Veni et ego profectus sum rumpitur

Yes, I share all the above concerns. I usually drop out of threads as soon as they become personal and/or post something to try and get it back on track, but this Christmas, it has been quite unpleasant at times.

I do think it should be possible to express online when we have doubts about a thread. Do it mildly and it is open to the OP to come back and post more background info that shows it is genuine. Several have done this. If they do not come back, we can draw our own conclusions and anyone new to the site will see the warning and can act as they think best.

I agree, MawBroon. I avoid these arguments like the plague as I know they would upset me. What amazes me is how quickly a thread can sometimes descend into a battle of insults and nastiness.

My father (army) used to say nil desperandum carborundum which he translated as "Never let the b***** grind you into the dust.

I agree 100%.
I faced a dilemma with these posts.
I felt I should ignore them - not sustain them with the oxygen of publicity - that was my head speaking.
Deep down I was angry and at times said so.

For so many of us, GN is our only experience of social media and I've come to the conclusion that some of us are therefore a bit naive in how we deal with it.
We were disappointed when the whole FB and msm s* hit the fan and the subsequent name changes and withdrawal of profiles did real damage to our faith in GN.

That ramble leads to my point that we are more vulnerable and more likely to suffer these invasions and disruptions unless those at GNHQ face up to our concerns.
Guidelines must be reviewed. Thou shalt not discuss trolling in discussions? The very mention of that T word invites deletion. Piffle!
Only GNHQ may deal with the issue (it may take an age to do so, leaving scope for many vile and hurtful posts in the meantime) Unreasonable!
Racist and arrogant posts remain in place while genuine concerns are ignored unless they are expressed in terms acceptable to GNHQ.

I don't know if I've addressed the issues you raised maw but I've got off my chest some of what's been bothering me over the last few weeks.

GN has been spoiled for me also over Christmas. People being deliberately obtuse, having a go at regular posters, trying to derail threads, then playing the victim when challenged and disappearing off the scene once they have caused disruption.
That's why I'm sticking to my regualr innocuous threads for the time being.
Such a pity as I enjoyed GN.

In response to your statement, Maw: Illegitimi non carborundum Of course this is not real Latin!

No Maw you were not alone, there were a few threads I thought of posting on, but as I am stressed out getting ready to go into Hospital on Wednesday, I decided online abuse was not a good prospect.

MawBroon I wholeheartedly agree with you. I got "sucked" into one of them and came away feeling horrible and quite "dirty".

I have always felt comfortable on this site, but not over the Festive Season.

I do wonder if those threads were being used for research of some dubious nature?

Hopefully all is well and back on track for a helpful, friendly and supportive 2019 on Gransnett.