What is happening to our society?

[Michael Crane]

After posting more than 7000 times on this forum I have had my (un)fair share of Crane-bashers having a go at me - but never has it been as frequent as in the last couple of months. I can take it, I am thick-skinned, and quite capable of taking care of myself, but it does get a bit tiresome defending myself (and often, Sharen) against imbecilic comments and accusations. Of the 3000+ members on this forum a minority have actually met me, and of those that have, Sharen and me have got on well with them. We have made some very good friends via this forum, and for that we are grateful.

I have noticed a surge in new members coming in and immediately attacking other, more established, members. Why have they joined this forum? From their present crop of posts it isn't for the love or good of Carvoeiro, it seems their only reason in joining is to launch these attacks. I wonder what lives they lead when they take the time and trouble to actually sign up, log on and then post about what the Cranes are up to? I find it quite pathetic that they feel compelled to comment on our every move.

I don't mind reasoned debate and I love to get me teeth into a good topic and get across my point of view - we all have different opinions and the 'challenge' of persuading others to accept yours can be very interesting, but, sadly it all too often degenerates into personal abuse and turns nasty - and then the Mods step in and delete the topic, often along with some very good material that is lost in the process.

I try to ignore those that seem happiest Crane-bashing, and I often succeed, however, on occasions I just have to reply and I know I shouldn't, but it is very hard at times to let the idiots on this forum say what they want about me and get away with it. More often than not I click on the triangle and report the comment as a personal attack - and I am often pleased to find that someone (other than Sharen!) has beaten me to it - it is gratifying to know I (or Sharen) are not universally disliked. This little triangle is a powerful tool - use it wisely and the (habitual) offenders will be dealt with.

[SJ & RE]

Cannot understand why people are being so horrid of late. Perhaps some need a holiday or the heat ( some are getting warm weather) has got to them.
M.C & S.C are being got at for no apparent reason, and are jolly nice people. Stop digging at them and others who are nice people.
Please, those persons on this site who wish to be nasty, malicious and darn right rude, please leave the site and leave us nicer people to continue as we do without your ill mannered obnoxious personalities destroying this useful site.

[HampshireRich]

Good on you. MC - don't let them get you down.

HR

[Michael Crane]

Good on you. MC - don't let them get you down.

HR

I won't.

[bruce]

Michael you and Sharen come over as nice caring people with a love for Carvoeiro, dont take any notice of the idiots who have nothing better to do with their sad lives.

[BOBG]

The following is Mr and Mrs Crane laying into a new member, I have cheked some of the Cranes other messages and found so many like the following, thats the only reason his posted I think he said 7000 messages,it seems like his got his own rules on this forum, and thats why new members and carvoeiro residents have had enough an d decided to fight back.

Well Done


Re: Looking for a good reliable baby sitter
by Sharen Crane » Mon Mar 01, 2010 4:09 pm

Michael Crane wrote:
MichelleChessman wrote:
...If your looking for a babysitter then I am the person to call. ....
Do you have to have anything like a CRB check to babysit in Portugal?
CRB checks in the UK used to be every three years but I believe that if you are working with children in the UK now they are annual, they certainly are if you work in the NHS!

It is not a bad idea for all people wanting babysitters to consider paying for a CRB check, IMHO. It may cost money in the short term but think of the long term benefits of knowing your child/children is/are in the hands of someone "safe".

Also can I just say Michelle you probably don't help your self by advertising that you babysit with your boyfriend, I used to babysit with my boyfriend and I got very little babysitting done and way too much snogging instead! Sharen Crane
CVO Legend

[EMM]

I am in full agreement with the more established members of the forum who find the actions of some new members questionable.

But I am now more than a little concerned that we are putting off new viewers those with a genuine interest in carvoerio and that there is less activity on the forum apart from we the usual MOG's
Not wishing to stifle debate amongst members should topics such as this be moved to CHIT CHAT .

[Michael Crane]

If this is your best shot at me BOGB? You must be very disappointed. Have a longer, deeper trawl through my 7119 posts and report back. Also, your lack of apostrophes and poor spelling is very similar to another member - are you related?

[wattsey]

Mr Crane, you have risen to the bait again. Why mention the english and grammar?

[EMM]

" Rising to the bait " is one of Micheals more endearing qualities

[Michael Crane]

" Rising to the bait " is one of Micheals more endearing qualities

To quote from 'Larkrise to Candleford': It is my one weakness.

[Gary/Gaynor]

MC, Gary and I have had the privilege of meeting you both in CVO on a number occasions and although don't always agree with some topics posted have enjoyed good healthy banter from time to time. So keep going !!!

Quote from Marian Killoran
"People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered. Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest persons with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest persons with the smallest minds. Think big anyway.
Have a great day all, nice n sunny here in Holland
Gaynor

[HampshireRich]

The following is Mr and Mrs Crane laying into a new member, I have cheked some of the Cranes other messages and found so many like the following, thats the only reason his posted I think he said 7000 messages,it seems like his got his own rules on this forum, and thats why new members and carvoeiro residents have had enough an d decided to fight back.

Well Done


Re: Looking for a good reliable baby sitter
by Sharen Crane » Mon Mar 01, 2010 4:09 pm

Michael Crane wrote:
MichelleChessman wrote:
...If your looking for a babysitter then I am the person to call. ....
Do you have to have anything like a CRB check to babysit in Portugal?
CRB checks in the UK used to be every three years but I believe that if you are working with children in the UK now they are annual, they certainly are if you work in the NHS!

It is not a bad idea for all people wanting babysitters to consider paying for a CRB check, IMHO. It may cost money in the short term but think of the long term benefits of knowing your child/children is/are in the hands of someone "safe".

Also can I just say Michelle you probably don't help your self by advertising that you babysit with your boyfriend, I used to babysit with my boyfriend and I got very little babysitting done and way too much snogging instead! Sharen Crane
CVO Legend

Nice bit of editing there, BOBG - pity you did not include the rest of the post and the reply from Michelle. If you are going to attack established (or other) forum members, at least use you own opinions and don't fudge the facts.

[Michael Crane]

MC, Gary and I have had the privilege of meeting you both in CVO on a number occasions and although don't always agree with some topics posted have enjoyed good healthy banter from time to time. So keep going !!! ....

The ability to disagree yet remain friendly is something some on this forum are unable to grasp. I love a good healthy banter.

[Michael Crane]

Nice bit of editing there, BOBG - pity you did not include the rest of the post and the reply from Michelle. If you are going to attack establish forum members, at least use you own opinions and don't fudge the facts.

This was Michelle's reply after we 'layed' into her.