Let's stick to the subject people!

agrinnall

noelphobic wrote: »

It's hardly spam, to be fair. I'm a bit wary that this thread looks like it could end up in arguments so hope I'm not adding to that possibility.

Do you want the 5 minute argument or the full half hour?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Argument_Sketch

noelphobic

agrinnall wrote: »

Do you want the 5 minute argument or the full half hour?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Argument_Sketch

I don't want an argument at all. I must be mellowing with age.

thehappybutterfly

It wasn't my intention to start arguments with this thread, I didn't even anticipate any comments - maybe a few thanks and virtual nods of agreement!

PHILANTHROPIST

I am a MSE newbie who I hope may be able to offer a positive contribution to the Employment sub-forum.

On this basis I would like to objectively comment on happybutterfly's thread.

So far I have observed that forum members do have different opinions and takes on employment matters raised by members. That's understandable and based on my observations does not appear to get out of hand.

As the forum is anonymous then on occasions some members may slightly over step the mark. Again, though somewhat regrettable, that's still understandable and to a certain extent unavoidable.

I think all the posters to date on this thread make valid comments. That is why I like this forum and that is why it was recommended to me.

To put the forum into perspective I sense that some contributors may not realise how fortunate they are. Many of my acquaintances used to be members of a similar forum called Consumers Action Group (CAG) which by coincidence, or not, sounds remarkably similar to the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). My acquaintances were led to believe that CAG survives on use of well meaning voluntary moderators and members who make voluntary "donations" . Some of my acquaintances did in the past "donate". In 2013 some of my acquaintances who did not "donate" were over time subject to sarcastic remarks and vindictive posts in response to what any right thinking person would consider to be meaningful and well meaning member contributions. What was particularly concerning was that the allegedly inappropriate comments were not posted by other CAG members, but by the forum's Site Team moderators who should surely know better.

Upon further examination a friend of mine conducted an objective survey of consumer forums such as MSE, CAG, Benefits and Work etc on behalf of a media organisation. The survey has yet to be completed, or published, I understand the author is awaiting a reply from CAG re certain findings/ critical observations.

Anyhow, I understand that MSE fared far far better than CAG. The worst aspect re the latter was the allegation that CAG condemns MSE and other forums for merely being a front for a commercial enterprise and bans reference on their forum to such (competitor) sites whilst in reality CAG, which is owned by a limited company, and is not a charity, appears to be, to all intents and purposes, also a commercial enterprise. CAG obtains revenue (possibly a substantial sum) from commercial advertising and who knows what (if any) income is generated from likes of google wordspace revenue etc.

The above observations are based on feedback from reliable third parties and may be inaccurate. However, to summarise I think that the MSE members should be proud of MSE. It is not perfect, but it does appear to encourage free speech and posts are not deleted unless there is good reason to do so. As for CAG well members can draw their own conclusions or try it out for themselves. I did and voluntary decided to no longer contribute to the site.

noelphobic

thehappybutterfly wrote: »

It wasn't my intention to start arguments with this thread, I didn't even anticipate any comments - maybe a few thanks and virtual nods of agreement!

I agree with you and have just thanked you. Virtual nod of head from me. :T

getmore4less

Regular here, don't see a problem,

If you don't like something use the report or the spam buttons.

it's the internet grow some.