Why do you come to Gransnet?

I've mentioned to a couple of friends that I'm on GN but not actually recommended that they join up, perhaps I should.
That's an excellent idea Elegran re GNHQ emailing absent members, just to check if all is well with them.
There seems to be a groundswell of opinions that the majority of posters don't enjoy the conflict that often ensues on some of the political threads and that many of us enjoy the support, humour and general chat.

I enjoy the general chat, household and medical tips and if possible helping others with similar problems to myself and vice versa. Not interested in games,competitions or political posts. One of the posters on this site has mentioned "nasty" posts, I haven't really come across any and if I do I would ignore them. One thing that stands out most of all on Gransnet is that everybody is mature enough not to use profanities, unlike Mumsnet where every other post is littered with them. I unsubscribed from mumsnet because of it, it is totally unnecessary to use such language particularly in writing.

I don't know because I've only once had anyone get back to me.

We have recently downsized to an apartment and have virtually no storage space for archived stuff, as in loft, shed, garage or spare bedroom. I have dozens and dozens of photo albums and loose photos going back over a hundred years. Can't bear to throw them away and haven't got family who could store them. At a loss what to do!

Information for me and making a contribution to others

I do mention GN to friends in conversation. Not sure if anyone has followed it up yet.

I wonder whether GNHQ could send an email that says something like "Posters have noticed that you haven't posted for a while. Have you decided to leave? We hope not . . . " and so on. They could send it out if they are alerted to the prolonged absence of someone who would be espected to be posting.

Gosh haven't been on GN for a few days, this is a long and interesting thread. Umpteen reasons, I was a fairly new grandparent at the inception of Gransnet so it seemed an ideal forum, like many I had lurked on MN and still do, but of course that site is far more geared up to parenting as it's name suggests. I enjoy a lot of the general chat. The political threads are often contentious, particularly when they are the same half a dozen or so posters recycling similar arguments ad infinitum, I find the nature of the debates just perpetuates aggression and are imo a self defeating waste of time.

There are many other threads which have been really good sources of information everything from Health, books, films, travel, all good for exchanging views and even getting answers to problems.

The "cut out of their lives" thread is often paintful to read and I feel for those who are in that position. Sometimes interlopers seem to want to stir it up over there, but I don't think anyone who hasn't been through their situations should interject. Clearly they have formed a support group and I think that's what they do "support each other".

I like the "Good Morning" thread, it's typically British to talk about the weather and it's interesting to see how diverse that can be in our relatively small country. Someone else mentioned PRINTMISS, she hasn't posted on there for a while now, so hope all is well with her and her family.

I recommend it to posters getting an online verbal bashing on other boards. I tell them it is generally much calmer waters!

Shared responses, helpful discussion, useful tips and above all, support for posters who need it. Sometimes the compassionate responses are amazing.
Competitions, especially for books; comments on tv, radio and films; possibilities for meet ups; online friendships.
Not so keen on childish online fights especially when they derail threads and drive people away. Such a waste of time.

I come here for the company and the advice and opinions on everything and anything. Makes a difference to my life. I agree with kittylester about not recommending to others as you be able to be more open.

I haven't recommended to anyone - I am more 'open' on here than I would be with anyone except a couple of good friends and I value that.

Bluebell I relate entirely to what you said. I like to read about how other people cope with situations I find myself in and when I do occasionally make a comment it is completely ignored. That is fine by me as I do not need a reaction but I am sometimes shocked by the replies some people receive and this has put me off posting. Nobody likes to be judged and I think most people only benefit from positive reactions or none at all.
GN has helped me put my problems in perspective, however, when I read how other people cope with the problems in their lives - that is why I come on here.

Helpful chat and opinions. Sharing problems or difficulties. Virtual conversation like the chat that went on during busy working life.

Please keep posting Jaycee55

I talk to myself most of the time, It doesn't put me off.

I love the forums but only read the topics sent to me on email. I like the fact I hear people have the same problems, insecurities as I do. Iit validates I am just normal. Shouldn't feel so sorry for myself. Some posters are a bit harsh but everyone has a valid opinion. Except I don't think they should be personal. It's great there are people out there . I would like more meetup. I belong to a group called meetup . It's just one website not just different areas and anyone can set a meeting up. Just a thought. Also I would like a I need help page. There maybe one but there is just too much to look at. Well done to all at gransnet.

To share or air opinions.
To take the good advice, and to disregard the unnecessary personal attacks.
To have fun and to realise there are many like minded people who see the good things in this world and accept its imperfections.
To share the joys of being pet owners!

I would like to agree with Azie I have posted twice on different subjects and felt as though I was talking to myself, so I now come and read most forums, but keep my thoughts to myself. I feel that most posters are kind and thoughtful but several are unpleasant bullies.

From being a member since the beginning I have read all kinds of posts relating to all subjects and over the years made many virtual friends in the early days we had some fab Friday nights out on the virtual town.
I steer clear of political threads as they can get far to personal and insulting and I also wonder why some posters are still allowed to vent their venom against other posters point of view.
I enjoy the competitions/soops kitchen & book club & [cake]

I like the Forums, don't really have time to do games or competitions. I am a self-confessed lurker, only posting occasionally and then on the less controversial topics. I am quite a tough cookie but life is trying enough at times without being involved in bad tempered exchanges online. Like so many of you, I am put off by very aggressive posts but utterly charmed by the kindness and helpfulness of most posters.

I feel the same catwoman. Even the most innocent remark is jumped on by people who could only be described as 'bullies'.
I'd love to join in more but I now look who's commenting on particular threads and don't bother.

Oops, LCHF, that should be

I like everything about it, (the humour sometimes has me laughing out loud!) except when there are nasty comments sometimes.

No your'e not sad at all sarahhellen and when I ask for advice I welcome everyone's responses. Sometimes it helps you see things from a different angle.