Why do you use Gransnet?

Recently joined, can’t remember how I found it, as I now ‘qualify’! Mainly look at forums but would like to explore more, as and when I can find rather time.

I registered on GN long before I first posted. I was lonely and the site filled a gap. I’ve a mistrust of social media that is perhaps not logical but also it seemed necessary to get a sense of how the site worked before dipping a toe. My first post was a knee jerk, I needed to express my sadness and distress at the death of a friend, the kindness and thoughtful responses encouraged me to be more active.

I tend to stick to the forums, often in the night when sleep is elusive. I enjoy the breadth of opinion but not what can sometimes appear to be narrow views and personal attacks. There is always someone who can respond to a practical query from a knowledgeable base, a real benefit. It can be hard to keep track of a thread when life is busy and the thread moves quickly. I struggle sometimes to contribute in a non repetitive way and to pick up on a specific post. It’s like conversation in a group, it moves on.

The games threads seem to fill the screen sometimes, could there be a separate section? I’ve struggled with the articles, many seem to me to be obvious and also patronising. I enjoy some of the competitions, have been lucky with books.

Perhaps the best thing for me is I’ve made a lovely face to face friend from GN, a real bonus, and also some ‘pen friends’. who are interesting, supportive and kind.

I access the site from desktop and tablet, the phone is too fiddly and I rapidly lose patience. I’m also interested to understand why GN has asked us to comment. GN seems a busy place.

My post at 19:56 was reply to quizqueen

rizlett My point exactly is this: You referred to me like 3 pages ago....it gets lost! So IF you could actually post underneath MY post, it wouldn't be! People reading in BOLD can't always be bothered looking back dozens of posts to see just what people are referring to...so move on ..and perhaps don't understand what the heck you are speaking about?

Kim19
I often wonder what the person writing a particular comment looks like and is like personality-wise and if anyone has a made a mental impression of me judging by what we post.

I'm sure there are many things we would disagree on but your particular comment is my view to a tee.

I don't usually log on my laptop until about tea-time (anytime after 5pm, it was 6.15 tonight) so forums often have a lot of replies by then. I always look at the day's forums to see what they are about and do post sometimes. It's interesting to read other people's opinions about issues and I've learned a lot of useful information about health, finance etc. I'm not on Facebook or any other social media. If I had a problem and needed advice I'm sure it would be forthcoming (and helpful) from Gransnetters.

Thank you seacliff. Found them!

I have learned a lot from GN and aim to look in every day. Have only rarely posted but find there are always threads of interest and some excellent advice.. Some very wise, articulate and humorous posts. It makes me feel happy, sometimes sad, but always grateful for what I have. Can't think of any changes. Why mend something that's not broken.

I use my phone for 99.9% of everything (although I do have a laptop and notebook) but never watch live tv. Only sometimes use tv to view larger picture format of iPlayer and YouTube via wireless connection from mobile.
I think 'like' buttons would end up like 'followers' on Twitter or 'friends' on FB. I could write a list of those GNers who would receive high numbers, some, simply because they play certain cards.

Sometimes a discussion is opened which mirrors my family situation. Like many people on GN, I find solace in reading how others cope with similar problems. So yes, I find it both helpful and comforting.

Aly, for the games, go to forum, then scroll down to games. You can usually work out what the game is after reading a few posts.

I really agree with the posters who complain about the abbreviations. They do sound twee and often not even truthful. I rarely post because usually the point I want to make has already been made. I did smile at the poster who described Gransnet as being too left wing. My feeling is quite the opposite and, as I read the posts, I can feel very lonely and weird. But I do find a lot of the advice on dealing with say, in-laws very sound and I think has helped me to bite my tongue at times. I think most people are either kind or indifferent to other posters. I only look at the threads we hear about on our daily email and I use my lap top to access the site. I do think you provide a really needed service and long may you last.

I also tend to browse on my iPad in the evening in front of the television mostly. Really enjoy the different topics and opinions. Agree with the need for a “like” button or some way of following one particular post.
Where do you find the games? And I guess you find “real” GN friends by arranging a meet up. Yes?

Oh yes pinkjj27 I so agree, an edit button would be brilliant

Usually glance through daily and look through any interesting topics.
So sad that there are some people who use because they are lonely....so many lonely people out there! One of the reasons why I joined Anna Chaplaincy - visit the sick, lonely and housebound. Worth considering if you have the time?

