Is It an Age thing?

The one time I did post something I shouldn’t have and I asked HQ to delete it, I got a very snappy, unsympathetic email from one of the moderators.

I don’t have any real problems and if I had any I’d don’t think I’d air them on GN, not just because they might turn up in some red top but because I’m quite a private person.

Little ‘issues’ - such as not being able to book a seat on a train, or problems with British Gas - now that’s a different matter.

But personal issues regarding family or friends. I don’t think so.

No, its not your age. It is the way GN is seen by those coming to it, or not, as the case may be. Because we are a community of older people and kind and helpful, we attract posters with problems. The number of posts on family issues attracts more people in similar situations so the number of Agony Aunt threads increases. Others coming to the site see all the Agony Aunt threads and think 'this is not for me' and go elsewhere.

When GN started we had lots of public policy and current affairs threads, where a wide range of views and opinions were expressed, but since the Labour party changed its leader and became so polemical, it has attracted devotees who seem to equate JC to JC and worship at his altar. Any general public issues discussion becomes a political thread with in a page full of the same old, same old.

I would like to have started a thread on housing and the recent policy annoucement this week, where the issue and solutions could be discussed, but I didnt because I knew within a page it would have degenerated into a labour supporters slagging off the Conservatives thread all smoke and no fire.

I signed up for GN in the first weeks/months, because I found it vibrant diverse aand interesting. If I discovered GN tomorrow, I would look, and move on saying, 'not my kind of site'

We certainly are Cherrytree

I like the anonymity of GN.
There are times when friends and family just can't help.
Advice and views from a multitude of grandparents.

GNers provided interesting snow and storm updates better than the BBC

GN has become my go to for my travel advice and information.

oopsadaisy life is a rollercoaster.
Compared to our grandparents we are the lucky ones.

Have also made some truly good friends on GN..it's good to know that you can pop on 24/7 and read stuff or post or start a thread..I think you can 'take' out of it want you want..ask for help/opinions or just blow your top haha love it ?

It’s nice that you have all made friends. So many people are burdened with problems, I guess it helps to know that people are there to listen and that you’re not likely to bump into them on your doorstep.

I am not on Gransnet because I have problems, but I know if I had a problem I could expect to get support and encouragement. I hope, in some small measure, I have given support and encouragement. Sometimes I am truly overwhelmed by the problems people have and I don’t know how to respond. There are times when you wish you had wise words and can’t find them. I have had the pleasure of meeting some lovely Gransnetters and correspond regularly with another who I hope to meet in the future.

Since joining GN, I have realised that lots of people have similar problems to me but lots of problems are different. I feel I can sometimes help with these because I am removed and maybe have a clearer sight.

I have made good friends on gn - often from sharing experiences with people.

I agree with you Charleygirl. I have met two lovely women in real life through GN who I count as friends, as well as other good women at meetups. I think everybody has a different reason for being on here. Obviously some are isolated through geography or ill health, whereas others have unrelated problems and get comfort and support through sharing. Personally I enjoy the “conversation” of many different people who I would never have met in real life.
And as for the unexpected outcomes.... I now roll my tee shirts and underwear and enjoy using a soup maker. All thanks to the clever women of GN, to them all.

I joined for some chat and laughs, rather than help.
Having said that, I have been helped by GN members in various ways and picked up good tips regarding everyday things.
I do feel a lot of GN is more serious thanit was in the begining. Whether that's due to the age of the members encountering more strife with age, I don't know.

I have picked up hints and tips but I have met in real life some very pleasant people and we meet regularly for coffee once a month and have been doing so for 3 years. I have also "met" some people on GN and emailing them regularly we have become friends. Distance I think is the reason for not meeting up. There is a positive side to it.