I have a theory about Local Sites

Maybe it's also to do with volume.

If only a small percentage of posters is on a local site and they only post intermittently it will always seem quieter and slower than a national site with more members even if they too only post intermittently

I had no idea there was a local site. Is it a secret?! Even so, I too prefer the national one, mainly because it provides a larger pool of participants.

You're right that people feel more relaxed in this seemingly anonymous forum but there is a danger of forgetting that your post might indeed be seen by a friend or relative.
Also, some participants seem to be emboldened by the anonymity to say quite hurtful and judgemental things which I'm sure they would express more sensitively if they knew the OP or thought s/he might know them.

I know this isn't relevant to what you're saying, but you can actually use a different username on your local site if you wish to, for whatever reason.

Ana,

It’s not just recognising the name. It’s about the things we post. Say posting about our kids and other relatives. Personal details that an acquaintance might recognise regardless of what name you use.

I was on a local site, can’t remember the name of it, when I recognised my sister posting on it. Didn’t feel so free to post my thoughts there again so I left.

I think it was more to do with causing offence. I’m the oldest of 5 and it’s nice to be able to unload sometimes.

They all seem to expect me to be the mediator occasionally. Being the oldest (I mean of the whole family), I have no where to go with my grows but forums like this one.

Basically I’m trying to spare my family (all younger with young kids and busy) from having to listen to my prattle.

This media is a nice outlet for me and my opinions.

Why do you folks used these forums?

I started a while ago when having a relationship problem. The responses were a mixture of constructive suggestions and destructive blaming. I regretted opening myself to such unkindness when I was already low.

I returned after 3 or 4 years and now just use the word games mostly, or discussions (like this) which are not going to attract hurtful responses. Life's short.

I am the Local Site Editor for Leicestershire. There are very few postings but I continue to load up the site with useful places to go, nice restaurants, shops, household services etc etc. I produce a regular newsletter. What I hope is that if people don't post that's fine as the main site is so good for getting widespread comment, opinion and help but I would like to think people pop in to the local sire for information. Not every area has a Local Editor and Gransnet HQ are continually asking for more people to come forward. I have learnt a huge amount about the county I live in by doing this and as I haven't lived here that long its been a very useful exercise. Can I make a plea for local sites- pop in once in a while and perhaps do a short review of one of the places you have visited or even do a listing yourself of somewhere that you would recommend. I don't know how many people if any visit my site as we don't get any analytics from HQ so it would be great to hear from you.

DAncer66, I did realise what you meant, that's why I said my point wasn't really relevant to this thread, it was just a bit of information that some people seem to miss!

I too am a local editor and think that the local chat forums are more likely to be about local issues, such as discussing decisions made by your local council or where to find the best butcher and to organise local meetups. No need to chat about personal matters locally you can continue to do that on here.

I'm a new poster and I do agree that the forums seem to be good to post queries on various subjects and you do get a wealth of advice and comments. Like the idea of anonymity but yes it would be a nice idea for a local site too for anyone who would like to meet for coffee/lunches/book clubs etc. Even a sort of trip advisor type forum suggesting local events and recommending restuarants

jordana that is exactly what the Gransnet Local sites are aimimg to be. They are in addition to and not instead of the main pages.

How do people find out about Local sites? Before this thread I had no knowledge of them and even now I can only get as far as www.gransnet.com/gnlocal but then what? I may be blind or dim but there will be others like me who simply can't see how to engage with their local site

Click on "Your local sites" then narrow down your choice.

Next to the fireworks picture, it says " We've got all the lowdown on all you need to know about Gransnet Local". Click on that, it should help.

Personally I dont think it's about recognition or else street life wouldn't work and that gets thousands and thousands of folk involved Maybe it's more BECAUSE of streetlife and other local sites already serving the community
I tried my local GN site but it was like pulling teeth no one there, talking to yourself mainly

Thanks BlueBelle. I finally found it but it was hard! I think it's because I have my tablet in Portrait orientation which the website doesn't cater for too easily.
Anyway, I've found one that covers my county and will now see what it's like.