How about a 'Grandadnet?' - I am sure they would be interested in something similar.

I joined fairly recently and, after seeing how MN was operating, thought there would be less of the cliquey 'atmosphere' and back-biting.
There are cliques and there are a certain number of the same GNers who sing from the same hymn sheet. Anyone who disagrees might as well be fodder for the cliques.
I read the forums and recipes with interest but will/have reduce(d) my replies due to the sensitivity of many GNers.
It's a useful site/tool for those who are round pegs fitting easily into round holes but I'm not one of them.
I usually dip in and out during the day but never start a thread however, it is interesting to read the views of others and serves as a reminder, if nothing else, that I'm extremely lucky not to have the problems most of them face/have faced, at one time or another, which is, in my view, a positive.
Altogether, I'm convinced that it fulfills a need for many older women, most especially those who have to spend much of the day at home for many different reasons but I am never likely to meet or make friends on here.

I joined Gransnet when a local Streetlife, which had been brilliant, was bought out and died. I mostly read interesting ideas and comments on the days events. I haven’t yet started a tread myself, but I do comment, as a man and a GrandDad of nine, on those subjects which interest blokes.

I like the forums.
It is interesting to see what other people's lives are like & sometimes they are having problems I can relate to.
At a particularly difficult time in my life I was able to post what was happening in my life & got a lot if support & wise advice. It was a lifeline as I only had 2 friends I could open up to.
It got me through a very difficult time & I am still very grateful.

I'm not actually answering your question, sorry Gransnet.

I notice lot of posters here who we don't often see actually posting. I'm sure there are many "lurkers" possibly not posting because they feel a bit out of it, not part of the regular groups.

It's a real shame to think that lonely people come here because they may not have talked to anyone for ages, and they STILL feel lonely here.

Maybe we need another regular thread, a bit like Soops kitchen, where people are always kind, and newcomers are welcomed? I think there used to be something like that? Anyone could then happily post, with the hope that someone will reply, and they can just get used to Gransnet gradually. New people can chat together. Longer term GNetters could pop in and say hello and welcome.

People say they don't get a reply to their post when they do get up courage to post. Gransnet, can we please have a LIKE BUTTON? This would at least make people feel their suggestion or comment had ben seen and appreciated. Is it really too much to ask?

Finally, if you have any interest that is not mentioned, start a new post yourself. You may be surprised and find some like minded people.

Likewise, if you fancy a coffee locally, start a thread suggesting this, and mention your area in the title.

Be brave and have a go at posting. you have nothing to lose. Welcome to you all

I love Gransnet. I'm afraid .I have a bad habit - mobile first thing on waking. No man is an island, etc and Gransnet feels like a community of like minded (???) people or at least people with more sensitivities than say a mixed group. Mumsnet can be ok but the strong feelings are very harsh. Perhaps generational plus we tend to some values and activities at different stages of life.

I rarely dip further than the email with topics but love it. Seriousness, a good laugh, it's all here

I only read the Forums and not all of them. As a newcomer it can feel as if I am intruding as other posters seem to know each other. I feel my posts are mainly ignored, as they are rarely commented on.
A Thanks or Like button would be useful, as would an edit.

I don’t do games or competitions. I enjoy AIBU, and posts about relationships, and like to read a range of opinions, but some posters are very judgemental.

I come on here when I am sitting down after meals as it is company. ( my husband is not very chatty).

I do sometimes wonder?
It used to set me up for the day. A shared anecdote, a laugh, stimulating discussion, maybe a crumb of comfort when life was hard, but above all company when there is no one to talk to. Now?
With the exception of Soops Kitchen and the Good Morning thread it can be a minefield of peevish moans and groans, backbiting and tedious political bunfights. Endless games threads complete the menu. No objection for those who enjoy them but sometimes there seems to be little else.

I usually look in once a day. Have gained useful information and tips.

I get very annoyed at posts that state exactly what has been said previously, what help is that to anyone? How this can be avoided I do not know other than regular reminders to refrain from this practice. If you have nothing new to say, don’t say it.

Have noticed a lot more moans recently. Daughter-in-laws seem to dominate!

I just like to hear people's views on life. It has helped in my lonely days when I thought no one cared. It brightens my day usually check it before going off to wirk and again on a night when I'm watching tv, entered completions and won a couple of books.