Can we have a proper discussion about the way some threads go?

troll hunting is frowned upon in all its forms. MN advice is leave the thread and report. Been there/banned.

They don't Ternudjin.

What is very unclear is whether MNHQ tacitly welcome the fact that "people who have been here a while recognise certain trolls the minute they post" and therefore do a nod and a wink, and a TSSDNCOP, at the troll hunting.

And I think people who have been here a while recognise certain trolls the minute they post. they are trying to protect vulnerable posters, not hurt people.

YOU personally should not take the responsibility of trying to help someone who is suicidal though. Never ever. Samaritans/RL help should be the advice. Not you getting involved and saying something motivational.

And this too:

The trollhunters on that thread reminded me of a piece in the news a while ago where people shouted abuse at someone threatening to jump off a building.

I agree with TRinityRhino who wrote ont he other thread:

I swear the troll hunting is getting beyong a joke

just like we are free to post what we want so is everyone else

its like some people think its their own front room

dont take so much offense about what people are posting

if he needs help we can help him

if hes just being a twat then no harm done surely

And with DionetheDiabolist:

I would rather see the troll hunters banned. They disrupt many threads and on this one may have been dangerous.

And with BeerTricks:

It doesn't matter if a poster gets a ban after taking the piss, being cruel or Trollhunting because to a vulnerable person the damage is already done - they've seen that post and it's too late.

And the flip side of the copingberyquietly story is the MNer who was identified and rushed to hospital in an ambulance.

Actually I thought that MN said they would pull posts that threatened suicide (while directing the OP to real-life help) after an instance a few years ago.

And what Artex said. this thread already upset many people. This is a talk board on the internet. I might sound harsh but if you make it clear, no begging threads/no suicide threads - we are not qualified for that.....they will go.

I think the ONLY response if you come across some one reportedly suicidal is to refer them to rl help, and report so MNHQ are aware.

Trolling is against the rules ,doesn't seem to stop them though

When I see people getting sucked in by an obvious troll I want to post 'Ffs are you stupid?

I report,thread stays, I go and bang my head against the wall.

Troll hunters don't damage the site, trolls do, but that's the internet for you.

I would rather see the troll hunters banned. They disrupt many threads and on this one may have been dangerous.

The thing about people with suicide ideation is that they are not thinking clearly. They are coming from a place of extreme emotional distress. That they inform anyone is a good thing, be it on the Internet, the phone or a bridge or building. The trollhunters on that thread reminded me of a piece in the news a while ago where people shouted abuse at someone threatening to jump off a building.

Trollhunting is not permitted on MN and I think that if MN should do anything, it should ban them. MN does not ask anyone to do anything other than abide by the talk guidelines. The rest is up to the individual. I do not agree with locking threads that upset me or anyone else. Where does it stop? There is a Hide button for that. I and all other users have access to it.

Thanks Minty locked yes ........not deleted . so info and explanation stands .

bunfight, not gunfight

Agree with you bassetfeet. There is no way of knowing for certain whether a suicidal op is genuine or a troll. It is not ok to ask unqualified random internet strangers to "talk down" someone who is suicidal but by leaving the threads up, that is what HQ is asking us to do. And there is no guarantee that people will respond with sensitivity, so that is enormously risky for a genuinely suicidal person. Really, for the avoidance of doubt, the threads should be locked and links to a range of mental health services, not just The Samaritans, should be posted up, along with a sensitively worded explanation of why Mumsnet feels it best to call a halt to discussions on a suicide thread.

I happen to think HQ should do the same on the shall I/shan't I have an abortion threads too. But that's an aside.

Hen, same here. I always remember that it's completely OK not to post on a thread if 1) you have doubts if it is genuine; 2) I have nothing useful to say on a sensitive topic (eg I generally don't post on DV threads); 3) it is turning into a complete gunfight; or 4) it raises issues that I find too upsetting for me.

Engaging with suicidal people online is dangerous . It is. Your post may be hugely helpful ...the next one to read may well not be .

I would like to see in the MNHQ guidelines a statement that any acute suicide post be directed to a range of helplines like Samaritans . And then deleted .

Most of responses would be kind and considerate .......but others out there can and will answer with cruelty or misunderstanding .
No mental health forum will allow suicide threats online to continue if they are responsible people . It is not the place and most of us are unqualified .
If you feel you want to support then PM .