Why have people started to use the term OP now?

[PavlovtheCat]

I find it so impersonal.

Once apon a time, people responded to the poster by their name, and when referring to them on their own thread, they would say 'but pavlov said she did/did not...yada yada'. OR, more personally 'pavlov, i agree/disagree with what you said about...'.

Now it is 'the OP said' or 'OP i agree/disagree with you' why? why not just put their name, you are talking to a person.

I personally really dislike being referred to as 'OP'.

AIBU? i dont think so

"OP I disagree with you" makes it clear that you are disagreeing with the person who posted first rather than the most recent post.

Oh OK

Ahem Pav!

I, Peachy of the Sancti Moany Arse, Do Not Judge speak!

Much.

OK?

It's alright, I know nobody cares about me

It's an old thing, not new. Saves scrolling back to the op's name.

I suppose it would be rude to reply PeeOff to the last-but-one post?

It's not a new thing. I've used OP before but only when talking to someone else on the thread about something that the Original Poster had said but that wasn't a direct comment at them, if you see what I mean.

Many people MN on their phones and scrolling up to check that the name of the OP is.. erm... pavlov, not entirely easy....

Don't think it's meant to offend or due to laziness ..

HTH

LMHF
[on laptop]

Sorry, I sometimes use it but try not to.

Occasionally there's good reason - esp. if a bunfight has kicked off and loads of people are confusing one militant poster with the person who started the thread, who's often admitted their mistake pages ago. In those situations I think 'OP' is useful.