General Chat

David! You're an idle loafer! LOL ;>))) Elaine, Good point. I couldn't agree more about people asking on this Board for help to make life-changing decisions. It's not something I'd do, but I might ask for opinions, as a fresh perspective can sometimes be valuable in reaching decisions, and I doubt I'd have thought of all possibilities. CB >|<

Hello CB You're right and I am more likely to read threads by people I know better or whose threads I usually find interesting, especially if I'm passing through - whereas if I have time I look about more carefully:) Not sure I could raise myself enough to set a quiz and I'm not a planner:) I've tried a few times with my interests but they don't usually work. I tend to post threads when a subject comes up in my head and I want to know peoples views on it.

I think the board has room enough for all. I also like to see a mixture of fun, quizzes and more serious issues on here. I don't like to see, more intimate details on here, of failed marriages, etc etc, and people asking advice on life changing decisions which have to be made made (not saying that the person cant ask for a hug or 2...) This is a dangerous practice, and to have others input (which could be such as 'Leave him' or 'do this or do that') People have different opinions, and whilst they seem sensible, is only what they would do in such a situation, which whilst is right for one, is not for another. One could be making the wrong moves, which when done, can not often be repaired. Such advice should be sought from a professional, We are a mixed bunch and as said, what rings ones bell may not have the same affect on another. However, I still maintain, that some of the silly threads breed into many more offshoots, all in the same time frame.(spider and its legs) Then we end up with sometimes several threads on the same page all leading back to the one. A joke is a joke, a larf a larf, offshoot from the thread once maybe, but often it gets ridiculous, with many offshoots...and its not only often childish, the original bit of fun gets lost along the way. Elaine x

David, I think it's also worth mentioning that some of us, when our time is limited, tend only to read threads posted by names we recognise. I'd always read yours, Gwynne's, Dave B's, Bendy's, Daisy's, Jenny's, Andy's, for instance, as you're all people whose threads I've enjoyed reading in the past. If I'm short on time, I wouldn't necessarily read threads posted by others unless the thread titles seemed of interest, but that doesn't mean I disapprove of those threads. I'll always look at Dee's quizzes too, and add to them if I know any answers and have time to post them, as I enjoy taking part and I know how time-consuming it is to set them. If I support her efforts hopefully she'll do more. From time to time, I've set a few quizzes myself on subjects like classical music, art, gardening and cookery, which usually seem to attract replies, so maybe a few more people (you included) could do some about their own pet subjects - or general knowledge, of course. Keeps the brain active. CB >|<

Sorry Jenny but I should say that I have been one of those who have been a bit fed up with the boards lately mostly because there haven't been many threads that interest me and a lot of the type that don't. But I think if I want more threads that interest me, it's up to me to post them.

I enjoy debating/discussion threads but also light-hearted chatty threads. I don't object to much really - I don't think the threads are here for me so I just read what interests me. I tend not to read threads that become very long unless I've been following them and also don't read those where people are talking about their personal lives or where it seems as if the thread is more of a private chat but then I expect we all seem to get into those. I'm not into the ongoing stories or charity threads really but a lot of people are. There's a place for most things as long as we try and be considerate to others. Not always easy though:)

Hi Mommy Like most of the others I like a variety of topics, Serious, informative, silly. I am easy to please. I agree with what some of you have said this is not Chat just a message board and some folks do spoil certain people's threads by having conversations. There is Chat in Genes so they should go there if they want to Chitchat. Maybe Im speaking out of turn, if so I don't mind being told to butt out, as I am reasonably new only been here a few months, but it's my opinion. Have a nice day and keep all the good threads coming I enjoy MOST of what you all have to say. Regards Jackie

Morning CB, You've just reminded me, thanks. I'm not comfortable with some of the more explicit stuff because I'm aware that children can read these boards. And most of us are strangers. Newer people may not be aware that some women have suffered unpleasant harrassing private mails and remarks in the past. Gwynne

Good idea, Jenny. I like to see - Threads about unusual things people have found in their FH research Quizzes, puzzles & games Jokes & funny stories Threads about Art and Music Threads inviting comment and/or discussion on current affairs Breaking news of important events around the world, such as the New Orleans hurricane, Tsunami in Asia and London bombing Birthdays, anniversaries and significant events (such as winning medals) of members and close family members Support threads for members (or their families or close friends) who are ill or have problems (such as divorce) Threads informing us about charity appeals Social threads such as The Village, The Welcome Inn and Dave's Fancy Dress Parties - although I don't add to all of them, I think they play a part in keeping the Board friendly Advice threads to help people cope with or solve their problems The Song Thread - it helps to see the words of songs you've heard but never been able to make out the words. New people joining and introducing themselves. What I don't like to see are - Threads started with the sole purpose of running down other members (unfair and unacceptable) Threads giving intimate details of people's love lives (should be kept private) Explicit jokes and lavatory humour (not the right place for it) Any thread containing attacks on minority groups in society (unfair and unacceptable) Apart from that, anything else is fine with me, even though it might not appeal (such as threads about football or soap operas) CB >|< I'd also like to add my agreement to what Gwynne, Jess, Dave have said - what is 'fun' to some of us seems ridiculous and childish to others. For instance, that day with the colour changes on names which Gwynne (who I know won't mind my saying this) and others found hilarious - I thought it was incredibly silly and childish and didn't join in, but I didn't feel I had the right to criticise it. Lemon's thread about Daniel (which he joined in quite willingly) and Bendy's about Lemon and citrus fruits, to me, were very funny (as long as Dan didn't mind, which he obviously didn't) and I joined in, albeit briefly as I was doing other things at the same time. I don't understand other people's 'in-jokes', but as long as they're not directed at hurting others, what harm do they do? Horses for Courses, folks - I say again, if you don't like what you see on page 1, post your own threads!

