I've noticed lately a trend of people having a rant at new users who ask for help and advice on their first post... I was just wondering why?

I don't have a particularly strong view on this either way, but I'm a little confused why some people think that members should join in debates and become known before they are allowed to ask for help?

If people come here to use the site for info and never return, what is the problem? Isn't that part of the point of a forum like this anyway? If they got a more welcoming response, wouldn't they be more likely to stay anyway?

I dunno... just wondering.

Ahh Snook - ever the Peacemaker :)

Originally posted by Lindseyw
Ahh Snook - ever the Peacemaker :)

Well, just seems a bit harsh to be judging people when there is no way of telling if they will stick around... and even if they don't, I don't see the problem with helping them out... we don't lose anything by being nice, do we? :)

Originally posted by Snook
Well, just seems a bit harsh to be judging people when there is no way of telling if they will stick around... and even if they don't, I don't see the problem with helping the out... we don't lose anything by being nice, do we? :)

Very true - i've noticed it too

Most forums tend to get cliquey after a while. Perhaps that's why there are so many registered users but only a small handful of regular posters.

My bugbear is people who come on with a couple of posts to their name flogging stuff!

Originally posted by Snook
Well, just seems a bit harsh to be judging people when there is no way of telling if they will stick around... and even if they don't, I don't see the problem with helping them out... we don't lose anything by being nice, do we? :)

I totally agree with you on this, aren't Sheffield folk renowned for their freindliness !!!
It's much nicer to be able to help someone than it is to be critical all the time. People can't choose a time when they need help...we just have to be there for them when it is needed:D

deecee

well i've always found everyone on here to be nice even tho i live a few good miles away from sheffield

Originally posted by deecee
I totally agree with you on this, aren't Sheffield folk renowned for their freindliness !!!
deecee

maybe these aren't Sheffield folk ... maybe they just live here?

I've only been in the Forum for a few weeks but already I'm a little wary of certain members. Some do seem to have an "edge" to their tone in their posts, and can be very quick with the derogatory remarks ... it can sometimes put off other people who maybe reading from posting on the topic.

This medium is not the easiest to communicate in anyway, as I have found to my cost in the past ... you read something back to yourself and then find that someone else has read it in an entirely different way and put an unintended interpretation on it ... so perhaps it's not intentional.

and then there are the ones that thump the same old drum no matter what the topic, and the ones that always jump on their bandwagon - and there again some people are just .... hmmm! and, although i hope not, maybe I'm one of those .... :blush:

I bloody love this forum!
Its the best.. but I think we should be nicer to newbies though.

Maybe we could have a newbie day??

With one of the regulars showing the newbies around for a day or two-- just to get them into the swing of things?

PS: I think I've overdone it with the Lucozade tonight.

Originally posted by ANGELUS
I bloody love this forum!
Its the best.. but I think we should be nicer to newbies though.

Maybe we could have a newbie day??

With one of the regulars showing the newbies around for a day or two-- just to get them into the swing of things?

PS: I think I've overdone it with the Lucozade tonight.

Easy tiger :D

I agree - I've been totally embarrassed by some responses to new (and sometimes not so new) posters recently. I thought one of the points of the Forum was to help people?

Let's try and be nicer to people folks. There is a tendency to say things on a Forum/by email etc that we would never say to people's faces.

more new users the better. I've noticed people snapping at them as well.

Iam new to the Forum,and have only posted a few times.Although i have done quite a bit of "lurking".I know in my case,that only really knowing the basics about computers sometimes holds me back.Especially if the thread gets really technical and starts talking in computer electronic lingo,for example what the hell is an Avitar,and what does lol mean?.Sometimes i think "thats it i,m off", because i don.t understand it all.
Don,t get me wrong,I am not thick.In my younger days computers didn,t exist,so its still all a learning process for me.Also just plucking up courage to come on and join in with people you dont know can take a bit of getting used to as well.
But hey Sheffield Forum seems fine to me .

You have the ones that help..

Then, you have the ones that a down right arrogant and just satisfy their own sad needs by taking the rise out of new people (and long term members for that matter)

Take with a pinch of salt and ignore em', works for me :clap:

Originally posted by Snook
I've noticed lately a trend of people having a rant at new users who ask for help and advice on their first post... I was just wondering why?

.....

I dunno... just wondering.

I assume this was thread invoked by the query that me and Muddycoffee had with Mrs_G joining.

