Is the time right to allow/encourage Forthrightness of Opinion again?

[PacificDogwood]

As the slightly-taken-aback instigator of the recent Bunfighty thread (I was rather surprised it reached 1000 posts when other very considered and fascinating threads I start barely reach double figures, tsk), I have been left wondering whether MN is in danger of losing its USP: the forthrightness and robust debate (which may or may not include Bad Words).

I am not talking about verbal abuse or ganging up on anybody, but IMO the kid gloves approach has gone quite far enough, thank you v much.

'Light-hearted' in the title? Do we really need that?
Surely if the OP does not make it entirely clear that she is having a larf, that can easily be rectified with a follow-up post if anybody is confused.

"AIBU?" "Yes, dear, you are" "Stop bullying me" - is just ridiculous IMO. Grow up!

I've been here for a few years and I miss the intelligence and wit and clarity of expression that used to be the norm and seems to be driven rather underground now.

I understand that MN is a commercial undertaking and needs to be viable, but surely that also means it needs to be distinct from other networking/parenting/social media sites - it's getting a bit same-y IMO.

Is it just me?

[usualsuspect333]

I'm saying nowt.

[PacificDogwood]

You're saying nothing even though it's killing you to not to?!
Don't hurt yersel, usual

[elQuintoConyo]

"You can take a horticulture but you cannot make her think".

How's that for intelligence and wit?

The recent bunfighty thing - is that the same thread about laq?

Most of it passes me by, to be honest.

I'll try and have a think about something fluffy and nicegto start a thread on... hang on...

[usualsuspect333]

I was just bumping your thread.

[Sparklingbrook]

I have witnessed lots of Forthrightness of Opinion around here lately and it wasn't good. Usually ends in deletions and banning.

[usualsuspect333]

I can't bump it 998 times though, so you are on your own.

[PacificDogwood]

I have in the past had my arse handed to me when I asked something in AIBU and the consensus clearly was that I was, indeed, U
It smarted, but fair enuff.

Sparkling, I think some of the nastiness we've all witnessed recently is actually the flip side of this whole 'Ooooh, let's go on MN where you are allowed to swear". As many of you will have noticed, I do like a colourful word here and there, but not directed at another poster.

See, elQuinto, I'm too dense to get that
I'll find you the bunfighty thread - it sailed close to the wind at times, but was good fun. And entirely 'light hearted'...

[PacificDogwood]

Recreational Bunfighting and Name Calling

[Sparklingbrook]

That thread was a bit scary for me.

[ragged]

Have been on here.... 13 yrs? I think MN has had it.
At least before you got honesty. Now there's a policy and campaign about everything. Maybe the bonkers way the whole world is going.

[PacificDogwood]

Maybe the bonkers way the whole world is going

I fear you may be right, ragged - I don't like it here or in RL.