Really? How do you figure it out? I haven't noticed but curious-- is the language usage the giveaway?
Missed this post, sorry!
People who post frequently tend to develop a style of writing that becomes recognizable. I know I have it, there's no doubt when it's ME and not someone PRETENDING to be me
By and large, people who post only sporadically aren't as easy to figure out; few posts means few ways of recognizing them. UNLESS, of course, they are someone who has posted frequently under another name/names and then becomes a "new" member. Even when people seek to change a writing style, in time there are enough clues that if you're paying attention....you can see the oddities, the anomalies, the stuff that makes you say 'huh'??
This is a large message board, with far too many members for most anyone to keep up with them all (if you even wanted to, that is!). But I've been part of online communities since the early 90's and for much smaller groups. You get to "know" people. I put the word know in quotes because I know enough to know when I DON'T "know" people! I've often said that there's enough lunatics online to make anyone who's really paying attention cringe and hide.
I'm a big proponent of being careful about what you post, when, and to whom. For the headcase I originally mentioned here (the one who was multiple people on the parenting board), after a bit there were both inconsistencies that were noted by other members as well as odd similarities that made us sit up and take note. We just began paying closer attention to dates, times of postings and where they were coming from (thanks, also, to moderators with access to IP addresses....'nuff said).
Most people are far too trusting, and take what people say at face value because it's so strange to (most of) them that it isn't always the case. That people make up entire lives, entire histories, in order to attract attention and create drama. They want to know people are worrying about them, or perhaps becoming angered by them.
I think we're all guilty of playing into it from time to time. Again, I know I have....sometimes before I realize I'm getting ripped by a troll, sometimes I KNOW it's a troll, but take it to a different place so it's ME having fun instead of THEM
So, in summary: "Let's be careful out there, okay?"
I also don't get providing advice and support in order to help them to stay in nursing.
That depends on the poster. If the person is almost done, but her parents just died, she is getting divorced and her dogs all ran away and wants to put a semester on hold...well, I will encourage away!
I've been a member of two boards on which someone faked their suicide. Another got progressively crazier and was obsessed with serial killers and writing them, then married one, didn't like what people thought of that and flamed out. Yep, one of those!
Internet forum society is such an interesting thing to me. I always thought if I'd gone with psych instead of nursing that I'd do some sort of thesis on it. It has its own rules, language, crimes, and neuroses.
Wow. Pretty sad that someone would fake their own suicide to get attention from a bunch of anonymous people on an internet message board.
Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.
Hey, Farawyn, I think I recognize you from another board! ;D If you're who I think you are , I remember that sock and her sock monkeys quite well, as well as a few others.
Moving along from that...AsBrandon noted earlier, there's an upcoming psychiatric diagnosis named Munchhausen's by Internet. Someone who has it seeks attention (and money, sometimes) by telling online friends that he has a terrible illness. Symptoms will be described, and the friends will feel and demonstrate extreme sympathy and support. It's really not uncommon on discussion boards.
Especially when they all post to the same thread each and every time.
AllNurses should have a policy that you cannot start a Topic discussion until you have posted X number of times. I am annoyed by the ones who have only one post and it is a complaint about a person or an entity.
Speaking of which:
I hate my Supervisor. They are always telling me to do things like answer call lights and give PRNs. If they have time to tell me to do my job, then they have time to do my job....Right?
My Hospital does not pay me what I am worth. I should not have to work for less than six figures. I got my degree, they need to pay me!
How come that nurse makes $10 more on the hour than I do? Just because they have been a nurse since before I was born does not mean that they should be paid more, right?
That same op will be on here again when they have some experience and will post:
I really deserve a raise. I completed my orientation and now have a LOT of experience. Don't you think we should get paid more the longer we've been a nurse?
Then there is the Messiah/prophet post:
I passed the NCLEX and I can now guide all of you to the promised land. Forget reading the advice of others. I have looked into the Abyss and made it my B:no:. Follow me, my children. For I am the power and the glory sent to you by the Almighty holy-ghost of Nightingale.
Ha! I posted on that thread to point out that regardless of what op proclaimed, a person is not a nurse unless they pass nclex. Was told to keep my negativity away lol
Hey, Farawyn, I think I recognize you from another board! ;D If you're who I think you are , I remember that sock and her sock monkeys quite well, as well as a few others.
Moving along from that...AsBrandon noted earlier, there's an upcoming psychiatric diagnosis named Munchhausen's by Internet. Someone who has it seeks attention (and money, sometimes) by telling online friends that he has a terrible illness. Symptoms will be described, and the friends will feel and demonstrate extreme sympathy and support. It's really not uncommon on discussion boards.
I suffer from NCLEXisis with a touch of snarkitis and will probably not make it past post #354.
Please send prayers and money to: trinitymasterhawaiiandarubahealingvacationfund.argh
The munchausen thing is so odd to me. If anything, the anonymity of the internet gives me the compulsion to be extremely honest, much more so than in real life. Others make up all sorts of tall tales.
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
Wow. Pretty sad that someone would fake their own suicide to get attention from a bunch of anonymous people on an internet message board.
These people can sometimes drag things out for months. It really is a sickness, especially with those who aren't asking for money, but just enjoy messing with people. They prey on what is good about people. Once you are burned by them it's hard not to be wary of everybody. Trying to keep a balance between being overly cynical but vigilant about those who would invest their time in such a dysfunctional way isn't easy.
That depends on the poster. If the person is almost done, but her parents just died, she is getting divorced and her dogs all ran away and wants to put a semester on hold...well, I will encourage away!
I think I'd encourage this person to write a counry song....sounds like it could be a hit!
. Follow me, my children. For I am the power and the glory sent to you by the Almighty holy-ghost of Nightingale.
RNsRWe, ASN, RN
3 Articles; 10,428 Posts
Missed this post, sorry!
People who post frequently tend to develop a style of writing that becomes recognizable. I know I have it, there's no doubt when it's ME and not someone PRETENDING to be me
By and large, people who post only sporadically aren't as easy to figure out; few posts means few ways of recognizing them. UNLESS, of course, they are someone who has posted frequently under another name/names and then becomes a "new" member. Even when people seek to change a writing style, in time there are enough clues that if you're paying attention....you can see the oddities, the anomalies, the stuff that makes you say 'huh'??
This is a large message board, with far too many members for most anyone to keep up with them all (if you even wanted to, that is!). But I've been part of online communities since the early 90's and for much smaller groups. You get to "know" people. I put the word know in quotes because I know enough to know when I DON'T "know" people! I've often said that there's enough lunatics online to make anyone who's really paying attention cringe and hide.
I'm a big proponent of being careful about what you post, when, and to whom. For the headcase I originally mentioned here (the one who was multiple people on the parenting board), after a bit there were both inconsistencies that were noted by other members as well as odd similarities that made us sit up and take note. We just began paying closer attention to dates, times of postings and where they were coming from (thanks, also, to moderators with access to IP addresses....'nuff said).
Most people are far too trusting, and take what people say at face value because it's so strange to (most of) them that it isn't always the case. That people make up entire lives, entire histories, in order to attract attention and create drama. They want to know people are worrying about them, or perhaps becoming angered by them.
I think we're all guilty of playing into it from time to time. Again, I know I have....sometimes before I realize I'm getting ripped by a troll, sometimes I KNOW it's a troll, but take it to a different place so it's ME having fun instead of THEM
So, in summary: "Let's be careful out there, okay?"