to think that the average debating ability of Mumsnetters has dropped considerably over the past year?

[colditz]

I was browsing through some old threads earlier, and the general standard of debate has dropped. People here used to be able to follow a thread and give a pertinent response, backed up with careful research. Lately the response is likely to be completely unrelated to the original point, and passive-aggressive to boot.

dp what about me, you twat?

didn't see starsnstripes, perardua, did she get out? hope so.

Am at DP finding things too aggressive

Thanks Georgimama. Your response beautifully illustrates why I for one have decided to go. Nicely timed.

Yes aitch - took 4 or 5 threads and Feb to May, but she got out and is still out

i hardly think they're mantras, you'll definitely see those things said as they are likely to be some people's opinions, but i think the responses tend to be more nuanced than that, surely?

We really need a tongue-in-cheek emoticon don't we.

Although it might look a bit too much like a blow job. Hey ho.

DH (not a frequent user of MN) was browsing a few threads earlier today and he was pretty surprised at the tone of some of them. He has now told me not to quote him on MN - which I have of course just done...oops.

I avoid the relationship threads now. I'm sure that's wrong in some way, but I have nothing useful to say.

Not that I have much of use to say on many threads really, but on some it matters more than others...

And yours is a perfect illustration of the mid stream post which assumes everything which follows is a direct response to them. I was addressing the OP, who has also been told to "fuck off" by someone else. But you don't take issue with that.

yourself.

what are these symbols? Are they for Remembrance Day?

yep, i'm avoiding them increasingly tfm, but it does leave you with scant pickings.

I am sure we can all google just as well as any Mouldie ex-Mner.
Those long threads taken up by, "No no look at my research".
You can always google to find something to back you up.

YABU and YANBU, because now people don't bother to google for research to back up their point of view, they are far more likely to just tell you to shut the fuck up.

I'm undecided as to which approach I prefer.

oh fgs georgimama said nowt offensive.if that post makes you queasy then yes maybe trot along,hug a teddy,sniff your pomander

and actually these not as good as ole days threads are bitty like the mn oscars.usually ends up being a roll call of who is allegedly funny/incisive/smart

Can't be arsed to argue so will satisfy myself with a to you too.

omg aitch.....how could i forget you....?

my little darlin....

there is much less of a community feel now or is it becasue the people I chatted to teh most have moved oin with their lives name changed or like me pop in now and again. There is definitly more posters and more cliques and less debate than previously it has become more munane more requests for support even the trolls are less than they were previously, it must be the recession causing all this less

Aitch- if all we're doing is help people peg along and not reach rock bottom... isn't that actually worth it? If we can help someone out there who is really really struggling; keeping them from the lowest point until they can get back on an even keel again, perhaps preventing something happening regret later? I think that's actually worth it, personally.

I find it's mostly just dull now. And all the relationship ones are the same, and all depressing. And all the baby names. Sgone all middling. Haven't noticed all the fighting tho, always miss the good bits.

It does Aitch. I do mind about that.

Ah well. My MNetting prime is behind me

you can't always find something on google to back yourself up, it's just not true and it's an assertion that i find irritating tbh. those of us who click on links can tell the difference between credible evidence-based research and some tree-hugger blog.

SM....do you watch "the thick of it"...?

it's just you remind me of someone in it..

i do sort of fall into the, if you think it's so boring liven it up youself, camp

I see no roll call scottishmummy. I could anticipate your posts though

georgi, it was me that told OP to fuck off

irony ?

no ?

ah, stuff it

youself motherf*cker