to think if someone starts a thread about a personal issue and gets good advice but does not return many times

[OrlandoWoolf]

That something is not quite right about it. Someone posted a thread about qute a personal issue - and I did contact them with some advice that I did not want to post on here.

The OP only returned once mid thread and never returned the PM.

Should I be suspicious?

Why would you be suspicious? Suspicious of what?

Suspicious that's the thread genuine.

It's an Internet site for people to get advice, not your own personal soap opera. No obligation for anyone to return and update. Don't send PMs if you're not happy if they don't respond.

I sent a PM offering some personal advice based on personal experiences. Not to complain.

I've posted a question before then disappeared for ages as toddler drags me off somewhere and I get waylaid.

I posted something similar, OP, and got it with both barrels. Good luck!

I think I would be suspicious if I'm honest. If I received a PM from someone I would at least say thank you for sharing your experience. It could be innocent, but I personally would have doubts.

It's a shame when people take their time to share their experiences for nothing, but it is hard to tell who is genuine.

If you are suspicious of a poster who doesn't seem to "ring true" then uou should report it to MNHQ.

And, as stated in guidelines, never give more of yourself than to can afford to lose. Whether on open board or PM.

"And, as stated in guidelines, never give more of yourself than to can afford to lose. Whether on open board or PM."

I get that. I've had several PMs from people asking for advice about a certain area and have always tried to be helpful. It's in my nature. I just probably need to be a bit careful

You can be helpful without over-exposing yourself. MNers can be amazingly generous with advice and support, and no matter how outlandish your enquiry there always seems to be someone who knows something about it.

But unless you know the person in RL, or have been corresponding with them for yonks, they could be anyone.

I can't see pms on my phone. If I don't check on my laptop or check my emails I wouldn't know I've been sent one. Some people post & then something crops up or they forget or they're embarrassed or they just couldn't be arsed talking about it any more.

It all becomes very rubber necky on MN sometimes with regards to updates /questions/ demands for more info. If you think something smells like shite, it probably is. Leave well enough alone or report.

You can help me with my issue. I promise to return...

I think some people just don't want to hear the responses.

I have often started threads about feeling crap and i do try to return but if the thread kicks off i find it easier to just let it lie than get embrioled and i will hide it.

This is the internet there is no law that says you have to come back and update, a thanks for the advice is good but not everyone spends all their time on here (imagine??) and may not return for a few days by which time the thread will have disappeared off their "treads im on" list

It's not just the OP that the advice helps though. I often come on here and search for threads similar to what is on my mind and find good advice which has been directed at someone else.

Asking for advice about quite personal issues is quite a step for many people, and I expect quite a few people step away because it can leave you feeling quite exposed.

Also the advice given can be quite forthright in many instances and often people are given a view of their problem which may take some time to process.

Occasionally, you get an update post a bit further down the line which is nice, but an added bonus rather than to be expected.

Gosh, I'm not sure I like what my use of the phrase added bonus implies there, I just mean it's nice to have an update.