Private Messaging.

[Theland]

On previous posts I have expressed my desire to see a return to something like the old Sports Bar where it was possible for private messaging.
I would love to help a bit financially some of the ABers who need it, but without private messaging I am unable to help.

[Anne1977]

I agree, this kind gent's generosity could easily be abused. Nevertheless, as previous posts have stated, it's very humbling to know that this gent would be prepared to do this for someone he has never met. He is sadly one of the few people who appear to have faith in humanity.
As has already been stated, if nothing else, it's coming from a good place, and I know his offer made the difference to what is a very bleak and dark period for me.
Just the mere offer restored my faith in humanity.
His kindness, whether I had accepted the offer or not, may have just saved me from falling even further down a dark hole. That is invaluable to not only myself, but to all others who are struggling with their mental health.
He deserves to be applauded for simply being kind. Nothing else, just kind xx

[Prudie]

I agree Theland has been extraordinarily kind and obviously has been very positive for you - my only concern is the posts I've seen from you about your problems did not seem to suggest they were anything to do with needing money.

[douglas9401]

For some reason I thought Lando was skint and living from hand to mouth.

[barry1010]

I am against private messaging partly because of the way it was abused in SB but also because some ABers are extremely vulnerable and come to this site seeking advice and guidance. Their vulnerability is obvious, the cause of it stated in black and white.

There are some despicable people who seek out desperate, vulnerable people to take advantage - sometimes emotionally, often for financial gain. Private messaging would make that so much easier.

[Jordyboy9]

I agree with prudie on this ,it’s easy to make such a benevolent gesture on a site like this,also I remember Desktop who if you believed her posts was a poor soul needing help,I didn’t see any mad rush to help her on here, no this strikes me as a futile gesture,but once more I could be wrong.

[AuntPollyGrey]

Theland - couple of questions: How can you possibly know who is financially in need on a public forum? Secondly, money is not the antidote to all problems.
By giving money to random strangers on a forum you could be fuelling an addiction or funding a scam. I may tell you I'm a struggling student teacher looking after their mum who has dementia but could actually be a hairy builder with a perchance for barley wine and an account with betfred. If you want to give emotional support privately then a throw away email address would suffice, but even then I would be wary as its an easy route into your private accounts by scammers.

[Mozz71]

Polly, it's Theland's money to do what he wishes with. Although you are right, he could be scammed, he has seen someone in need and was in a position to help out. He should be commended on his generosity, not berated on his carelessness.

[Jordyboy9]

Auntpollygrey,the thought of you being a hairy *** biker just proves what I am on about,I once said on here as a joke that I was a 6ft2 ex para Jeff Chandler look alike,,I was believed by some,the truth is 5ft,11,82 year old bald and nearly toothless, ,my point being all is not what it seems on here.

[AuntPollyGrey]

Jordyboy lol! you are not far wrong, I used to have long blond hair and a motorbike - now I have long grey hair and Nissan Micra lol!

[AuntPollyGrey]

Mozz I have not berated Theland, I am giving him advice. From what I've read, the object of Thelands charitable good deeds was thinking of buying 2 lap tops as gifts for someone not that long ago - hardly the actions of someone in financial trouble!
https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Technology/Question1681228.html

[naomi24]

//my point being all is not what it seems on here. //

You're right there, Jordy.

[Mozz71]

You may well be right Polly, and it may well be a big scam. I hope not because it's good to see someone being generous in such a way. I've questioned Theland's lack of Christian goodwill in the past, but he's proven me wrong here. I hope it doesn't come back to bite him.

[AuntPollyGrey]

^^^^ yes totally agree.

[Prudie]

APG I didn't want to be the bad girl by pointing out the 2 laptop post but yes I saw it too.

[Zacs-Master]

Back in November, on a tread about poverty (begun by Theland) he wrote 'I feel the pinch', so I'm not quite sure where his sudden ability to donate to others has come from.
Maybe feeling the 'pinch' for Theland is others 'comfortable'?

[naomi24]

Care to share a pinch of salt, zacs?

[Zacs-Master]

As long as you don't rub it in my wounds, N.

[Old_Geezer]

Maybe this thread has changed from being a private message one, to one suspicious of others situations/intents. Maybe time to return to PMs or leave be ?

[naomi24]

Depends what you do to deserve it, Zacs. ;o)

[Zacs-Master]

I'll think of something ;-)