I know I'm a very vocal member of this forum, but I do actually spend a lot of my time on here investigating queries on other's behalf. I think you'll find that Wallbuilder does too. It's something we enjoy doing, but it is nice to know you're not addressing a real person, and not posting a reply to somebody who 'forgot' they'd joined.

The current fashion for tracing family trees seems to bring quite a few of these people out. We all go digging about on picturesheffield.com and citysnapper in an effort to provide answers, but to no avail. They're not really interested.

Another case in point is students asking for us to do their homework for them. I've no objection to helping Dinp, Beckyaa or other 'familiar faces' out, coz I know they'll read the answers to their questions.

If you were sat in the pub and somebody asked you a question, but blanked you when you answered, you wouldn't feel very happy about it.

I didn't berate Mrs_G, I just asked of she'd be sticking around before I did my usual digging. Sorry if it was misconstrued.

(Damn, I've gone all PT with that reply :suspect: ;) )

Snook, I think I've read the thread in particular triggered your post, although it isn't unique.

At the end of the day I think most people on this forum found it through an internet search for information, and were ultimately seeking some help. I can't see why there is a need to be so rude to people, as I don't think the people in question would say the same things to people who stopped them in the street to, e.g. ask for directions.

Actually, maybe they would.

And another thing :rolleyes:

I started a thread to welcome somebody I knew had joined, and I got ranted at :mad:

In answer to the last two posts, I wasn't talking about anyone in particular, and I have read three similar threads today with unfriendly replies to new members, I was just wonder why this is. If people don't want to help for fear of their advice not being used or thanked, then I can understand that... I was just hoping for a friendlier forum because, as someone else pointed out, this forum (and others) appears very cliquey and a bit intimidating to new users.

Originally posted by Twiglet
Snook, I think I've read the thread in particular triggered your post, although it isn't unique.

At the end of the day I think most people on this forum found it through an internet search for information, and were ultimately seeking some help. I can't see why there is a need to be so rude to people, as I don't think the people in question would say the same things to people who stopped them in the street to, e.g. ask for directions.

Actually, maybe they would.

You should hear me get going on the people with clipboards that accost you in the street :D

Originally posted by Strix
You should hear me get going on the people with clipboards that accost you in the street :D

Hehe, that's fair game though! :D

I'm Mrs_G ... and perhaps I was a little taken a-back when I first registered. I didn't expect to receive the replies I got!!!

I asked for help to find someone and probably arrived at the wrong moment! I've been watching in the side-lines for quite a long time. Wondering if all the nice people I see posting topics and replies might know something ....

Sorry if I started something, no intention to offend all the long-time participants of the Sheffield Forum.

Anyway .. I'm still here. It's good to find people still awake at this hour. Would love help with my silly (fruitless!) search.

Mrs G

And if it's anything to do with Kristian and me rounding on a certain new person, it was a coincidence that somebody's thread got pulled, then this 'new' person appeared in their place with too many similarities.

There is a relative newcomer who has sounded off at people trying to help (including people newer than himself), so there is some wound-licking and rank-closing going on, as a consequence.

Strix and everyone ...

Originally posted by Strix
And if it's anything to do with Kristian and me rounding on a certain new person, it was a coincidence that somebody's thread got pulled, then this 'new' person appeared in their place with too many similarities.

There is a relative newcomer who has sounded off at people trying to help (including people newer than himself), so there is some wound-licking and rank-closing going on, as a consequence.

You've lost me now, but sounds interesting... please tell us all the full story! :D

I think we should all be nicer to people in general on this forum.

I bet there are a lot of people reading these pages right now who are scared to come on and post.

I say to them- dont be afraid.. join the fun.

I've not met one person on here since I joined who has been rude or anything like that to me.. sure maybe we have differences of opinions once in a while.. but I dont take offence to anyone in particular.. why should I - everyone is entitled to their opinion.

... Sorry, pressed submit before typing!

I'm not pretending to be someone else. This was/is my first time registering.

Sorry that I may have looked like someone else .. but can't help that!

If I have offended anyone .. I apologize!

Back to business ... what are you all doing up at this time?????

At least I have a different time zone to be an excuse!
PS... I'm English. Not been to Sheffield for a few years. Family is in Liverpool and Oxfordshire.

Originally posted by Strix
And if it's anything to do with Kristian and me rounding on a certain new person, it was a coincidence that somebody's thread got pulled, then this 'new' person appeared in their place with too many similarities.

