Threads titled "I'm a murderer/dominatrix/denture maker, etc.......ask me anything"

[LindyLou2020]

This is not directed at any MN poster in particular, and I'm genuinely not trying to be goady or mean - it's just a topic which has always puzzled me.
If you have ever started an AMA thread, what was your motivation?
I wouldn't start such a thread because I'm so boring, but even if I wasn't, and had a fantastic career/unusual lifestyle, etc, no way would I invite people on MN to grill me about it.
I can't get past the feeling that it seems like bragging and showing off - even a bit narcissistic.
Or is it just me?💁

@Eyesopenwideawake

I missed that thread, but thanks for giving your reasons for doing it.
Yours is the kind of reply I was hoping for.

I find some very interesting. The funeral director one, for example. She was such a wonderful, compassionate woman.

@AnotherAppleThief

Am I? I really, really don't mean to be.
Can you tell me what I've said that's rude?

I saw one recently by someone who had spent a week as a psychiatric inpatient. I’m in no way disparaging of their experience of having mental health difficulties. But surely a week as an inpatient doesn’t sufficiently qualify someone for an AMA - I’m sure I’m not alone on this site as having had many, and much longer inpatient admissions myself. I don’t think that in any way qualifies me to answer general questions about an inpatient admission. It’s such a unique and individual experience. And a week is such a short time.

The one where the poster had been in prison was truly fascinating. And she really answered pretty much every question.

@Findyourneutralspace

No, you're not.
Where do I express a dislike of AMA?
May I refer you to my original post which started this thread?
I explained that I was puzzled by AMA threads, and was genuinely interested in why PPs started them, and what were the views of other PPs about them.

That sounds really interesting! Just because lots of people have been sectioned, didn't mean everyone has and lots of people wouldn't know what is like. Lots of people have been to prison, but the prison one was fascinating for me because I haven't been in one.

I did one on being an AirBnB host. I wasn't boasting, AirBnB was becoming a big thing at the time and I thought people might want to know more. Also I like posting on MN, so why not start my own thread?

@thebartenderatethethief

You've made some very good points, thank you, and you've given another pragmatic explanation of the reasoning behind some AMA threads

Just you. But then a particular type of Mner suffers from chronic tall poppy syndrome. God forbid anyone should think that what they do or something they’ve experienced should be of interest to other people.

oh that was a good one. She was a star, she answered everything.

I agree that sometimes the authors of these threads pick and choose what to answer and it makes me wonder, did they not realise that some people could view their unique selling point (if you like) through that lens Were they viewing it through a totally different lens where they imagined that they'd be seen as brave, or a victim for example. And when question challenges that belief they don't even try and answer it properly. So there can be a lot of denial in the AMA threads

I won't start one. Mine would be I'm 20lbs overweight and I live in the suburbs, AMA. I could recommend a few good shows on netflix though.

@DarkNurseries it's not tall poppies syndrome. Most of the AMAs are like

''I'm a size 14 mid ranking civil servant in the midlands, AMA''

OP is parodying that aspect surely, not running down people who genuinely have a story to tell.

I always find them a tad narcissistic too OP.

@thebartenderatethethief oh yes, it was crack. Janey mackers. Hope she's ok. Now I'd love an update from her.

Its the ones where people discuss their place of work, i mean who would do that, obviously it isnt allowed in any job

Not everyone who has an inpatient admission has been sectioned though. The vast majority of people are voluntarily admitted…

@DarkNurseries

If you read the whole thread, it will be apparent to you that it isn't just me.
And my OP makes it quite clear that in no way was I trying to be goady or mean.
I was genuinely puzzled as to PPs motivation for starting AMA threads, and was interested in other PPs opinions. And I've learnt a lot, and am thankful to the PPs who have educated me.
But......don't let the facts get in the way of your sarcasm, and thanks for your help.

Some of them are great. My 2 favourites have already been mentioned. Hypnotist and prisoner, both truly fascinating. Mostly I just ignore them though

I wanted to start one titled, “I’m a fantasist, AMA”.

Never got round to it. Perhaps I should start one saying, “I’m a procrastinator.”

Maybe it is just cathartic for some people to chat with anonymous people about their experiences…..I mean for some of the AMA’s like being an addict for instance I find them quite interesting if the OP responds, sometimes they don’t for ages and I think what was the point of asking !

The part where you say it’s bragging and narcissistic? Those aren’t compliments are they?

I think often people want to clear up a misconception about the thing they can discuss.

I find some AMA threads interesting, some not. I have had an extremely dull life, dull job, etc, so I'm not about to start an AMA thread.

But it insightful to read about people who have had more interesting lives. I feel a bit like a peeping-tom, sometimes.

I find some very interesting. The high-class call girl comes to mind. When else would someone without experience of that world have the opportunity to ask a person all sorts of questions?
I don't understand why some people respond in a hostile way.

I started one once. I had zero interest. Not one post. So I am obviously the most boring mumsnetter!

There was one where the person said they were very boring as their AMA title, but they did get quite a lot of response!