To sometimes lie on MN?

[mugggletoeandwine]

I don't think so.
Like I pretended that DD is the reason I've listened to Wand Erenction's song lots of times, but really I like it, and sometimes, I pretend to be all concerned about the environment, whilst hoisting rubbish in the bin and not recycling.

I can't be the only one?

[ItsAHollyJollyTee]

It's the internet. Everyone lies.

[nickeldonkeycarrymary]

i can't lie.

it will probably be my downfall.

Same as i was never any good at writing fictional stories at school - i just can't seem to be able to make stuff up (it sounds unconvincing to me)

[sharbie]

i never lie

[mountainmonkey]

I bet loads of people on here make stuff up to make their lives seem more interesting, or just for the sake of conversation.

I think most people will agree its very wrong if you're lying about something life or death.

I'm the same as you Nickel- I can't lie. It never even occurs to me to make stuff up. If someone asks my opinion I have to try very hard to be tactful.

[nickeldonkeycarrymary]

mountainmonkey - i haven't mastered tact yet, so I end up appearing brutal.

[SantasNutellaFairy]

I prefer honestty- i always get found out when I lie.

[mylifewithmangers]

LOL Nickel - you can't make up a good story - yet your Xmas name is the greatest lie story ever told!!!

[nickeldonkeycarrymary]

you should withdraw from the cometition, then

Jesus is the reason for the season

(nickel is a church-goer, you know)

anyway, i didn't make the story up...

[mountainmonkey]

On the plus side Nickel, at least when people want an honest opinion they know they can turn to you.

[TrillianAstra]

I think I should lie more on MN, it'd be more fun.

[mugggletoeandwine]

Oh.
Just me then

In my defence, it's not about anything serious, I just get carried away sometimes and talk about things (recycling) that I want to do, but can't be arsed.

It's not like I'm really a bloke called Gary from Wigan.

[new2cm]

If it is to protect someone's identity, then I think it is OK to change their names, even to some extent, where they live.

However, everything else should be truthful. I despise people who tell lies to gain sympathy, for example, people who claim they have cancer when they don't. I think that's very wrong.

I've read threads where people have lied and they do get found out. I remember once on this site one person claiming that they were suicidal, yet the same person posted on another thread 2 minutes earlier, a request for holiday ideas/destination for up £6,000.

I stopped using mumsnet for a year following that thread. I felt so sorry for all those genuine responders who were trying their best to help her and cheer her up and to provide advice.

It was clear that she was a prolific liar judging by the numerous contradictory threads she started. I don't think she realised that by entering a nickname on 'search', other readers could see what other threads that particular nickname had started and what they had written in those threads.

I prefer honesty too.

[Hassledge]

I'm certainly economical with the truth sometimes - but only with the details which might identify me in RL, and I think that's very sensible. I don't lie to the extent that I'd make up something from scratch.

[mugggletoeandwine]

Eeeek, I wasn't talking about that type of lie, it was supposed to be a fairly light hearted thread.

I judged that one wrong.

The examples I gave were daft, silly things, not misleading people at all.

I'll go back to listening to Wand Erection now.

[RockinRobinBird]

I never lie. I'd be 5' 8" and a size 10 if I did, not the short fat munter I regularly profess to be!

[taintedsnow]

Exactly the same with me Hassledge. I have changed details of situations I've talked about so I am not so 'exposed' and I'm sure I've contradicted myself at times. But it's not been lying for the sake of it, it's just been to protect myself IYSWIM.

So YANBU mugggle.

[togarama]

Hadn't occurred to me before but maybe I will now!

[magicmummy1]

don't really get why people lie on online forums - no point in trying to impress people you'll never meet, and what's the use of sympathy for situations that aren't real?!

But I do occasionally amend small details to protect identity.

[faverolles]

I don't tend to lie (apart from identifying details) after I got myself in a big bunfight on a subject I knew bugger all about, and dug myself a big giant hole.
I stick to things I know about now

[EdgarAleNPie]

i do omit things that i don't wish to discuss.

i sometimes exagerrate. i don't lie.

i have noticed some prolific MNers seemingly contradict themselves though..

[faverolles]

But MDS, if everything you write is a lie, your last post is still a lie?

[mugggletoeandwine]

Ha, yes, I've noticed the contradicting.

Me, I just exaggerate sometimes, not often at all, in fact the two examples are the only ones I can think of.

Really this was supposed to be a fun thread.

[fedupofnamechanging]

I don't lie on here. Am probably completely identifiable, but would find it very difficult to say things that I didn't believe to be true. What's the point in lying? Either have a conversation or don't, choice is yours. But if you are going to, at least have an honest one.

I think people should be honest because other people may make important life decisions on the basis of the advice they've been given here.

I do think it's okay to phrase things diplomatically or to be vague wrt personal details if you are worried about being identified.