I'm getting a little suspicious of all these First time poster serious problem posts

[Twiglett]

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Have noticed too.

Gosh, does that really happen? I'm quite new to MN and have seen a couple where regulars have talked about trolls and it really took me aback in that I thought - what would people gain by coming on and making things up - is it just to get a rise out of us??

Surely people wouldnt waste our time and energy on doing something so stupid (or am I just gullible)? I really feel for people and their problems on here, and spend a lot of time thinking about how I can help. To know that some of them could just be a wind-up would make me so angry - it does need to be checked out.

I'M NEW AND VERY HONEST AND REQUIRE HELP WITH MY PROBLEMS AS I FEEL LIKE I CAN'T COPE ANY MORE...

IF PEOPLE ARE JUST TAKING THE MICK THEN THEY SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE BOARDS...

um, there is one new person who I'm sure is genuine, and if the ?? is because she's posted her problem on more than one thread (but with different titles) that is because I told her she would perhaps get better answers if the question were more clearly targeted

(moderator hat on)

Cough cough...

If anyone has any concerns about posts or posters, then the best thing is to email your concerns to [email protected]

They are very good at replying

I thank you

Wouldn't we expect a disproportionate number of 'problem' threads to come from first timers? I can easily imagine someone turning to MN in desperation and signing on. On the other hand, the probability than any us longer-term posters has a big problem at any given time would be quite low.

That issue with the calpol threads really rocked me for a few days- I really feel 'at home' here on MN and that we're a genuine bunch of mums/dads/friends/supporters of each other. And then you get some little twerp registering and even though what he said was tosh etc it made me realise how vulnerable we all are to being taken for a ride... or is it just me that felt that- to tell you the truth I felt a bit violated at the time.
Dh pointed out that I'm sceptical of everyone and everything so it was extremely unusual of me to feel like that- I normally see the worst in people BUT on MN I see the best- does anyone understand what i'm saying? Or am I wittering on? I felt like posting about it at the time but didn't want anyone to misunderstand or laugh at me.

I ditto lous post
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I only know of one that I took notice of. It was a friend whose daughter has a major health problem and she needed advice. I recommended she ask on here, knowing she would get the info she needed. I saw her yesterday and she had posted and got brilliant help, was really grateful for it.
But I suspect you're referring to other threads. Hers wasn't suspicious at all I don't think.

I haven't noticed anything odd. I think "trolls" tend to go fr high impact contentious posts. It is likely that someone has a big problems and thinks "where can I go..." and remembers MN or has lurked for ages. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt.

i can understand where you are coming from but if i was new on here i dont think id like the idea of there being an "old school" group who dont believe what im saying just because im new. my first post on here was about being literally at my wits end as id had no sleep for about 10 weeks, surely we are not expected to contribute to other peoples posts before we can post a topic of our own?

Hear, hear Tiredemma! What an introduction to MN, eh - people calling you a troll and doubting your problem simply because you are new here. Surely MNers aren't only supportive of people they already "know"? What a shame if someone with a genuine problem can't come here and find support.

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Twiglett, I know what you mean and I'm feel sure that certain people do post really emotive stuff under different names just to get a reaction. This person needs help in lots of ways. But it really would be a shame if someone genuine was confused with a serial bluffer and didn't get some much needed support.

thats exactly what i do twiglett, if i have advice, i offer it, if i dont have advice then obviosly nothing to offer, if someone is coming on here making up stories to feel part of a discussion group then thats their problem, they will just be enriched by my advice at the end of it.!
by the way, please dont shuffle off into a hole. MN would be a lot less fun without you!

Yeah, don't shuffle off, Twiglett, we love you really!

Cheers Cod.

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Sorry to be fick but wot is a troll (in internet speak)?

This is all going over my head and have not noticed anything. However, when the weather starts to go cold and grey, often people's mood can too - maybe that's the reason.

A troll is someone who deliberately posts inflammatory, untrue, emotive or controversial subjects just to get a reaction.

There are a lot more people here who lurk rather than post. The more prolific posters might not understand that but I know when I have a problem I tend to search for a similar problem and consider the advise given in that case. Consider the numerous posts on, say, gina ford. Every so often a thread appears with the same question as an old thread. People will invariably refer the thread back to the old one i.e. don't ask the question again, we've done that before.
So, my thinking on the troll thing is - maybe that person is a troll, maybe they like getting the sympathy and attention. But maybe there is someone lurking who actually does have this problem and is reading the thread anxiously for advise. I'd rather give unneeded advise to a troll and help a lurker than blast the troll and scare off the lurker as well.

Twig, Galaxy, sorry to be dim but can you give me an itsy bitsy clue as to the thread(s) you mean? Or is it not poss without being really obvious?

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Thanks TraceyP, realise am still a novice, and should get "Duffers Guide to the Internet."