Community Chat

[Sooner]

I'm thinking maybe we have told some of our posters things they didn't want to hear and that's why maybe they are not posting any more.

That's sad, so maybe we should lay off the advice so they will check in more often and enjoy the boards for what they are.

I have one in particular in mind that many of us worry about. 

[Carol Diane]

A lot of people on these boards ASK for advice.

[traveler]

What happened?

[denisemb]

Or maybe people should stop asking a message board for advice - at least on personal matters?

I.E. I currently have a post asking for advice on the best split pea soup recipe.  That's about as far as I take it.

On message boards, one is likely hear things they don't want to hear.

[AuntG]

Are you thinking of half pint? I recall her saying she still reads the boards but didn't feel like posting. Didn't sense any bad feelings. 

[mspatmac]

@Sooner 

While I agree with you it is sometimes difficult not to respond when posters are asking for advice on personal issues that would be better discussed with family, friends, or a professional.  I would add to your post being critical of others choices of purchases.  Critique the product but don't get personal with others.

[rms1954]

No one can read your mind.

[denisemb]

Just thought of something else: if a person posts a personal problem, should it just be ignored?  If so, the poster gets no response or 100 saying "I'm so sorry".  Period.

[Snowpuppy]

I've been here since '05.

It breaks my heart when someone posts after losing a SO thru death or divorce that they have never learned to manage simple household tasks or their departed loved one was their only friend.

It also troubles me when posters who have never supported themselves, let alone been the sole support of their entire family to urge someone to leave their situation immediately and run to some non-existent helper agency that will solve all their problems.

[GenXmuse]

I would never ask for advice here except for things relating to products, books or movies. I'm always surprised by some posters who ask for it almost daily regarding their personal lives, but I can't fault someone for replying to a public forum. But I have stopped giving advice to people who ask the same things but don't really want to do anything about it.