Posters who misunderstand and then spend the rest of the thread vilifying you for something you haven't said!

[GingerbreadMouse]

AIBU to think that people should just read a little more carefully? I've name changed but I have been ripped to shreds on another thread recently (and in the past, actually) by certain posters who have misunderstood a point, misread something, misinterpreted an argument and then just run away with their perceived idea of what's been said, as opposed to what actually has! It's infuriating and adds nothing to the initial OP. I can't tell if there are particularly goady posters/trolls who delight in doing this or if it's people replying quickly without really reading or a mixture of the two. Also - is it just me that this happens to?!

youarenotkiddingme

You missed
call ofsted
go to the head
the teacher is unprofessional
write to the governors

All lines that are said to deliberately provoke a reaction.

It's an interesting general point, though. So often some posters seize on a side issue in a post and ignore the main point. Thread diversions seem to be on the increase lately and it is irritating.

I think it would be more effective posting on the original thread with your original username

Agree strongly. The name change facility shouldn't be used to settle old scores.

Boney you forgot:

• complain to the LA
• I hope you never teach MY kids
• It's a safeguarding matter (the new health & safety catch all)

HTH

SilverChair, that was my favourite book for years as a child :) and therefore, everything you say must be very very true.

Can we create a mini tide of affiliation which gives a random diversion ostensibly caused by a misunderstanding of a word, or minuscule detail? And riff of each other to create some kind of pull to draw others in...

Its not quite herd behavior, as that implies a level of neutral ness or passivity somehow. It's different from that, it's more tribal, more instinctual and more thrilling to partake in.

It's almost shoal like, the way posters ride a wave, intensifying and layering words until there's a forceful under current. And then there's the kind of behavior which lines each other up for body blows and attacks.

I'd be really interested in doing some research on forum behavior/ psychology and the natural phenomena of swarms, be they hives, flocks, or shoals...