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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that "place marking" is just fucking rude

158 replies

Catslikehats · 14/08/2011 06:52

I've just read a distressing thread (as opposed to an amusing thread where I don't really mind so much) on which the OP needed help support and the number of posters who have just typed ".", presumably to place mark has really pissed me off.

It's not fucking entertainment folks and if you want to treat it as such at least have the decency not to be so blatant about it and try one of these approaches:

i) Add something useful

or

ii) type something appropriate: you've clicked on the message box and are going to click and wait on the post button so why so hard to type "good luck" of "OMG that is awful"

or

ii) Add to your watched threads

AIBU to think it is really not that hard not to behave like a rude rubbernecker

OP posts:
ledkr · 14/08/2011 16:07

I know which thread you mean op and i was alittle shocked to be honest.

worraliberty · 14/08/2011 16:11

Having read some of the posts on there today, I think I'd prefer to come back to a thread full of dots to be honest.

kickassangel · 14/08/2011 16:52

i use it a lot on the feminism threads as i often want to think through a point & come back to where i was when i saw it, but don't want to interrupt. i would never use it on a sensitive thread

it's like the difference between hearing someone saying something interesting & public (like a discussion in a staff meeting) so you pause to listen, or seeing that someone is upset, so you hang around the group of sympathisers/spectators.

Verahaspurpletwuntypants · 14/08/2011 19:32

"."

Verahaspurpletwuntypants · 14/08/2011 19:38

IMO I think it's about people formulating what they want to say instead of just posting the first thing that comes to mind.

AnyFuleKno · 14/08/2011 19:45
Biscuit
GwendolineMaryLacey · 14/08/2011 19:56

I don't know why they don't just leave the thread alone until she gets back.

That way you run the risk of a sensitive, worried OP coming back to a thread that's fallen off the page, thus leading her to believe that no one gives a toss.

I agree with a lot of the points made, however I don't like the way that this "mob" argument is used so much on here. We're all the mob otherwise what the hell are we doing here pontificating on other people's lives, be it what dress they buy for a wedding or whether their DH is shagging another. It's a lazy way of dismissing the views of a shedload of people just because you don't agree with them. As an argument it's too holier than thou to take seriously.

glitteryturd · 14/08/2011 20:10

BUT...it is entertainment.

I will 100% hold my hands up and and say yes, I read mumsnet like it's my morning papers and the daily news. It contains heart breaking stories, funny tales and plenty of bun throwing but it is pure entertainment.

I have read this thread, I haven't posted a marker but I have followed it closely because I would like to know the outcome. Why would anyone read that thread and then go 'ah bless you, well onto the next' you would want to know how it had worked out, it is normal.

To think it is sick to read this as a real life soap opera is a little bit silly, cos that is what it is I am afraid, along with any other thread including my own.

And yes, when there is an accident on the side of the road I have a right good gawp. I once turned round to drive the other way up the road to see why it was shut. I must be a baddy!

ledkr · 14/08/2011 20:14

somebody naughty has just done it again tsk

CaptainNancy · 14/08/2011 20:58

I note that in the main the '.' ers appear to be new to MN- perhaps this is why they do this, they are not aware of MN conventions?

catinboots · 14/08/2011 21:29

Where has that thread gone?? I can't find it.

Did the OP come back? Was all ok??

Verahaspurpletwuntypants · 14/08/2011 21:30

Or maybe they are regulars who have name changed and do it to annoy?

bananamam · 14/08/2011 22:26

People don't namechange to annoy. SeriouslyHmm

I namechanged recently so I wasn't outer in RL. Also that thread has turned into a total bunfight. I think the "." are the least offensive thing about it. I hope the OP is well and shall leave it at that.

gapants · 14/08/2011 22:30

Marking my place

LolaRennt · 14/08/2011 23:25

And yes, when there is an accident on the side of the road I have a right good gawp. I once turned round to drive the other way up the road to see why it was shut. I must be a baddy!

no but it makes you stupid. That's how further accidents happen

Choconellie · 14/08/2011 23:31

"And yes, when there is an accident on the side of the road I have a right good gawp. I once turned round to drive the other way up the road to see why it was shut. I must be a baddy!"

This is why we get long tailbacks!!! Have you never considered that? I cannot stand it when people do this!!!! Infuriating

Verahaspurpletwuntypants · 15/08/2011 08:06

Bananamam - not saying they name change to annoy. Just put the . to annoy.

Disclaimer - name change for a variety of reasons, doesn't mean they are new to MN.

Anyone can put a .

MissPenteuth · 15/08/2011 10:31

I'm with catinboots, was just looking for the thread and it's gone. Anyone know?

Salmotrutta · 15/08/2011 10:48

It was deleted because MN didn't think the OP was quite what she seemed - or words to that effect.

LadyBeagleEyes · 15/08/2011 10:49

It was deleted, Rebecca confirmed it was a troll.

PinotsKittens · 15/08/2011 10:51

Bastard trollery.

happytourer · 15/08/2011 10:51

YANBU, however, I think it's fair to say that a significant proportion of MN's (myself included to an extent) are here for entertainment, not to offer advice. People's relationships are fascinating. People read problem pages because they're interesting. On MN, they're even more interesting because they're live updating problem pages.

I know this will sound callous, but I think if a lot of are honest, that's why we're here. Relationships is one of the most active forums for a reason

Salmotrutta · 15/08/2011 10:54

Oh, and on the topic of the "." - I didn't even notice the "." in the early days of coming on here and wondered what the empty post was all about Blush.

I suppose I always thought of it as a way of bumping to keep it active for urgent advice ...... or something. I've never used it though.

startail · 15/08/2011 10:59

Because the watch option on the app is bust. Else no excuse.

NevermindtheNargles · 15/08/2011 11:06

The GP thread was a troll? Well bloody hell.

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