There is a relative newcomer who has sounded off at people trying to help (including people newer than himself), so there is some wound-licking and rank-closing going on, as a consequence.

You've lost me too on this one.:huh:

Just to let everyone know i am not being rude.

Goodnight guys, sleep tight.:wave:

Originally posted by Mrs_G
I'm Mrs_G ... and perhaps I was a little taken a-back when I first registered. I didn't expect to receive the replies I got!!!

I asked for help to find someone and probably arrived at the wrong moment! I've been watching in the side-lines for quite a long time. Wondering if all the nice people I see posting topics and replies might know something ....

Sorry if I started something, no intention to offend all the long-time participants of the Sheffield Forum.

Anyway .. I'm still here. It's good to find people still awake at this hour. Would love help with my silly (fruitless!) search.

Mrs G
Hey! It's not silly!

There are people on here who have access to census info (amongst other stuff), so stick around and see what turns up :thumbsup: (but you'll know that already if you have been watching from the wings ;) )

Originally posted by happychick
Just to let everyone know i am not being rude.

Goodnight guys, sleep tight.:wave:

Goodnight!! :wave:
Have a good one.

Originally posted by Mrs_G
... Sorry, pressed submit before typing!

I'm not pretending to be someone else. This was/is my first time registering.
Ahh, not you. Somebody who says he's moving house, but has been quite nasty

Originally posted by Snook
In answer to the last two posts, I wasn't talking about anyone in particular, and I have read three similar threads today with unfriendly replies to new members, I was just wonder why this is. If people don't want to help for fear of their advice not being used or thanked, then I can understand that... I was just hoping for a friendlier forum because, as someone else pointed out, this forum (and others) appears very cliquey and a bit intimidating to new users.

That's very true. There is a clique of hard-core serial posters who seem to spend every waking minute hooked up to this forum. They have an opinion about simply EVERYTHING and will post a reply to just about ANY topic. They also have a tendency to be a little frosty to newcomers who they presumably see as encroaching on their territory.

My favourite pointless response is when someone asks a specific factual question or needs help of a technical nature. It's guaranteed that one of these regulars will pop up, usually with a "I've no idea" reply. I mean, what's the point of replying if you don't know the answer? But they can't help themselves, they just have to jump in and say something.

Originally posted by Strix
Ahh, not you. Somebody who says he's moving house, but has been quite nasty

I think I know who you mean.
But if it is that person I am thinking of.. he has apologised on another thread which is good enough for me.

Is it the right person im thinking of.

Originally posted by mojoworking
My favourite pointless response is when someone asks a specific factual question or needs help of a technical nature. It's guaranteed that one of these regulars will pop up, usually with a "I've no idea" reply. I mean, what's the point of replying if you don't know the answer? But they can't help themselves, they just have to jump in and say something.
The only time I've ever done this is when I find something that should be interesting languishing on page 7 of the 'new posts' so I bump it to the top so somebody who will know will see it sooner. I usually suggest who may know the answer too.

Feel the love! Group hug anyone? :)

Originally posted by Andy78
Feel the love! Group hug anyone? :) But I hardly know you, Andy ;)

Nice one, Andy - having followed this thread for the last 20 mins I was about to post ANGRY about all this backbiting crap.
I'll have a hug, and I aint even involved XXXXXXXXXXXX

Originally posted by mojoworking
My favourite pointless response is when someone asks a specific factual question or needs help of a technical nature. It's guaranteed that one of these regulars will pop up, usually with a "I've no idea" reply. I mean, what's the point of replying if you don't know the answer? But they can't help themselves, they just have to jump in and say something.

I don't think there is really any harm in that, as long as they are polite about it and 99% of the time they are. If people do reply saying "I don't know" then as Strix says they do at least try and get the conversation going a bit and point them in the right direction of where and how they might find out.
I have always found people friendly and helpful in their responses to my questions, and I'm still a relative 'newbie'

I feel so much better now ... I think I love you all!

I'm in Boston ... can I help anyone with anything ?? Have also lived in Silicone California!!! (8 years)

I'm British (family in Liverpool & nr London). Will happily discuss politics (Oops .. not a good topic to start with) .. or anything else.

I am trying to track down a lady who lived in Endcliffe in 1992. She was a nurse.

He He Boston USA -
It could all start again :hihi:
Welcome :)
By the way, I live by Endcliffe...

