why do people do this on mumsnet? What is the point?

[jasper]

I'm talking about this strike through thingy. I don't understand. Is it meant to be witty? Is it so you can say unkind things but pretend you didn't?

no need to reply, really. So unimportant but I have a lot of time on my hands today

and why post things on Am I Being Unreasonable that don't really qualify, like this?

What a stupid fascinating question.

can you strike through a smiley? Would you want to? would that denote you were smiling but are not any longer, or you never were anyway?

apparently not

I would answer but I'm busy now MNing doing important work on my laptop.

Who gives a shiny shit? I'm not sure really

I've seen it used very wittily on occasions. It's often used to imply the OP's real thoughts which have been crossed out and replaced with something tamer or a euphemism.

Dog, have you been drinking am I getting the hang?

I rather like it myself. Done well it's a sort of theatrical aside in the limited medium of the messageboard text-box. Done badly it makes your eyes hurt, of course.

Mardy I don't believe it has ever been used wittily can you post a link?

Because it pisses you off they have a sense of humour?

I still can't work out how to use it or any of the emoticons - someone help please!

Jasper, it is clear from your first post that you are a disingenuous clever clogs understand the strikethrough perfectly.

jasper - sorry can't be arsed find one at the moment.

Right, I am going to make it my mission to seek out and applaud the witty strike through. Wish me luck . lock me up

yes, it is so you can say unkind things but pretend you didn't.
it's so you can change your mind, but still put what you were originally going to say.
it's so you can be silly and pretend you're doing something you're not doing.

like: today I am skiving on the computer working.

aw, bless.
was it just cos you were jealous then?

Euphemia, I knew your great great grandfather

I don't know how to do that [increadibly stupid face]

What MardyBra said

They do it just to piss you off because they can.

I think it is used when there is a difference between the poster's real thoughts and what it would be acceptable to say in RL.

Perhaps someone has an bizarre interesting opinion, or is wearing an fugly unusual pair of shoes.

It saves having to write: My friend has an opinion which I personally find bizarre, but I respect her right to hold the opinion even though I can't discuss it with her face to face without boggling slightly.

I'm going to do it just to annoy you more sparingly from now on, I'm lying honestly.