Open letter to all Gners

I changed my username once a couple of years ago - because I felt I could be identified by my old username. I can't imagine most of those who change usernames do so in order to deceive.

Maybe it would have been better for the whole thing to have been conducted privately? Gransnet has never been the Utopia that some people remember it as; I, for one, left several years ago after some hurtful comments [which were then backed up by other people] and others have done the same.It was actually the 'backing up' comments that hurt me the most as I knew the intial comment was unfounded.

I don't care what you are called anyway bags so long as you keep posting!

If as you say 'it's all there' for all to see- so why oh why?

Baffled indeed, whether you care or not. For me, it's plain deception- as those who have crossed your path, or your words before, don't know.

Whatever- clealy against GN rules- and leaving and reconnect as a pseudo different person is as said 'just not cricket' afaiac.

I won't mind if you remain baffled either

I had various reasons for changing my username, gj. I do not wish to share those reasons with you so you can imagine whatever you like. I won't mind, whatever it is. Have fun

@thatbags, re 'I'm one 'guilty' of changing username quite often, though not for a while now, but it's all there'

but why? Why change names, if it is not to deceive, eg to make people you have 'crossed'in the past think you have 'gone'?
I possibly have had the most attacks, from individuals, but mainly from a whole group- both on here and by pm- but I would never dream of leaving and changing to a name others would not immdiately recognise as being mine. What is the point?

In GandTea's case, I can see how this was best perhaps.

Ana, I never left- I was banned- because some of you requested it- without any of you being aware of the reasons. When I came back after a long absence, I just put the name back to front without even noticing.

I've had many contacts from people saying they can't believe the attacks on me, clearly from a few individuals who work together- and who have, most of them, changed names many a time. They all know of course who they are- but hide it from the rest- which, as said, is just not fair.

My thoughts exactly Bags.

I'm wondering why pompaG&T even knows that someone complained about the bloody immigrant snails thread title. Why did he need to know that someone was being so silly and touchy as to report it? Why couldn't whoever received and felt they had to respond to the complaint just deal with the complainer, especially as it wasn't bloody offensive!?

Seriously, HQ. For goodness' sake! Looks as if a bit more mod training wouldn't go amiss. Someone taking offence is not necessarily an indication of there being anything to take offence at.

It's great to be reading such a supportive thread! I appreciate some posters have very strong beliefs and views, however, resorting to insults and attempting to demean anyone who disagrees with those views is just plain bullying. Like kittylester once that happens on a thread I no longer post on it - which is probably the aim! I'm with GandTea lets try to put the fun back in GN!

From what I can gather [as I've said before] they just pointed out that someone had reported it. It was GandTea who then asked for the thread to be removed...I don't think there was ever any intention of pulling the thread, or making anyone leave#imayhavgotitwrongthough

How odd! There'll always be someone ready to flounce their petticoats at the slightest thing, sadly. But what was HQ's response? The thread's still there with no wrist slapping on it. Did they do that by private message?

I fully support whateverhisnameis's post. Also nellie's.

The humour and kindness is missing from lots of threads. Some of the more 'contentious' threads would benefit from more thoughtfulness. I, for one, mostly avoid those threads because of the hectoring, intolerance vitriol and hectoring. GN was not like that.

There is an awful lot of intolerance about!

Urban myths in my mind nelliemoser.we never sang Baa baa. Blue sheep.such a silly idea at the height of pc. White boards have replaced blackboard because they have a computer connections now.

This has become such h a storm in a tea cup thank goodness common sense has prevailed for pompa. It only takes one person to start turmoil.

I wonder if the person who reported the thread just saw the heading and took offence...I saw the heading and did think it was a bit off but then I read the posting which made me really laugh...Was wondering about getting a petition up to get the goverment to send the blighters back to spain! ?

its a pity that people do not read the threads instead of picking up a few words here and there and putting it all out of context...

There have been FB posts of a similar tongue in cheek title about Polish airmen coming over here in the war to fight for Britain. And doctors coming over here to save British lives.

GNHQ must think harder about this because such actions demean the real importance of using language sensitively.
People need to think about the full context of what has been said not just the words used, and not make such knee jerk reactions.

Elegran is spot on with her comments on the (?wilfull) ignorance of trying to ban the term blackboard.

I have heard of this being tried on the rhyme "Baa baa black sheep" to "blue sheep".

Whatever happened to irony!

Having had the opportunity to read all your posts, I thank everyone for taking the time to respond.

What has pleased me, beyond my expectations is that I am seeing GNers posting that have been lurking but perhaps unhappy to post in the current climate on GN. I have not seen some of you for a while.

It is YOU (remember the wartime poster), YOU are the heart of GN, the fun, the risque threads that make us chuckle. Yes we also need the serious threads. Those from Gners that need advice or our support, practical issues, current affairs ete etc.

Please help to bring the fun back into GN.

And for those on the current contentious political threads, please be appreciative of others views, they are your friends on other threads, bring a little humour into your posts and lighten the mood.

I don't see any reason for GNHQ to apologise, this is not what my letter was about. But I would like GNHQ to read what has been said and respond to the wishes of the majority, which I believe is to make it fun again.

xx G&T

not meant to be crossed out

JBF. Gin Sodden, tight ginger curls and 59 !!! - I'll definitely go for that, sounds better than than actuality - beer sodden, bald and the wrong side of 70.

You know how to make a guy feel good.

For what this is worth... here's my tuppen'orth.

Message forums are great.

Keep an open mind, and don't let yourself become too biased as everyone has their own 'take' on any given subject.

Please don't be offended when new posters come along. The posters are the lifeblood of any forum.

Stay. You atrr special and what you say is valid and worthwhile.

Go and someone will replace you

Goodness, I go off for a few days and miss all the action! But what on earth was all that about? And it seems quite crackers.

I have often thought that people who contribute to a thread should actually read it properly as that just doesn't seem to happen enough.

If anyone should go it is the person who complained about - absolutely nothing!
It is good to have some lads on here providing some leaven so do stay GandT.

I always enjoyed your posts as pompa and would love to continue to do so under your new name GandTea. Please stay and keep us grounded.

Political correctness about Spanish slugs (vile things) .... Seriously! ?

This is what happens when you don't come on GN for a few hours - you miss all the excitement! So now I've had to go and read the gardening thread to find out what it was all about. For goodness sake, some people are unbelievable. You're not leaving us, are you, GandTea (or Pompa, whoever you are today)? Don't let the b****rs get you down. We need to form a thin red line against mediocrity and pettiness

tightly curled light ginger hair. And a slightly gin sodden look about her.

serves yer bloody well right too