Any one registering and becoming a member is good as far as I'm concerned as it means the pool of general knowledge and help to queries will get better. I don't mind helping people with info particularily if it's in one of my many fields of expertise [sigh it is so hard having a big head] If I can't give some-one a specific answer I can occasionally point them in the right direction or get them to think about the answer from a different perspective. I do find it slightly peeving when some-one has asked a specific question on something I'm interested in knowing myself and i then have to wade through several pointless one liners that aren't even slightly helpful and not in the least amusing although I'm sure the posters probably think they're being very witty.

You wouldn't believe how many times people here have said "so you're back" ... it doesn't matter how many years pass ... they are still concerned about you being 'back'. It's funny actually!

Hi DT & Becky :wave:

Fancy seeing you here :)

Can you think of anything nicer to 'talk about'? What have I been missing whilst I've been trying to dig myself out of this hole? :rolleyes:

And WB too :wave: (I missed your arrival whilst typing)

Draggletail .. What is Endcliffe like?

Originally posted by Strix
Hi DT & Becky :wave:

Fancy seeing you here :)

Can you think of anything nicer to 'talk about'? What have I been missing whilst I've been trying to dig myself out of this hole? :rolleyes:
Hi Strix, Hole - what hole? :D

Boston????.... I have a question
What sort of tea do people in Boston drink or are you all coffee drinkers?
Do you know which hospital she worked at or was she a GP nurse, that may help nudge some-ones grey matter.

So many nice things to talk about, but it's far to easy to get bogged down with the not so nice things!

so how about:
the bulbs that are starting to come up, despite the snow
the difference between bakewell tart and bakewell pudding (tast testing essential)
what people will be doing to raise money for comic relief?!

On second thoughts, I think I might dream about nice things instead - I'm going to go to bed and read another chapter of Vanity Fair and get an early night!

night night all, good luck with your search Mrs G! :wave:

Mrs_G - I live within a quarter of a mile of the address you mentioned. Don't know if I can help. PM me if you want.
Draggle :)

Mrs G Here.

I drink only tea that family bring in their suitcases .. the tea sold in the supermarket here is awful!!! I think I can set up a business importing British T-bags, Angel Delight and Cadburys whole-nut!! Have finally been able to buy Ambrosia Rice Pudding .. so I'm in 7th Heaven (but it costs about 3 pounds for 1 tin!)

Don't know the hospital, but have already spoken to the Children's Hospital. She didn't work there.

She lived in S11. There are 3 other hospitals. She was a nursing sister/Theatre sister in the mid 1960s.

Name: Joan Doreen Lautebach
Her mum/grandmother??? was Isabella Lautebach who lived and died at Onslow Road.

Have spoken to a neighbor in Onslow Road. She's been there for 30 years now. She remembers the mother (but might have been grandmother!) dying in 1992. House was sold. Now used for Student rents.

I've only been on here for a few weeks now, when I've asked for help, then it's been forthcoming pretty quickly, I've even had a few PM's with people giving me more indepth help, so I've found this to be one of the better forums.
But like any situation IRL or on the net you get your cliques, people who get to know each other and stick to chatting with them and people who are open to new "friendships" and don't mind who they help. I can see Strix's point of view tho', if you're doing all the leg work for someone and then they don't bother coming back, then you'd get a little pi**ed off, all that effort for nowt, but either way I've no complaints!

Hi There,
Well I really enjoy this site but can't get in as much as I would like too. I only look at what interest me so I must be missing something eh! I have found the folk very happy and willing to share stories. Our tales mite not interest everyone but I think there is a great variety of tales for all of us to enjoy.
Lets all enjoy what we do.
Regards Vera

That's the last time I spend a full evening away from my PC! Look at what fun I've missed! :rolleyes:

I have to agree though that there seems to have been a lot of snapping at newbies lately; I can think of one person I have snapped at (the one Strix mentioned earlier), but in fairness he was damn rude, and I think he deserved it! :rant:

I don't see why we have to berate people who are new and asking for help; maybe we could get some kind of 'code of conduct' or 'user guide' people have to read before they sign up that lets them know what to expect? Finally, if someone asks a question we don't want to spend time investigating, lets just not reply!