I must be missing something - I like diverity This board is changing - into a chat board ? not sure really what you mean by that. yes the main posters seem to be changing and evolving as people that post the most threads. The people that used to post every other thread dont seem to be around anymore. They haven't been 'taken over' by the new, they just are not here to post. Hardly any of the people that were here when i joined seem to be about now - that is the nature of this sort of thing isn't it? people come , people go. There is room for everyone and everything! I do value the general topic board - what needs to be done about it? nothing? (does it...?) Jess

I like all sorts. I don't contribute much but I have a right giggle at some of the fun threads, especially as Gwynne says, the ones that just go mad for a couple of hours. I also like the serious debates as most of the time the debates are very respectful and interesting. I can't see a problem with the way it is most of the time. At the end of the day, if I don't like something, I don't read/reply. Claire xx

I like fun threads though I realise everybody doesnt always feel like fun all the time, I dont, But I also like serious ones and topics of current affairs and even interesting things that have happened in peoples past, A bit of everything as long as [people dont get nasty with each other to much of that in the past.No Im not saying I havent got embroiled in it. Daex

Hi Jenny, I think what everyone wants is stuff of interest to them. Sadly, we are all interested in different things. It looks like I'm in the minority but I love the type of threads that spring up and take over the boards for a few hours. The best was the day we all changed colour. It only lasted a few hours and then things calmed down again. I'm sure that annoyed others. I think it's funny when one thread initiates others, especially when the boards have been dull for a few days. (In my opinion) I do think that, perhaps, these threads can go beyond their sell by date and I only contributed to a recent one for a few hours on one night. But on that one night I had fun. For some the board is light relief when nasty stuff is happening in their lives. I was fed up that night and had a real laugh that lifted my spirits. There are other 'fun' threads that I don't find in the least amusing but others do, so I have no right to name-call or criticise. I just go to another website if there is nothing here for me. I also enjoy a serious debate on topical issues and I'm sure not everyone likes them - some are only here for the fun and that's fine with me. I enjoy the quizzes but don't always have time to contribute and have set the odd one or two myself. I'm sure these are not to everyone's taste but so what? I'm 'busy' elsewhere at the moment but if I don't like the subject matter on the boards then the solution is in my hands - post something different. I've said this on another thread but I think tolerance and consideration is needed on all sides. If the board is being swamped maybe those of us involved should tone it down a bit after a while. I've been here for ages as well and see the peaks and troughs on here but my trough maybe another's peak and vice versa. I'm sad when people choose to leave because of bad experiences on here. Some people can be very cruel when they know there is no comeback. I wonder if they are that unpleasant in real life, sometimes. I agree in part with almost everything that has been posted on this subject recently. Moderation is an unfashionable concept but maybeas Pat suggests, something we should all consider. Gwynne

Jenny we were typing at the same time I reckon. As I am the same vintage as you and a longtime member, there is nearly 50 members gone from here in the past year. These people have not been replaced, can you believe that? This has become a chat board, people have lost what this general board was meant for. Maz not sure but I think all this talk about the boards going is because Genes and Friends is being sold. Now the thing with these boards is lookups and such like are getting difficult some say its illegal to give what we are giving freely and we will be the ones in trouble the members not Genes. There is a connections site (adverts at the bottom of each page lol) if people want chat boards etc., they don't need us oldies in the way to complain why not try there? Pat x

Hi Mommy Jenny I like fun threads and serious ones too I like all sorts of threads a quiz, topical stuff & memories loads of different things, but all IN MODERATION. You came into the film thread with us we didn't start thread after thread about different films we just stayed in the one place doing no harm to anyone else, but still enjoyed the thread. If you post here on general board you are not immune from criticism and if people do not like to be criticised at any stage then don't stick your neck out. Outsiders saw what was going on those who participated obviously were too involved to know what it was like on here. We always had diversity if people didn't like to add to stuff it dropped off the page fair enough, but its not really fair that people post stuff hoping for responses when there is endless posts about the same thing cluttering up the front page spreading like a rash and all because people have gotten carried away. Pat x So I like diversity and moderation.

Hi Maz, I have noted that over the last few days, that some are not too happy with the General Board. I would hate to see such a lot of 'Long Standing Members' leave because others have made it uncomfortable for them to stay. Also, I personally agree with others, that the General Board is now more like the GR 'Chat Board' I am too old to go on the GR 'Chat board' and I am sure the members on there, do not want a 50 year old joining them. Although we have some lovely young people on the General Board, that have a great interest in tracing their family history, and really do contribute to the baord, we do get some new members that think it is a 'Chat board' and spoil it. I am sure most will notice the 'difference' within a few days and join us all. Sorry if I have spoken out of turn. But it is the way I feel. Jennx.

hi jenny,i'me just off to bed,but i do know what you mean. the past couple of weeks have been great on here,we have had great threads,and lots of fun threads....but,those that have put up the fun threads have been criticised by the minority...not saying anymore. nite nite everyone.....bryan.

Hi Jenny Is there talk of it being removed? I have been away for a while and am wondering if I have missed something? Maz x

There is a little unrest on this board of late. How about if we all add, what we would like to see more of? I am quiet happy to wait until I have quite a few opinions before we can see what is needed, to quell the unrest on this board. Lets face it, lots are very unsatisfied with it. If I have spoken out of tune, please do not be afraid to say so. I am just trying to find out, how many of us really do value, The General Topics Board. I do know, that I would miss it so much, if it ever gets taken away from us. Jenny. x