To wonder why MN has turned into such a bitch fest recently.

[Lucy88]

I have been coming on MN on and off for about 2 years and have always found it to be very useful for reading others advice and asking others for advice, reading reviews and getting holiday advice. There will always be times when people will disagree or not like other peoples advice, but I have been truly shocked recently at some of the posts I have read.

I am quite an outspoken person (in real life), but do try to adhere to the mantra of 'Don't put anything online that you would not be prepared to say to anyones face' but OMG even I have been surprised at the amount of bitchy, nasty responses some people have received on here recently.

I know that it is difficult when communicating just through the written word, as there is no body language or intonation to always give the correct message, but some posters really do think it is ok to be really nasty and make personal comments. Name calling seems to be the 'in thing' at the moment and I have to admit, that I just don't get it - not from grown women.

The majority of people who make these types of comments, probably wouldn't dare to say these things to people's faces, but think it is perfectly ok to do it online.

Can we at least have a week where we think about what we post and if we can't post anything constructive and polite, then perhaps don't post at all.

That's so last year usual. It's all about interactive white boards now.

Er - have any of you who want to 'change' MN actually read these?

What more is there to say?

But that's like reading the small print BIWI. Much more fun to storm in and change things to suit you without giving a shit about the other million odd users.

I'm going to be in charge of 'cunt' distribution. I'm going to keep all the 'cunts' in a locked box and people will have to apply to me to be able to use the word. There will be a quiz to answer and a small exam. Then and only then will I dole out the 'cunts'.

The key will be in the in-tray on my desk. Don't tell anyone that will you?

Just been reading this thread and noticed this comment.

"The attention seeking posters who start several threads a day"

I start lots of threads, but its not attention seeking. It is just that I want to chat and can't see any threads that I haven't already contributed to that I want to post in.

I do get tired of the "rules" about what we are supposed to do or not do here. Abusiveness no, but surely anything else where people are being decent is fine?

No further comments on the campaign to treat people with respect or the market research, then?

There were lots of controversial threads started in AIBU on March 8.

Thanks everlong

Ahh, that was the day the 'cunt' key went missing. That would explain that one.

No to the market research , I have enough of them accosting me in town

Agree no to market research

Isn't it the case that there's a risky paradox at the heart of interweb forums. People in difficult and sensitive situations, often vulnerable, desperate or at a loss, visit for help/support/guidance. But, some of these places are attended by pretty malevolent sorts who behave very carelessly. Even if they're not malevolent, they're not there for the best of motives. They're there to have consequence-free fun in some persona or other or they may be 'working through' their own issues. I think a fair amount of that goes on here. The paradox is that you probably need to be pretty sorted, robust and thick-skinned to subject yourself to the interweb, but people who not sorted, robust or thick-skinned go there for help. Lurking there are certain predatory types who are there because they know it.

Why do market research? (And I say that as a market researcher myself!)

Simply call people on the thread if there's a problem with courtesy/bitching. And report to MNHQ.

I do agree some posters should be much more internet/forum savvy really.

BIWI

"Er - have any of you who want to 'change' MN actually read these?
What more is there to say?"

I think there's more that could be said. Also, it's a cultural thing. Calling MNHQ is a bit of a blunt instrument. And, in a sense, having to 'call people' and what happens if you do is part of the problem. Maybe that's unavoidable, but worth talking about.

usual But the ones who are 'savvy' are the sharks that lurk there. They make it their business to be savvy. They also make it they're business to defend their turf (if you'll excuse the mixed metaphors).

If MN was only populated by whiners and the terminally polite, it would be far too boring to survive.

I have been here for 4 years and always found it to be bitchy. Thick skin.

Where are all these savvy sharks who defend their turf, all I see is people chatting, I do think perhaps you are taking MN too seriously (an opinion for your Market research)

No the savvy know that forums are used by trolls and sock puppets and know how to spot one a mile off.

I agree usual