Why do you come to Gransnet?

I enjoy GN for the Forums, including even the political ones. though I don't often join in, as they tend to become quite acrimonious. There are some very interesting and thoughtful posts about current affairs (eg. Grenfell and the fall out from that). Often the links are informative, amusing and otherwise food for thought (eg. Anne Pettifor and Modern Monetary Theory, recently).

Though I am constantly amazed at the posters who surely spend all their time researching links to support their arguments.

I like the recipes, but wish they were easier to search for. Threads such as LFHC are very interesting.

I rarely post on games or competitions but find that Household tips and hints are brilliant.

In general the help and support on the Forums is second to none, imo. Reading about others' family issues reassures me that our family isn't alone in its quirks and idiosyncrasies.

Long Live GN!

I like the general chatter, the competitions, the free books! Mainly it's that you never know what is up for discussion each day. It's diverse. I belong to another forum about knitting that has people from all over the world on it, but I don't find much in common with some nations.

Reading of problems in other peoples lives, what a sad old biddy I am, and with my umpteenth cuppa on hand giving out my possibly useless and no doubt unsolicited advice but fortunately for them they can delete when ever.

Join the chat, chance to share opinions, ask advice, have a giggle at some posts, read recommendations and every now and again, enter competitions.

Catwoman keep going. The nicer we are to each other, the rude people drift away, as they don't really enjoy being nice to people. Best to ignore the rude ones just as if they have not spoken at all. They enjoy the upset they cause, so never let them upset you. There are so many nice people on here, it would be sad to let that go. Imagine if we were all in a room together. The bullies would have to back off as they are in a minority. Someone quite influential in the past told me a good line if you want to put someone down who is being aggressive.

' Yes of course, you are entitled to your opinion, for what it's worth'. Works every time. BTW Catwoman, do you look like Catwoman from the film, or do you like lots of cats. Either way is good. ?

I come on here because I like reading about people and their opinions, problems or ideas, what in the (very) old days was known as um, 'intercourse'.
I live alone, thus it helps me to stay in touch with the human race in all its varieties.

I agree with gillybob. I come onto GN for support, good chat, help with being isolated, to play word games (they help with memory), hear about good books, read opinions, problems, funny things - and to feel some validation as an older woman and grandma....

I was really enjoying this site. Even started contributing to some of the discussions but will be backing off now after a few extremely rude members have been vindictive to fellow members. What ever happened to "If you have nothing nice to say please say nothing at all." Such a shame as I looked forward to my daily dose of 'Grandsnet' Once again the few spoil things for the many!!!

Only been on GN a few months. A friend told me about it as a place to discuss everyday problems with other Grans. I don"t get involved in politics or religion and never have. Some people seem very friendly and ones who I could relate to in person if I ever met them. Others not so. What I do find a bit exasperating sometimes is when reading the heading to the thread....followed by the question posed ....I put a reply which I think is useful...only to find the original post opens up further still revealing information which should have been included to start with....and which I might have given a different reply to. I have a lot of sympathy for some of the problems posted on here and wonder how I would cope if some were mine.

I think I come to GN mostly looking for situations like the ones I find myself in and seeing what advice is available.

Am I alone in being nervous of posting about my kids' problems in case my comments are ever linked to the real me. Typing my GN moniker into Google came up with every comment I have ever made. What if GN got hacked and our identities attached to our GN names.

So instead I lurk, hoping for second hand suggestions for dealing with my own worries and commenting from time to time. I love funny posts which cheer me up.

The one time that I asked for advice, with a neighbour rather than family, I received pages of comments from lovely people who were all enormously helpful and supportive and wish I was brave enough to ask for help with family too.

Incidentally, although I am very interested in politics I don't like the political conversations as they cause such conflict. Conflict is what I want to avoid in what remains of my life.

Exactly as Tanith said. Plus I hate confrontation so choose not to go anywhere near the politicos.

Message deleted by Gransnet. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

I joined on the recommendation of a friend as I needed impartial advice about a very difficult family situation. The support and advice I received was overwhelming and I was so grateful that total strangers took the trouble to write helpful posts, send personal messages and share their own experiences. I don't really post these days but I do dip in most days to see how my GN friends are doing .

General chatter
Humour
Virtual friends

I enjoy reading the posts, makes me realise that I am not alone in my views / thoughts. Pick up really useful tips also.

Fortunately Jalima, the passive aggressive bullies are few and far between thankfully, and most of us are friendly caring and would never want to put others down. I have posted occasionally with my qualified therapists hat on when I see bullying. To some degree I have sympathy for them because they must be quite unhappy to criticise others, and hide behind anonynimity.

What I like most is to see people sharing other people's happiness and grief. It's the camaraderie that is important. We have as a society moved away from chatting to neighbours, putting the world to rights, and as some people often comment, they are lonely, so Gransnet offers them a lifeline. I think we all know that if someone was in real trouble, and we were near to them, we would go and see them and help if we could. I have recently posted on a forum as I am looking to help women to make themselves feel great.

It's good sometimes to read that other people think/feel/do the same as I do. I've had supportive advice and opinions, but I don't post as often as I could because I'm another one who hates controversy.

I have found some interesting articles on GN. I enjoy reading peoples responses to various posts. Have even posted asking for advice on two occasions when i needed it. People were very kind and supportive.

Being a member of book club
To get advice and info
To help if I can on webchats when people ask for help or advice

There are more reasons, but you only said '3' !!

I joined Gransnet looking for advice relating to my mother's care. It was around the time of the Queen's diamond jubilee so there were some light hearted threads on the go which I found easy to join in with.

There were also regular ding-dongs often leading to deleted threads but that didn't bother me. Those were the days!!

What did annoy me was receiving PMs from posters thinking that as the new girl I needed advice on whom I should or shouldn't latch on to. All ignored - I made my own alliances.

There is often an air of, 'Do as I say, not as I do' but that doesn't bother me either.

I come to Gransnet for a bit of fun so I'm more likely to be found on the light hearted threads. I do offer support if I think I can be of use but there are others far better than I am at offering advice. That doesn't mean I don't care though.

All in all I think there is something for everyone.

I like to read others' views on topical issues, I've found useful information & tips from some comments, & I like competitions.

I'm relatively new to Gransnet. I like reading the posts people put up when they need help/advice with a problem. Its good to know you are not alone out there sometimes, and that other people have experienced similar problems. Don't like the political arguments though............!

I enjoy the general chat and debate, occasional competition, and the recipes.

We do know there is some ganging up going on, Rosesarered received a PM -sent in error to her - encouraging ignoring a poster , this is sooo playground

I too agree with Bluebelle about "being invisible" when posting, when you first summon up the courage to post, it's a bit disheartening when NO one acknowledges you.

I think it's like real life, some find it easy to chat and make friends, others struggle.

I too have had another go, and just post anyway, now and then, even if no one responds.

I do think there are, not exactly cliques, but groups of regular posters who always respond to each other, they've become friends, which is fair enough.

I know from meet ups and messages that there are many who just read the threads but never post.