Fucking Cunting Trolls

[MsHooliesCardigan]

In the past week, I have posted on threads about someone's 15 year old niece taking their own life and today somebody wanting to give their 4 year old son up for adoption. They both turned out to be trolls. I love Mumsnet, I really do and I have seen many situations where those in genuine need of support have been massively helped. I have PMed a Mumsnetter at 4am asking her to call me if she wanted to talk after she had been assaulted by her DP. She did and we subsequently met up.
I have had a huge amount of support myself from Mumsnet but I am getting really weary of it now.
I work in mental health and it's something I feel really passionate about which is why I was drawn to the threads I've mentioned.
I know that there isn't much anyone can do about it and I think MNHQ do their best as both these threads were taken down pretty quickly.
Just needed to rant

One thing that would help the non-troll thread starters would be if they didn't post dramatic 'click bait' style thread titles, use AIBU and include lots of gratuitous salacious or juicy details. Basically I think genuine posters would be better off making their posts more boring. 😂

Beef. If you would like some advice or just to chat about your situation, then you should post. You know there'll be some 'troll' accusations, just ignore them or ask MN to post again. Don't let the trolling bastards win.

If you want advice, post in the best Topic to get some decent replies. People post in AIBU 'for traffic' but better to have a handful of decent replies than loads of unhelpful ones in AIBU.

Just post normally. Don't drip feed. Give some info in the thread title so people can scroll past if they want to.

I think it depends on a posters writing style as to whether someone might think they're trolling.

A lot of spelling mistakes, !!!!!!!! and dramatic detail can be a sign of a troll, not always obviously, but people tend to be wary of such threads and may report quicker than a post that is grammatically and spelt correctly with little inconsistencies and drama.

Why does anyone need 5 names? We've done holiday names on here and all changed after Jeffrey, but one for normal posting and one for "is that you UCM? Embarrassing type stuff" is plenty.

Not really.
Say you post about something that happened in your child's school, or in your office. If any of the school parents or colleagues is on here, s/he will instantly recognise the school or the company, if the event is current. A bit of snooping in your history, and you can likely be recognised (because you spoke of your dogs, or your car, or your hobby). As an outsider it's not enough, but for someone closer to you it will be obvious.

It is safer to name change often if you want to stay private. Most people me included give too many details over time (breed of dogs, number of children, colour of school uniform, job description etc..). Nothing is identifying by itself, but when you link it together it is. It's not fair on your children if you write about them.

It does not help when you ask mumsnet to delete a thread because you have been recognised, and the deletion messages clearly states "poster has been exposed in real life"! Oh thanks, no it's very clear it "was" you, thanks for that MNHQ!

Or keep the same name and not overshare.

That'd be v dull Sparkling. Sometimes everyone needs a good oversharing binge

Each to their own Pandora. But they are the first to complain when it's a feature in the Daily Mail.

I namechange every few days. Not that I ever post anything of any interest 😂 I also change minor details. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Namesearch yourself Sparklingbrook and check how much private details you have given up little by little. If you don't namechange often, it goes quickly

Sparkling loves Duran Duran stop press!!!

I don't give private details coddiwomple. I have had the same name since 2011 and always thought if I felt the need to namechange to post something I shouldn't post it.

Actually I namechanged briefly after Jefferygate for security reasons but changed back fairly quickly.

I think the namechanging facility needs a review.

OMG Dame you have outed me right there.

did you actually have a look? Brilliant

It is true though, mention a specific incident on here and to someone in real life, a quick search to confirm that you like Duran Duran and whatever will confirm that it IS you.

Well I guess I am not the only Duran Duran fan ever. But I am not worried.

for some posters, it doesn't matter if they are recognised or not. I have nothing to hide myself, it might be a bit embarrassing if some colleagues were to read what I exactly think about them but that's the end of it
I have never written anything about my current boss!

For others, writing about a specific incident with their child which will be recognised by their ex, who will then read the whole story of posting might create problems and so on.

We just have to use MN as we see fit really. We are all adults and have to take responsibility for what's posted and any consequences as a result of giving specific information.

Unfortunately the fact remains that the ease of namechanging while genuinely useful to a few is very useful to the many trolls.

I see it the other way round, namechanging allow posters to ask about any current situation (neighbours, ex, school, medical issue etc..), whilst trolls will always find a way if they really want to troll.

I have been called a troll a few times because people didn't agree with my posts, or didn't believe my point. I don't think everybody agrees on the definition of troll sometimes!

The story of "famous" trolls inventing a life over months and months show that banning namechanging would make no difference whatsoever. You might have less posts from user 123456789 with spams or gratuitous insults, but that won't affect real trolls.

did you actually have a look? Brilliant no, I'm just teasing,I love DD too

If people troll they get banned.

There's nothing stopping PBP coming back.

i just meant "wow, that was quick!"

was that you!

Dame I would have been very disappointed if you had to AS me to find that information out.

I have never been accused of being a troll, but about a week after I joined I got a PM asking me who I used to be.

It's the internet, just like in real life.
Most people fine.
Some are fools.
Pinch of salt - just treat it lightly for a bit of a laugh and you'll be ok.
If you need to talk to someone, do it in real life.

I think that just about sums it up Neutrogena.

If you need to talk to someone, do it in real life.

You are I are lucky, we can. I have family, a DH, friends etc.. Do you really believe everybody is as lucky?

Some posters are clearly completely on their own, or in abusive relationship, and the forum is the only place they can start asking for advice. Others are very embarrassed, and asking for help anonymously is a very important first step.

I use MN mainly for fun, to pass the time, but it can be a lifeline for others.