Are you all real people?

Well I'm pretty sure I'm real. I've only been here a few weeks, so still 'getting to know' people. I would have been here from the start if I'd known about it - how did all you 'from-the-starters' find out about GN?
I agree with NanKate and Marmight about keeping away from the kind of discussions that are likely to get heated and attract all the self-opinionated members - I quite enjoy reading them, but I'm not putting my head above the parapet for someone to take a swipe at, just to make them feel clever.
The thing about forums as opposed to real life is that in real life you can choose who you share some of your opinions or innermost feelings with. In a crowded room, you can say something quietly to a trusted friend in a corner, something you may not want everyone to know. On a forum, anything you say in any room is fair game and up for grabs. Best to be careful then, unless you enjoy a good old slanging match .

"Good old slanging match" - these are very rare, usually about politics or religion, always contentious subjects, just stay away from them if you wish. Also, remember there are strict forum rules that will be enforced should any post or thread become personal or offensive, the moderators are on the ball and things very rarely get out of hand for very long.
Whatever the controversy we all remain friends afterwards and respect others opinions even if we have to agree to differ.

Sadly I am only too real. I'd love to be wittier, cleverer and more attractive but no I am stuck with the reality that is me. I more or less say on here what I wold say in real life (without the swearing). I'm actively staying off most of the political and/or controversial stuff as a couple of exchanges have given me sleepless nights and its not worth it. I enjoy the fun stuff and try to be helpful when help is asked for. I'm on Facebook but only look in at Twitter now and again. off to play an unreal game of golf now - in the sense that 'its golf folks but not as we know it'.

Most of us do try to make our "slanging match" remarks as unslangy as possible polite.

I'm really real but this morning I wish I wasn't.

thatbags

Phoenix a bit late...

I'm real, and I can vouch for the members whom I have met - Phoenix, Grannyactivist, Grannyfran, Galen, OGM, cazthebookworm, Maniac, Atqui, Marmight et al (that's in case I have forgotten someone!)

I do love GN, and am happy with it most of the time. As in real life, there will be people in a group who annoy us, some with whom we feel an immediate rapport, some who suddenly surprise us, and some who enlighten us in many ways. We are fortunate to have such a diverse group of people with whom to interact.

Pheonix, how did I miss your post offering a bribe of cakes, yes please, I am anyone's for a cake.

whitewave. Do you think that some posters are not the same in real life as they are on here? Is that what you are sort of getting at?

Whitewave has started an interesting discussion with some very 'real' comments. I don't want to infer that I don't like Granset, I wouldn't be here if that was the case. I'm on here every day and love reading the threads, I've been here for about 4 years and have commented many times. I've also started a couple of threads in the past.
I'm an educated professional, 5 children, 5 grandchildren and lots of outside interests so I do have plenty of opinions and views but I do hate conflict and nastiness when it appears.
Diversity is what makes this site interesting and I learn something new every time I dip into it.

Rosannie there are no Supergrans on here or those who know everything despite what you may read. just our own thoughts on things, and yours are as valid as anyone else's.Keep posting your thoughts.

soon No I think what I am trying to say really is that the only relationship that we all have between each other as GNS is one of chat whether it is debate, sympathy or just fun so the relationship is not as complete as it is with someone we can see and touch. That sort of relationship is a thousand miles away from a virtual relationship and so it doesn't feel quite real to me. Saying that I do enjoy GN and the ability - in my case - to have a good debate or chit chat on something that takes my fancy.

Ah, I get your point, and quite agree with it.
I have come late to the whole social media thing.
I am only really here because I had a large family, and they have all left home. And my husband is out most of the day, and I cant stand radio.
I have a need to talk!
But no, for me neither, it doesnt touch having real life relationships.

Having said that, it does offer a few things that real life does not offer. You "meet" people that you would not otherwise meet.
And have more regular indepth discussions on topics.

Pompa, didn't spot your post at 09.20 until now. I have to say the one thing I love about GN is that everybody does seem to remain friends, despite their widely differing opinions. The 'slanging match' comment was very tongue in cheek.
I have always enjoyed a bit of controversy and intelligent debate in real life, but I'm not fond of it in forums for a couple of reasons: firstly, because with no body language it is easy to be misconstrued and then you have to go through all the damage limitation afterwards . And secondly, in real life you can wind up a conversation, agree to disagree etc, move on to something else, whereas in a forum, even if you stop posting on the thread in question, the thread itself can go on and on and on ad infinitum. I've seen this happen on other sites, where I've felt sorry for the original posters who probably wished they'd never said anything because it just won't go away now!

You're right, Ashtree - conversations / discussions can go on and on, but I think, on the whole, people eventually come down to earth, even if they don't all become friends with one another. Occasionally, in the past, (I have been here almost from the start) people have -- flounced off-- withdrawn from GN, but sometimes come back and carry on as they were.

Oh, and welcome, belatedly!

Perhaps the OP should have the right to have a thread terminated after a certain time. Any wider issues raised could be pursued on a new thread.

Thank you Ariadne. And what a good idea grumppa

I am real and I have been here from the start. I have been to meet ups and found everyone to be friendly and interesting to talk to.
There are some threads on GN where the debate gets quite heated and some of us do not say what the OP wants to hear but such is life

We are all real people and as such we are far too fond of contemplating our own navels.

I'm real. I just pinched myself and it hurt

jingl is of the "move on nothing to see" philosophy whitewave.

Don't even understand the explanation!!!!

I agree with Grumpa, the OP should be able to request his/her thread is terminated as some do go on in ad infinitum to no avail.

Must go on a diet, can't see my own navel !