matter what.

Discussions on here can get rather one-sided. There are certain topics which are dominated by the same group of people who don't tolerate anyone having different views from their own.
Also, people form an impression of you based on your opinions. This can make them prejudiced against you and anything you say is immediately condemned.

Wow! Calling someone a ‘newbie’ - that’s rather revealing in the context it was used.

Yes Chewbacca I’ve just seen the thread I think you’re referring to. That’s a typical example of what happens on here. Happened to me when I first started to post and the tone was so nasty, and the demand for evidence to back up a comment I’d made was so rude, that I rarely post in case they come at me again.

I've been roundly criticised, on thread and on PM.
It doesn't bother me one jot and I suspect once the 'flamers' knew that, they left me alone
Call out the bullies and they'll find other victims....and they do.

Having said that, during Lockdown, people have been a little more irritated, understandably but that's to be expected.

You can certainly voice annoyance, even outright disagreement with a point without it becoming personal.
Those who make it personal, clearly haven't been able to work out the difference.

So if it's about opinions (and I actually agree it is) why does it matter what people say ....it's their opinion. Take it or leave it surely. Move onto another thread there are really plenty to chose from. Step over people who are offensive or just dont take offence it's your choice

Maybe I haven't been looking at the same threads, but I haven't noticed that much nastiness. Which threads are being referred to?

When people ask for evidence I always feel as if it’s a law court. It’s not, it’s about opinions.

Chewy, I remember when I first came on GN, I would have tears of laughter running down my face, sparring with you and Lemongrove.
Oh to return to those heady days.

The nasty people in real life, just become more aggressive and antagonistic on here, because they are cowards, who hide behind the anonyminity of their user name.
You wouldn't have anything to do with them, if you could help it in real life.

I suspect that they are very unhappy people, who can't bear seeing others being pleasant or happy. They are so well balanced, because they have a chip on both shoulders, often looking for a slight, where none was intended.
Best way to deal with them, ignore them.

If you use social media, you would be very naïve to think that everyone is going to be your pal and posters will find your posts rivetting.
It can be very upsetting when someone takes agin you and you can't fathom out why!.☹️
I know this because I have experienced it.

I've just stumbled across a thread that was started earlier today and I've only just read it.
OP: opening post
2nd post: Where's your evidence? Prove it.

oscaroll I agree completely with your post.
I'm on GN nearly every night, usually before I go to sleep.
I don't post on any threads where posters are likely to be unpleasant.
I stick to "generic" topics such as books, health, pets, gardening, etc. That way I keep myself on an even keel ?

Redhead56, those that demand evidence were like this before, it's nothing to do with C19. There are little gangs of Gangster Grannies on here. At least they don't roam the streets with knives! Cutting tone instead maybe.

I can only assume it is a bit of anxiety caused by the virus or these people have too much time on their hands.

You may be right there Redhead because on the Coronavirus threads and the news & politics threads the anger and aggression towards anyone who dares not to agree with main contributors is palpable. Disagreeing with a poster there isn't enough; you have to be prepared to back up any statement with clinically accredited data and be prepared to be told that your childish and irresponsible if you can't. Not so much a discussion as a Spanish Inquisition.

I am a lurked and sometimes post you get the odd nasty remark but I also read mumsnet so this is very calm
I have noticed that out in real life people out in their gardens are much more likely to chat now we are incarcerated

I agree with Daddima there are a lot of rude and uncalled for remarks and comments. I have also noticed people demanding others to prove why they have made a certain comment. I can only assume it is a bit of anxiety caused by the virus or these people have too much time on their hands.

I was actually thinking about that incident Charleygirl, when I was reading this thread.
It was totalled uncalled for.?

For new posters, I think that initially, a softly, softly approach may be a good strategy.

Isn't it really that SOME posters don't want to read another persons opinion, they want to read others agreeing with their opinion. When that doesn't happen they can resort to insults and unpleasant comments.

I like to read a good robust discussion as I find I can learn a lot from others however, once the tone becomes nasty I no leave the thread.

Thank you Marydoll for those kind words. I do try- not everybody appreciates my sense of humour but I am not bovvered.

A while ago I even had my head bitten off by a newbie I was trying to help. Ah well, you win some, lose some.

Thank you Marydoll for your nice words.
I shall try the Maths tomorrow.

Well I have been posting regularly for about 6 months, but haven't posted now for over a week; I have instead become a lurker. Some of the comments on the political threads are awful - I am amazed at just how rude and bigoted some of the posters are. You can certainly disagree with someone without the need to call them stupid. I do agree with whywhywhy in the respect that as a new poster, you don't feel part of 'the gang' or the 'clique' but I suppose that is precisely because we are new! I will continue to lurk and dip in and out of threads, but will certainly avoid anything relating to politics.

In my day the rod was not spared- that unruly lot would soon change I think. They are unemployable at present.

Oh that's a relief! The last thing I want is to be employed. I'll stick with my unruliness over there I think ???

Oh Charleygirl are you trying to stir things up*??
I had a good Scottish Education, and trained at a Scottish institution.
However I have tried my best, but they are all beyond redemption.?
Despite their many failings, I love them dearly. ?

It's not always difficult algebra in class.. Some days, it is just a simple brain teaser or word problem.
It depends on how mellowed I am.

I have to say Charleygirl, you are one of the nicest members on GN, always making an effort to welcome new posters.

I do sometimes feel that it you are violently opposed to something you are better not posting. For example if you have a dislike of the royal family don't go there.

I have felt sneered at when talking about a favourite radio programme. My choice thank you. Th

Still it's only words and I keep away if things get too nasty.
(Thank goodness the election is over.)