To object to inane 'banter' on serious threads?

This is kind of off the point from Greatnan's original post, but having made up my mind to steer clear of most of the Thatcher posts because of the predictably of the inevitable differences of opinion. Of late I've found looking at some of the more innocuous threads. I'm transfixed by Frank's, the wonderfully titled "Andie did his job last night" is one of his unique gems. I love them, am I alone in thinking they are simultaneously entertaining and bizarre at the same time?

Bizarre yes. Infuriating yes. Entertaining no.

I agree with BAnanas that Frank's posts are entertaining in a slightly bizarre sort of way (no offence Frank).

I am reminded of Mr Pooter.

Me too, petallus!

I think a lot of his posts are merely frivolous . There is no particular harm in him

Bit of frivolity can be good .

Well, at least we all know everything we need to know about house sharing with a parent - although after the first post on that subject I have stopped reading them! And I thought I was obsessive.

Nonu Frank's posts are not just frivolous they have a surreal quality about them as well!

They remind me of Monty Python

Should you be talking about another poster? Not to say, mocking?

As far as this thread is concerned I think the original post was downright rude and insulting, and the thread should be disposed of now.

Should never have been started.

I think they're just making light of the original topic which, in this case seems inoffensive [to me]. But surely that means that you agree with the OP and the point being made? Or am I just getting confused ?

Surely you don't regard this as a serious topic of conversation?

Can't see any reason to turn it into a thread about another poster.

Agree , posters should not be mocked .

Nor belittled or patronised. I don't think we were doing that to Frank, although I agree it's not really on to be discussing him.

My remarks were not intended to mock Frank but I can see that we shouldn't be talking about another member. I just wanted to say that I find his posts a bit of light relief sometimes, I've only started to read them lately. It wasn't my intention to say anything derogatory about him.

I wasn't mocking.

A bit late to say we shouldn't discuss another poster (no names, no packdrill) since there has been a huge amount of that on other threads already.

I think the OP made a valid point although the way Greatnan said it made me giggle nervously .

I didn't mind because I always welcome the opportunity for a bit of (temporary) regression.

Perhaps it's time to knock it on the head then?

I've already said what I think of the original post.

I don"t think the OP made point which was valid .

Well, I saw the general point as being that we shouldn't make trivial comments on serious threads because the OP would be hoping for proper consideration and support and I agree with that.

I think 99% of the time we don't 'witter' in any way which would be hurtful to someone posting in distress.

On the other hand, if the topic is something more boring, like how to work out one's tax bill, I think a bit of levity is okay.

I suppose that has confused the issue even more!

It's ok petallus. j08 says this isn't a serious thread therefore we are allowed to let in some light humour but, having done that she also says we must now stop the thread because she has had her say. Or am I getting even more confused?? I had therefore better shut up [relief all round methinks].

Light humour?

Ha ha! A bit of tetchiness and general acquiescence that no-one should dictate who can say what (although that wasn't what the OP was saying), completely undermined by 'ok, let's stop it now cos I've had enough!' You've got to giggle

[vonfused]

Couldn't agree more Greatnan I have often thought the same