Only my opinion

Personally not at all interested in the games, much prefer proper discussions.

Wish the games were in a separate section.

Surely the contents reflect the interests of the readers. I use it like a newspaper or magazine and read what I'm interested in and leave the rest. The readership defines the popularity of the threads. How would you like it to be different phoenix?

There used to be a lot more humour. I've noticed that threads are often labelled, 'light hearted' these days. That shouldn't be necessary.

I get rid of the games as soon as they appear I don’t have to see them.

Yes so do I tanith can't be bothered to wade through pages of responses in case anything is duplicated.
Yes I agree Phoenix seems to have lost some of its spark. Maybe it reflects the mood of the nation Ginny42

How do you get rid of the games? I never play them and would like to avoid constantly being presented with them...

Since I started looking at GN this subject seems to crop up fairly frequently. (Rather hope that is just a coincidence). I have read several posts where GN old timers mourn the fun GN of old, makes me think it was one big jolly at the beginning. In my experience Friday nights were always good for a touch of the ridiculous on here, almost as if we had that Friday feeling.

Some of us are scared to add a bit of humour in case we get complained about. The "population" of Gransnet has changed a lot since the early days. Funnily enough it seemed to start when Mumsnet was closed down for a few days and MNrs were invited onto GN.

I would guess many people join up just to play games (and enter competitions) and GN need a large number of members to attract advertisers.

Calendargirl you can block the games threads. Open the thread, click the red arrow top right. From the drop down menu select "hide this thread"
Next time you go to Active page the thread will not show.

Some of us are scared to add a bit of humour in case we get complained about.

Yes!

I would never dream of starting a light-hearted thread on here. Everything is taken so heavy.

Actually, while we're on the subject, it's not only light-hearted threads that are risky. The (many) estrangement threads are probably best considered to be no-go areas. Because if you state what you feel is the truth and something that needs saying. you are shot down in flames and deleted. (Bring back Geraldine?)

Actually, when I think about it, is any part of GN worth it any more?

I can’t understand (and others agree with me) that games should be in a separate place somehow. I’m going to try following the advice and block them all!

I received many wonderful messages of support during the last four months so I would definitely applaud Gransnet for its caring side and I'm sure others feel the same but as somebody who is drawn to the more light hearted threads I've realised that quite a few of the witty and very funny posters have left.

Humour needs other people to bounce off if it's going to make you laugh.

MissAdventure (sp?) used to make me laugh with her witty one liners but I don’t think she posts now.

And Gonegirl I agree about the estrangement or some of the AIBU threads. mabon always cut to the chase. Said what probably a lot of us were thinking - she was brave enough to say it! Some of those threads are embarrassing to read full of ‘there, there’ and ‘I empathise’ etc. No one wants to be mean but the truth does hurt (a bit) yet we pussy foot around a little too much - which is why I avoid them.

Shame that Miss A seems to have left and also Jalima?

I blame the state of the world. There's nothing to laugh about any more!
I haven't been on GN all that long. A year? I must have missed all the great posters or did I chase them away. I do hope not.
I found GN by chance when googling an answer to a family dilemma, I think.
Anyway I felt at home and stayed. Met some GNs in real life too and they are lovely.

I feel there are more aggressive posters than a few years ago

Jalima is still around -but I will leave her to advise you!

Still spending too much time on this though.....

Wonderful.... I've hidden every Games thresd. ?

Me too Maw
I should go and do something else. Well, earlier this evening, obviously! I keep looking at the clock and thinking ‘just a little longer’ and that was an hour ago now!
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