to constantly feel on MN like I either have the 'wrong' opinion or it is not worth a fig!?!

[horseygeorgie]

Exactly that. I am probably being over sensitive, in fact I'm sure many of you will tell me I am, but every time I comment on a tread I get shot down in flames. Tbh it is getting to me a bit! I used to love MN, it was a haven when I had a bad day, but I daren't post much any more as I always seem to end up either with the 'wrong' opinion or made to feel like it doesn't matter if I have a difference of opinion because I'm clearly out of order and wrong to boot!
Just typed up a reply on another thread and deleted it as I KNOW what reaction I will get and it is never pleasant. It is like being back in the school room! I know I am probably being U as I get a little sensitive with people opinions (was very badly bullied at school and never really got over the need to please.) but can't help the way I feel. Just a bit sad and down about it actually.

Not all of you, obviously. There are some lovely people on her, and people I have a lot of respect for, even if we don't even agree.

I agree with BIWI. Some horrible posters seem to never venture out of AIBU .

Was it under another name that you have had problems OP? Can't see anything under this name except differing opinions which happens all the time in a debate

For all it isn't a hive mind, it can feel like it sometimes as it feels like there are 'acceptable opinions' on certain subjects.

I usually feel that most of the rest of the MN world holds very different opinions to me!

But:

"There's definitely a herd mentality and opinions expressed I've never encountered in real life."

I don't think there's that much of a herd mentality, and coming across opinions that I wouldn't hear in RL (because most people select friends from people like themselves) is to me a huge strength of Internet chat sites.

Yes, if something can be taken the 'wrong' way, there will be someone there who reads it exactly that way. But they're still a person with a view, and I think that as long as within Talk Guidelines, then all views matter.

BIWI is right. But I think it's been complained about a lot over the past few years and there's not much that can be done about it.

It might depend a bit on what opinions you are posting and how you are phrasing them as well though.

I have noticed that MN talk seems to has become less about support and more about criticism of late. I'm not sure why.

Ach, people just do it for sport on here I think. I wonder if they are as forthright in real life? I'm defo not- I tend to agree with what the other person says and then shuffle off. Bit pathetic really!

Absolutely usual, but there are ways of doing it. It does seem quite difficult to have a discussion on here with people taking opposing views recently. It just seems to turn into a bunfight and I don't think it always used to.

There's definitely a herd mentality and opinions expressed I've never encountered in real life

Yes. I agree. But I think its a situation where people can just be all hard core online just for the sake of it. I think they probably struggle in real life.

I don't think you're being U OP.

These days i keep my responses to sensible boring advice.

If i stick my head above the parapet with anything like a strong opinion i find it gets shot off! Even though there are always more extreme opinions than mine getting bandied around. It makes me feel: why meeeeeeee?

the question is why do you care what others on the internet who are strangers think about you? you are allowed and opinion and people can disagree with it.

I can imagine a lot of people feeling like this. It's one of the reasons my friend won't join.

I would say to these people that some just enjoy conflict too much. Some people love to disagree and condescend for the sake of it, it's empowering. Funny though, it's so much easier to be confident and assertive behind a screen, isn't it.

If people start acting like an a$$, thinking they are seriously right and the entire world is wrong, or start quoting and analysing every silly innocent comment an op has made, I usually laugh then leave. Those kind have too much time on their hands. Actually I show my beau and we both laugh. Then I leave. It's just weird to me, doesn't seem normal to get that stewed up over a comment on a parenting website. Some of those guys don't realise they are embarrassing themselves acting that way? Nobody is impressed.

I also try to imagine what they are like in real life! It's never very flattering XD Often Jeremy Kyle-esque looking characters.

It's just mumsnet and they are just people.

Plenty more good eggs than bad on this site with lots of useful things to say. Just focus on those people. I often tell friends and family the funny stories or baby tips I've read on here. I'd be lost without it tbh. So much great advice on babies! Don't let a few weirdos put you off.

I'd wait to see my comment get analysed by said variety of people, but I have a baby to bath and a bed to snuggle in :-)

I definitely agree with the tone of a thread getting set early and gathering momentum quickly sometimes.

That's human nature though. You'll never change that. It can be ugly.

Yanbu. I feel the same . I have been called all sorts on here just for expressing my opinion. Either that or you just get ignored. I rarely post anymore.

Thank you to everyone for their contributions. Have taken on board all and will try to grow a slightly thicker skin!

I think AIBU is the pits and it's very reputation means some newer posters think it's a free for all.

I agree. I do feel a bit of a hypocrite complaining though - i'm ashamed to say love AIBU for all the wrong reasons

I agree usual AIBU is a joke topic. There is always a better topic to post in if you want some decent replies.

Oh and to all those who do and to all those who don't!

Yanbu at all. Sometimes posters will just jump on soneone who doesn't share the same view as them.
I know what thread you were on and i agree with you!
Seems also as a woman on mn you should have certain views and disagree with certain things and woe betide you if you don't
I've been here for a while now but some threads i don't even bother commenting on as i know people will jump on me for not sharing the same view!
The one thing that does get too me about mumsnet and is seriously pushing me away, is any thread that mentions animals, certain posters will crop up and it seems ok to joke about animal cruelty. I'm disgusted that they don't take it as seriously, only a few times have mumsnet bothered to delete posts that were nasty regarding Animals. Other sites and forums won't allow it.

Or hide it. That seems to work for some people.

You don't see as many of the light-hearted, jokey threads on here as much anymore either.

When was the last time we had a Pom Bears or a Yoni massage?