That's my twopenneth firmly stuck-in! :D

K x

Have found this forum very useful when i've asked for advice and i always try to remember to thank people for it

ive only just seen this thread about new users and frosty welcomes if any...what i have noticed regularly is that no matter what is for sale, wanted, to swap or asked advice about or indeed anything in relation to the "SF" that certain individuals remark with sarcasm or put downs ...its highly unfair and creates anymosity amongst everyone cos a certain few join in, then others try and defend and if this was out on the street there would probably be an almighty brawl!! i hate to say this but it tends to be the under 20's and some 20 somethings (according to age on their profiles anyhow) that create the issue around sarcasm and put downs .. so c'mon give everyone chance here , allow them to join in and dont make issues out of nothing...think a little before you press the "submit reply!!!" go on have ya say... i can take it :D

Originally posted by Mrs_G
I feel so much better now ... I think I love you all!

I'm in Boston ... can I help anyone with anything ?? Have also lived in Silicone California!!! (8 years)

I'm British (family in Liverpool & nr London). Will happily discuss politics (Oops .. not a good topic to start with) .. or anything else.

I am trying to track down a lady who lived in Endcliffe in 1992. She was a nurse.


Shouldn't have said you LIVED in the States Mrs G, now you're up for fair game !

Originally posted by Mrs_G
I'm in Boston ...
Originally posted by poppins
Shouldn't have said you LIVED in the States Mrs G, now you're up for fair game !
Ooooh, the States, I thought she lived in Lincolnshire.

D'Oh.

;)

Originally posted by nitelife40
ive only just seen this thread about new users and frosty welcomes if any...what i have noticed regularly is that no matter what is for sale, wanted, to swap or asked advice about or indeed anything in relation to the "SF" that certain individuals remark with sarcasm or put downs

......

go on have ya say... i can take it :D Well posting all in capitals is generally regarded as shouting, some people have so much to sell they start to look like a fencing raquet, and I'd noticed almost everything you ask seems to be URGENT!!!!! ;)

PS - I did look for Pitt Lane's number but I was beaten to it. They can be a bit crabby down there, but I wouldn't want to work for Royal Mail at all just now.

I know that this thread is something to do with me and I'd like to apologise for my attitude last night, toward the new users.

I'm sorry to the established users for appearing rude or unfriendly, which isn't what I intended.

And I'm sorry to the new users who I addressed with replies while wound up.

I will not do this in future.

urgent is cos it usually is by the time i get organised !! lol as for caps and shouting....my caps are for noticing , not cos im shouting... is this whispering?
:thumbsup:

Originally posted by nitelife40
urgent is cos it usually is by the time i get organised !! lol as for caps and shouting....my caps are for noticing , not cos im shouting... is this whispering?
:thumbsup:

Yes, that's whispering And this is bawling!!! :hihi:

Originally posted by poppins
Shouldn't have said you LIVED in the States Mrs G, now you're up for fair game !

Thats not fair, I have found people go on the postings that users make poppins.

It`s just that you are daft.

Hello new users :wave:

Originally posted by venger
Thats not fair, I have found people go on the postings that users make poppins.

It`s just that you are daft.

Hello new users :wave:


Mrs G, this is exactly what i mean !

Originally posted by poppins
Mrs G, this is exactly what i mean !
:confused: Oh good! coz I couldn't quite fathom what it meant :confused:

Oh the irony :roll: Another thread that is turning into personal insults.. Oh yay! :suspect:

Has no-one mentioned the bad feeling new users have towards the long term members :confused:

Just curious :)

Originally posted by Deejay
Oh the irony :roll: Another thread that is turning into personal insults.. Oh yay! :suspect:

Has no-one mentioned the bad feeling new users have towards the long term members :confused:

Just curious :)

Last weekend saw furious row between two new users :rolleyes:

As a fairly new member of this form I have met with nothing but politeness. No-one has criticised my spelling which I know is not good or shot me down in flames when I have ventured an opimion. So why the aggro tp poppins. She is stating her veiws
as does everyone else on here and is quite a humerous lady.
" is it cos she's old"
hazel

People tend to respond to your postings, so anybody who feels protected by the anonimity of the internet, needs to be prepared for the roasting they may invoke if they choose their words carelessly, or go against the tide of opinion.

I've been roasted a couple of times. I can take it when I've anticipated it, but there have been a couple of times I've been perplexed :confused:

Originally posted by Strix
I've been roasted a couple of times. I can take it when I've anticipated it, but there have been a couple of times I've been perplexed :confused:

And who says Scousers aren't thick skinned? :hihi:

Seriously Strix, I've found that too. Sometimes people have a rant because they misunderstand the post, or get it out of context; it is easily done!

