Has AIBU been too harsh a place to start a thread?

[settingsitting]

AIBU can be a harsh place to start a thread.

Have you been really upset after starting a thread on here?

Yes, I once started a thread (under another nn), I was a fairly new poster and didn't realise what arses some posters could be. The 'problem' I needed help with involved an in-law who was potentially breaking the law. I needed support in trying to figure out the legalities (I am not from the UK) and how to deal with that and any potential family fall out. I was made to feel like I was the person who was committing the crime.

On another thread (started by someone else) I was sneered at and I got the distinct impression one poster delighted in trying to humiliate me. I felt this poster was the type who was probably a bully in real life; she was absolute awful and mocked how I wrote and my views on a (subjective) matter. I have also had run-ins with a couple of posters who some would call Mumsnet Royalty. It is never a good idea to argue against well established posters, I wouldn't do it again. A unknown poster like me could never win when their supporters pile in. It is very difficult to get across what you want to say, particularly on an emotive subject, when english is not your first language. So I am very careful what I post and I would never start my own thread now. A shame really as I think I could have used the support the during the past year.

Having said that, I have seen lots of threads where the poster has received some amazing support. That is why I still read threads on here and occasionally contribute, and indeed, I have been given very useful support about my issues when I posted on other OPs' threads [really too cowardly to start my own].

""Having said that, I have seen lots of threads where the poster has received some amazing support.""

It shouldn't be "if your face fits", or rather your user name, POV, or posting style.

There's enough of that in RL.

MN should be open to everyone and the support given, equal.

I'm glad the derailing of threads by regulars (so called royalty), has stopped.

Why they went through a phase of thinking they had the right to carry on, in that manner, is anyone's guess.

Birdsgottafly, I've also noticed that things have been quiet lately as well. no trouble makers around Just the way I like it!
It's a nice place to be at the moment
(just hope it lasts)

I would love to list the arseholes who consider it their right to behave the way they do (mercifully missing from here) but it would be against talk guidelines

Yes. People are rude on here and like to make people who already feel like crap 10 times worse. I asked a question and because I somehow put an apostrophe where it wasn't meant to be that became a big joke.
My spelling and grammar are crap and I rely on auto correct more than I would like and having it pointed out is very hurtful. I already feel like a waist of space

I have been surprised just how many posters there are who are ok about pointing out grammar and spelling. I think it may have calmed down a bit now?