If you are considering deleting your post, please read this first.

[puncturedbicycle]

If you have written a post and someone replies to it and is actively responding to your questions, deleting the post *in the middle of that conversation* is like putting the phone down. This is not Facebook where everyone does what they want on their own page, this is a members' forum where we communicate with each other. We're not robots, we're individuals who are taking time to participate here.

You don't have to take advice from anyone, you don't have to like what they say to you and you don't have to engage. Feel free to say 'Thanks for your thoughts but I'm going to go in a different direction' or 'Thanks for the convo but for my own reasons I feel I need to delete this post.' Whatever is on your mind, do tell. But if in the middle of a completely cordial discussion you delete the post without warning it is disrespectful and rude, even if that was not your intention.

This happens so rarely it seems like overkill to trouble you all with it but of course I can't say this directly to the relevant person as they have deleted their post.

[Clutter]

PB,

This is the second time that member has deleted her post after receiving replies and, apparently, her account too

I will ignore any subsequent posts she makes.

[puncturedbicycle in reply to Clutter]

Yes, I did wonder if it was the same person. I could understand if it was of a personal or sensitive nature but it was such a nothing post about stuff that's been said here a million times.

There is another member w an extremely similar name but no posts so maybe multiple accounts?

[Clutter in reply to puncturedbicycle]

PB,

I wouldn't like to assume that name similarity = same member.

[puncturedbicycle in reply to Clutter]

Yes of course Clutter, sorry, I didn't mean to suggest you should, I was just musing.

I have an idea that this is this person's MO, they have a new account w a similar name every time. But it's more a matter for me to remember so I don't waste my time next time. I wasn't suggesting any action on your part.

[Clutter in reply to puncturedbicycle]

PB,

Once she's deleted her account there's nothing to stop her signing up with the same name again

There's no action I can take apart from refraining from responding to her posts.

[puncturedbicycle in reply to Clutter]

Yes Clutter, I understand that and just to be clear even if you could take action (1) I would not suggest/request/support that and (2) I do not feel it would be appropriate. This is not a hanging offence, just irritating.

Sorry, maybe we are going in circles trying to be clear to each other.

[humanbean]

This happened to me about 20 minutes ago, and it also happened with someone different yesterday. Both times I was in the middle of replying, then when I tried to submit my (long) answers, the post I was replying to had been deleted.

I wrote a post asking why people deleted entire threads a week ago. It was prompted by a deletion by the same person who deleted today. I got caught that time too, with a long post I'd written but couldn't actually submit.

I've always resisted doing this before, but I'm considering creating a list for myself of people I won't reply to in future because it is a waste of my time.

[puncturedbicycle in reply to humanbean]

Surely the same person. Who according to guidelines we mustn't name and shame.

(Sorry, I see you said it happened w someone different. So I am jumping to conclusions.)

[humanbean in reply to puncturedbicycle]

I agree - the same person.

My lips are sealed - this time...

[Clutter in reply to humanbean]

HB,

You can PM each other the username

[humanbean in reply to Clutter]

Very true!

[humanbean in reply to puncturedbicycle]

Yesterday was someone different. Today was the person I've come across before.

[Clutter in reply to humanbean]

HB,

There are few acceptable reasons for deleting a thread with replies.

Yesterday a member had a number of replies but they were off topic to the specific question and also somewhat personal so she deleted the post and reposted her question. She hasn't previously deleted a thread as far as I'm aware.

Another thread has gone off topic several times and become quite argumentative. I wouldn't blame the member who originated it if she deleted. I was close to deleting it myself

[humanbean in reply to Clutter]

Yes, I agree about there being some acceptable reasons for deleting. But not being a particularly saintly person I can still get grumpy about it.

[puncturedbicycle in reply to Clutter]

Clutter it is a judgement call for each individual and I wouldn't mind if someone said 'Oops, I don't fancy leaving this thread as it is for personal reasons, I will delete it in a few minutes but thanks for the input' or similar. Like I am Debrett's or whatever. I am not some kind of crazy person who everyone has to thank and then leave the room backwards, but, yk, it's nice to be nice. I don't care about social fripperies, but slamming the phone down in the middle of a sentence is unacceptable.

[beh1]

Don't let it put you off! You are doing a fabulous job and helping many people.

[puncturedbicycle in reply to beh1]

I come here for support when I am unwell so it wouldn't put me off using the forum or pitching in if I have something to say, it is just a minor irritation. And I loathe rudeness.