K x

Originally posted by hazel
As a fairly new member of this form I have met with nothing but politeness. No-one has criticised my spelling which I know is not good or shot me down in flames when I have ventured an opimion. So why the aggro tp poppins. She is stating her veiws
as does everyone else on here and is quite a humerous lady.
" is it cos she's old"
hazel

Hey, Hazel
Who's old ? I can see you loseing your crown before long.

PS Thanks !

thanks for all your pm's guys but why pm's?? feel free to let the public know of ya comments. i dont mind at all :thumbsup:

im a new user n ive found everyone to be really nice . as is the case with most people from sheffield. sheffield lass born n bred , wouldnt change it for a thing. so .. thanks for being so friendly peeps :o)

hollie x

oopsy i havent really worked out the whole smileys thing yet , give me time ... i meant :D

I must admit that I was a little horrid to a new user myself the other week. It was only once, but to be honest, I did find it a little cheeky as it was moaning about the consquencies they had incurred for breaking the law... But I won't get started on that one again!!

However, I'm hardly an "oldie" myself, and I do find that some members of the forum sneer at others. Some users seem to think that other forumers, and their opinions, are beneath them... It really gets my goat, cos underneath it all, none of us are too cool for school as we're all obviously internet geeks! ;)

However, that said, most are thoroughly nice chaps and chappettes, and will go out of their way to help you. (JoePritchard, Owdlad, Cyclone, Strix, PT to name but a few)

And others, you can have a disagreement with and it never gets personal, just a healthy exchange of opinion (Timo, Lily04...)

THATS what the forum should be about...

Sorry to dredge up an old thread, but it occurred to me that I've seen very little flaming of new users lately! :clap: Yeay!

K x

The only person we know that tends to have a nasty approach to newbie users and long term users is t020.

I would advise all newcomers to steer well clear of him :D

Originally posted by sparklesista
The only person we know that tends to have a nasty approach to newbie users and long term users is t020.

I would advise all newcomers to steer well clear of him :D

You speaking from personal experience there SS? :D

K x

Totely agree with Hazel . recieved pm from ex taxman in answer to query. Not been caught by spelling police yet. Great forum.

Originally posted by peterdo
Totely agree with Hazel . recieved pm from ex taxman in answer to query. Not been caught by spelling police yet. Great forum.

Glad you're enjoying your stay! :wave:

K x

Its a good forum is this ,and as some will know I have my moments with some members at least its not boring.
To any new members do come and post comments ,you are most welcome,and dont be put off by what you see.
By and large this forum has given me many hours of enjoyment and it can be the same for you .
GO FOR IT.:thumbsup:

Originally posted by royjames
Its a good forum is this ,and as some will know I have my moments with some members at least its not boring.
To any new members do come and post comments ,you are most welcome,and dont be put off by what you see.
By and large this forum has given me many hours of enjoyment and it can be the same for you .
GO FOR IT.:thumbsup:

Nice one Roy! I agree with you, it's ANYTHING but boring on here! :D :thumbsup:

K x

I think its always hard to break into a group of people, a clique if you want to call it, if you're a newcomer. Its not unique to the SF, It takes perseverence but a bit of humour helps a lot, and eventually you'll be the one looking at a newcomer with suspicion.

I think that a newcomer has to earrn their acceptance amongst a group of established people iin all walks of life, sort of putting the time in, in this case by their posts.
Nothing is worthwhile if too easly gained.
This does not say rudness is accetable in any circomstances.
Hazel

Happy Easter everyone!

It's so apt that this thread should have resurfaced as I was only talking about it in chat last night ...

The vast majority of members are really pleasant and amusing people and post interesting and amusing ideas and comments.

The flies in the ointment are the patronising and disparaging personal comments made by some people on here who seem to have a big idea of their own status and intelligence vis-a-vis other posters. Mostly because the other posters don't agree with their viewpoint on some issue so instead of engaging in persuasive debate, they immediately start on the slagging off. It seems rather counter productive to me.

Then there's the self-appointed moderators .... :rolleyes:

No wonder we all found owdlad's thread in general chitchat about posting on forums so funny. If you haven't read it - do so immediately - will start your day off with a laugh!

I do wonder if these people talk to others in real life the way they type to them on here? Would be interesting to find out ...

Hi Mrs. G, You live in Boston and have managed to survive America's worst drivers. I don't know if you have a Stop and Shop supermarket nearby cos they have all the things you mention in stock at a reasonable price, Lyons, Barry's, and PG tips tea, Ambrosia at about $2.00. Just thought I'd mention it. No point in trying to start a britshop, Boston is full of them around Faneuil market.