To let go of the general assumption that stories and scenarios on a forum like MN should be true

[FarFromAnyRoad]

Because mostly, I fear, they are not. I have to confess I simply do not understand the mindset that would sit and make up a whole story based on nothing but fantasy or what the author might deem a shocking or amusing scenario. I get that nobody will ever know why they do it - I suppose I'm just at the sheer quantity of it at the moment. I'm pretty sure there's only one or two people behind most of it - law of averages says there just cannot be that many bullshitters on one section of a huge forum - or can there?
And if there is a general feeling that a particular poster or posters are just making up shit but not actually trolling - well - is this OK? I don't think it is but I'm prepared to rethink if I'm told it is. What does everyone else think?

I agree Silver - that would go some way to tip us the wink that a fantasist was at it again

If HQ did that the PBP s would come to light more quickly. To get fair they've responded positively by banning again several times when I've reported.

FarFromAnyRoad - "you shit-clapping jizz monkey!"

How have I gone through life not knowing that insult? Life changing

I'm always a bit afraid that it may be true, even though I suspect it isn't. I think that there could be someone going through something similar and the advice given by members may help them.

And I did laugh out loud and snort at the stealth bridesmaid on the Mexican house thief thread. If I'd been drinking I strongly suspect I may well have snorted it all over the keyboard. I still laugh even thinking about it. I've retold the story several times to friends. So bizarre it had to be true.

plinky

Mythical - some threads are really entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny and I do think that if they offer that kind of value the veracity matters little. It's the whining life-draining stream of bleeeurrrgh that saps the will to live!

The worst, "I am in awe of you OP" really! REALLY!

When I first joined MN (2009, I think) I'd no idea about trolling, as I'd never been involved in an internet forum before. I still find it hard to accept that some people have such boring lives that they make up long and detailed threads. (Apart from the ones I find funny, of course - hamster in stew, etc.)

Well actually tea I've been trying to find a way to tell you this..........but I am in awe of you.

Me too Princess I joined in 2011, first internet forum too. I was amazed when I found out some people posted stuff that was not true.

I'm sure most of the stuff on here is real, I tend to give most people the benefit of the doubt anyway - but one thing I'll never understand is the amount of time people invest in certain threads, asking for updates, saying they can't sleep for worrying about the op & stuff like that - are these people for real? I know some posters are very lonely & probably don't have much going on in RL but it's still odd behaviour.

I never understand why people don't just Watch the thread rather than constantly asking for updates. It's as if constantly asking 'Everything ok OP?' will magically bring the Op back with the further information. Placemarking is a bit tragic really.

I have no radar for this stuff at all. Occasionally I've opened a thread and thought "you again?!" but mostly I assume everything is true.

Same as likeIcan though, I've never felt like I couldn't sleep for worrying about an OP, or laughed so hard I woke the baby, or had tears in my eyes at someone's story. Maybe I'm just cold hearted!

I do worry if a MNetters cat goes missing. I always like a speedy update that the pesky feline has returned.

I assume everything is not true though, and let the thread change my mind as it goes on.....

But why, MaryZ? Why do you need the satisfaction of MNHQ believing you? why does it matter if your TIO has now missing threads? Why are you even watching threads you think are bollocks?

You can just leave, with or without hiding the thread.
Or you can Call them out and leave.
or Report and leave.
Or Call them out, AND report and leave

But why stay involved? Staying involved for negative reasons is surely as much an overinvestement of your time and energy as that made by the drama llamas who want to believe.

I don't really understand the idea that everything would necessarily be true. People lie in RL so why wouldn't they lie on forums? Especially when it's all anonymous so easier to hide behind assumptions.

I have worried about posters before but I dislike when posters harrass for updates. Ultimately nobody owes you an update. But I do occasionaslly post things like "How is it going OP?", not because I'm desperate for one, but because it's nice to know someone is thinking of you sometimes, even an internet stranger.

Same as likeIcan though, I've never felt like I couldn't sleep for worrying about an OP, or laughed so hard I woke the baby, or had tears in my eyes at someone's story. Maybe I'm just cold hearted!

I remember when Missdee's Dh had his heart transplant - he was the first thing I thought of when I woke up the morning after. I didnt have any problem sleeping though.

I have laughed out loud - usually a snort but I have had uncontrollable giggles complete with watering eyes on a few occasions - threads like My Least Professional Moment are the ones that seem to do it for me.

I have also felt teary on some of the bereavement threads when a parent describes the anguish at losing a child.

I've never spat tea at a screen, wet myself, been "in floods" or worried myself sick over anything.

I am indeed horryfied and rapidly loosing the will to live.
MaryZ, is your Native American name Dances with Trolls?

I think know that there some who have to exaggerate their circumstances to make themselves feel better about their lives.
Its sad really and one prolific poster was well known for this and kept going even when it didn't add up.

I always think smmantra "words on a screen"is a wise one to remember.

But with the greatest respect, plinkyplonk, there are no posting privelidges on here. Anyone can post with whatever embellishments they want. I