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

I think that, sometimes, problems arise because a poster says something tongue in cheek, but because we can't see their facial expression the text is taken literally and certain readers misconstrue the message and take offence. I've often typed something and then thought better of it before I post it for that very reason! Even putting a after the post to indicate that it was meant in a jokey way sometimes fails to work.

You’re right Grandad1943! Some people must just enjoy lobbing a verbal hand grenade into the mix - then retiring to enjoy the ensuing battle of words!

It seems some people feel unwelcome when they join because they feel ignored I suppose.

I don’t think I was ever welcomed as such, but I didn’t announce it was my first post as some people do, so I never expected it really. Must admit I never say welcome to anyone, just comment on a post if I feel I can add anything relevant.

When no one comments, you assume it wasn’t!

I wish there was a "like" button for posts. It would save a lot of hassle.

The biggest argument for a ‘like’ button is that those who don’t want to enter into a verbal affray can at least show support in a non-threatening way. I’m sure you are right Sparkle and it would cool things and cut out some hassle.

I must admit for the first time ever I asked someone today for proof, but it was tongue in cheek as they are one of the ones always asking for evidence on facts. I must admit I don't post as much as I use to because of the sniping and nasty remarks and name calling.

I got a snide remark because I posted something from FB that I thought was funny and would make people laugh, but I didn’t acknowledge the source.

Like buttons cause issues on some forums as people are accused of cliquiness and of using them to support their friends. They also kill threads, as if people can leave a 'tick', they often don't bother to comment and the threads don't make progress.

Similarly, 'dislike' buttons are used as a passive aggressive way of making people feel bad, and allow posters to be negative without bothering to explain why they disagree. The OP can't explain what they meant if their post has been misunderstood, or offer a counter-argument.

That was because your post was a tiny bit critical of Boris Johnson's Government Furret

I suspect that the majority of the posters on GN who are insulting or argumentative wouldn't say boo in a face to face discussion. Others are using the site to let off steam in frustrating and unsettling times.
Either way, as someone has already stated, you shouldn't take comments to heart. It's only folks opinions, and they are ten a penny as my Granny would say.

Oh goodness Furret, criticising good old Boris is a moral sin gransnet, he has a large fan club, as I have found out to my cost.

Try criticising Mary Berry if you really want a roasting!

Oldwoman70 I agree totally some posters can be so cruel and nasty. Earlier in the year I was horrified by one posters treatment of a bereaved family. The lovely gentle good morning was invaded by a poster not regular on that thread who sort only agreement for her own opinion formed about a situation she had no first hand knowledge of, only her opinion. I was so upset, I am a lurker and have not posted for a while. Mostly threads are good all round opinions on a subject. A few. Spoil things.

As the much-lamented Gonegirl once said, in one of her previous incarnations,
‘It’s only an internet forum!’

Not worth getting upset about.

You took the words out of my mouth, janea. I'm seeing this stuff all over the site at the moment.

Just walk away, Renée

I agree with *Chewbaccas first post. I too have reduced my GN posting, cant be bothered with the unnecessary arguing, rudeness and unkindness that keep popping up

Apparently I am part of 'a coven'

I'm just off to fillet a snake, search for a newt and a frog and hunt for some hemlock in the garden
Oh, I need a salt-sea shark but that could be a bit difficult as I'm not allowed to go out at the moment.
Please keep my cauldron bubbling, anyone who wants to join in.

Goes off-stage, muttering double, double toil and trouble

Haha Callistemon the ( supposed) insult of being in a coven is levelled by posters at anyone they simply don’t like.
Usually when they have run out of rational debating skills.
Got any spare newts? Have just thought up a really good spell.?
Being in a coven could be a nice social outing at the moment,
Does the cauldron have any gin in it?

Acid drops

Furret, I didn't read the previous posts and my fuddled brain thought you were being nasty by posting acid drops.?
Sorry!?
See how easy it can be to misinterpret posts. I shall join Callistemon in the coven.?‍♀️

Perish the thought!

I wouldn’t dream of posting, as an example, that someone has ‘run out of rational debating skills’.

I saw the post about the coven yesterday. It was a horrid post, but thumbs up to you girls for making a joke out of it. It’s the best way to deal with it.

It's full of gin, I have scooped out the frogs' legs and newts' eyes. There may be some bits of snake left in, just aim them into the spittoon.

Only lime drops, Furret we dont want no acid drops in the gin.

So that's where my portrait got to, Marydoll!

Yum yum, sounds delicious.