MSE Snobbery - Does it happen?

Irishorangutan

:rolleyes: Hello Folks

Having joined this site back in April 2004, I can truly say it has been life changing. I no longer spend erratically (usually) my bills are in reasonable order, and I've learnt how to save and make money. I'm 26 now so I'd have been 21 when I joined, just the age when money becomes vital. In fact, I wish I'd had it when I was 18, and maybe I'd have been better off!

One thing that really gets me however, is the increasing amount of sarcastic comments, downright rudeness and what I can only see as snobbery in the forums. It seems to me that if you have two stars or less, then you are open to criticism for simple questions or failing to spot something in the search function (which isn't always 100% reliable depending on how good your search terms are) and asking a question. New members are often treated with unreasonable suspicion. A couple of quick examples

* Yesterday I couldn't find any of the introductory bingo offers that were around a year ago, so I asked out of interest if anyone had used/seen any recently. I received 3 sarcastic comments about using the search function (Which I did unsuccessfuly) and 1 nice message with a genuine reply and a comment simply saying "nice people on here as always". The sarcastic comments were from people with 3 stars or more, who had been members for 2 years or less.

* A new member added a competition for a prize from a relatively unknown company. Within minutes this was greeted with "don't advertise your site", "spam" etc. Turns out that it was a perfectly good competition, and they had nothing to do with the company as she was in the process of posting two other competitions from businesses in her area.

Is it just that the site is so big now that anyone could be a member, or is there a lack of common courtesy on here now? I know it's easy to hide behind the online persona.

Don't get me wrong, 90% of the posts I have seen have extremely helpful advice from people, but rudeness seems to be so much more rife now.

*waits for the replies about there being another post about this and me not searching properly :rotfl:*

Tarry

I've been called spam when I copied an offer from an email I'd had, but I didn't let it bother me. I guess I would have thought the same especially since at the time I was a new member.

Irishorangutan

Tarry wrote: »

I've been called spam when I copied an offer from an email I'd had, but I didn't let it bother me. I guess I would have thought the same especially since at the time I was a new member.

That's sort of my point, that just because you were a new poster to the forum, instantly you were labelled as a spam merchant. It's great that it didn't bother you, but it would instantly put others off the site before they've saved any money.

I know 3 people who love the site, who sometimes look at the forum and even have registered, but have never posted.

tiannaleigh

I totally agree with what you are saying,in the past ive thought I had a frebbie to post,that i didnt think had been posted already ,but didnt feel confident enough to post

kazmc

I agree with you 100%.
I've had a few run-ins with people on here, the latest of which the thread disappeared, so I dread to think what reply was on there to make that happen, probably best I didnt read it tbh :eek:
I can only assume that the posters on here who are downright rude, arrogant and nasty are not really like that in real life and they just get their kicks from winding people up.
But what absolutely riles me to the point of shutting down my pc and walking away is that you can bet your bottom dollar that if those people were standing in front of me they wouldnt speak to me like that. You're right - they hide behind their screens and that is what bullies are at the end of the day - cowards.
As a recently new addition to this forum I definitely think twice now before posting and definitely think thrice before posting a new thread :eek:
I'm sure this thread will turn into a slanging match which is a shame.
Have to point out though that it is a minority and there are lots of lovely, helpful people on here, so thanks to all of you :T

Irishorangutan

kazmc - that is exactly it, they wouldn't say it to your face, so why be rude online? How many times have friends asked you for a moneysaving tip, or you've suggested something? If they weren't aware of Quidco for example, you wouldn't shoot them down for not researching it properly, you'd point them in the right direction.

I hope this doesn't turn into a slanging match post - it's not intended for that, just to say that the site is fantastic, the forums are incredible, but the level of rudeness, impoliteness and harshness has gone up a lot over the last couple of years.

Cranky

Irishorangutan wrote: »

Yesterday I couldn't find any of the introductory bingo offers that were around a year ago, so I asked out of interest if anyone had used/seen any recently. I received 3 sarcastic comments about using the search function (Which I did unsuccessfuly) and 1 nice message with a genuine reply and a comment simply saying "nice people on here as always". The sarcastic comments were from people with 3 stars or more, who had been members for 2 years or less.

Gotta admit I'm sick of people saying "google is your friend" or "use the search function"

Hawthorn

I agree

I'm sure I've probably been guilty of getting someones back up on here, but it hasn't been intentional, if I have. Some folk seem to get a kick out of doing it.

pink_princess

It does happen,and its not nice.I cringe every time a new person comes on asking about how to get out of paying back a credit card.The abuse is awful.
I don t agree with it either but always go search the info for them.
If people disagree with the laws etc then they should take it to discussion time,not comment on individuals.
I fear we might lose the forums if it continues to spiral in this way.

Taloolah

Please don't be put off posting and using the forums. They are such a helpful resource. Martin Lewis created this site to be available to everyone to get advice , give advice and share information. New members should be welcomed and it's sad to read that new members are being put off or feel that they can't post.

Unfortunately, as in every part of life there are people who feel they have more right than others and people who enjoy putting other people down. However, when you come up against these key board warriors just remember that its very easy to shout and give out abuse hiding behind a computer screen. If you met this people in the street they probably would not have the nerve to speak to you that way. Just ignore them and if you feel that the posts are abusive report them.

For every unpleasant individual on here there are probably 100 decent helpful individuals who can and do give some excellent advice and support. Don't let the ignorant few spoil it for you.

linni

It shouldn't matter if you ask a 'silly question and it shouldn't matter if the answer is not obvious to the person asking it. Also when you do a 'search' there are so many forums that it is easier to just ask it again rather than go through all the pages looking for the right answer.. It is a shame that there are always people who want to spoil things. This is a wonderful site for help and advice. The only trouble is I spend too much time on it!