Everyone's A Critic

This is the latest critique of a blog post I have recieved overnight
Looking at my comments box, I was mildly surprised to have received over fifty seperate comments over four or five years of blogging entries. The comments are from "anonymous" ( I thought I couldn't receive anonymous comments) and most have a similar gist of complaint

Anonymous10:04 am
She said Fuck all Dickhead.

You really love yourself don't you?
that is pefectly evident with all this bigging up of your life and just how wonderful you think you are.

Saviour of animal kind.
Saviour of strange non existent small town characters
Saviour of fucking dogs treated like children
Saviour
Saviour

Boring and self congratulating pap


Oh dear. My blog entry today was going to centre around Mary's latest obsession
She now delights in accompanying me to the toilet, where she is quietly obsessed with watching all solids being flushed away.
On reflection , I think I'll just  leave you with the photo illustration
It kind of sums up how one person feels
Hey ho

166 comments:

  1. Leaving Anon aside for a minute, and I do appreciate that you are two men living together - but don't you close the lid after you have finished? After all, isn't there a reason there is a lid? One observation: The more women in the household a man grows up in the more likely he will be putting the lid down without being reminded. Anyway, maybe you (and Tom Stephenson) can enlighten me what makes (some) men leaving it all wide open. And don't forget kittens drowning themselves by accident when that blasted lid is kept up.

    As to Anon. Well, you know, anger management isn't being offered (and sought) for nothing. What was written there isn't constructive criticism which begs the question: What is that person's purpose? What are they actually trying to achieve? Surely they must be choking on the bitterness of their own hatred and jealousy.

    Notwithstanding that you once (in a particular context) called me an "arsehole", you are a good guy, John - not that I need to tell you since I am sure all your other friends and followers will rush to your side. And even without outside validation you know you are.

    Greetings to Albert,
    U

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous3:45 pm

      I see John must occassionally show that he has a pair of balls underneath his "sass"
      Surprising

      Delete
  2. What a mean and unfulfilling life Ann Onymous must be enduring if she finds pleasure in digging away at someone else's blog - trying to smear it, trying to undermine its foundations with nasty remarks, chucking mud and all of that. I have "known" you through blogging for some years now John. I know you to be a good man with a heart of gold. You have a healthy sense of humour. You are kind, community-spirited and you help others. In fact you built a career on helping others through nursing. Ann Onymous could learn a lot from you - about how to live with laughter, tolerance, enthusiasm and generosity.

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    Replies
    1. What makes you think anonymous is a 'she' YP?

      Delete
    2. With another reference to middle aged women liking gay men , i had the feeling the commentator was a man.....i did think it was jeff pruitt but he would have banged on about god

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    3. But Ann in Ann Onymous is a woman's name. That's all. I also think it is most likely a man.

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    4. I get you YP!

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    5. I had the same thought as Simone. The gentler sex would never.........

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  3. Is Mary watching "anonymous" vanishing down the shitter? I do hope so. x

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  4. Perhaps for bloggers, negative comments -- like negative mentions in the press for famous people -- are better than none at all! At least you've inspired someone to say SOMETHING. (But still -- what an a--hole.)

    That picture of Mary is so funny. You just gotta wonder what dogs are thinking sometimes.

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    Replies
    1. Yeah at least they didnt accuse me of being boring! Which of course, i know i can be sometimes!
      Mary ADORES the toilet flush

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    2. You are never ever boring.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous3:40 pm

      Christ Almighty Veronica
      You must be easily pleased

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    4. I am highly honoured I got a response. Oh if you only knew.

      Delete
  5. These people are so negative on anything...just life. Why do they hang around if they don't like the blog?.... And you're not the only blogger to receive these type comments. They have no life.

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  6. Anonymous11:14 am

    How mean spirited and unnecessary an attack! I have followed your blog daily for several years and always look forward to reading it. I feel that you and all your 'family' are friends. I find you warm friendly funny touching and so much more. Sorry about the lack of commas but the key has vanished. All good wishes and keep blogging! Love Eileen in Dover xx

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  7. I wonder why anonymous continues to read your blog and give time to pass comment if he/she disapproves? If I didn't like something I wouldn't give it the time of day! Mary probably likes to watch the water swirl around rather than the contents of the bowl being flushed!!!

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    Replies
    1. I have audited her behaviour
      Solid....no solid etc
      Solids are preferred

      Delete
    2. I am not talking about the anonymous above my comment but the one you mentioned in this post!

      Delete
  8. Anonymous is not only a mean-spirited blockhead, but a masochistic one as well. Unless someone is hovering nearby with a loaded pistol, A. is deliberately choosing to read your blog.
    If he/she is so offended by it the obvious solution is to stop reading it.

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    Replies
    1. This is another of their comments

      Anonymous10:14 am
      You usually do, in fact, you seem to delight in stupid inane replies to inane and juvenile comments
      D.

      Delete

      Delete
    2. Anonymous3:42 pm

      This latest chapter in your country life story supports just what I argued

      Delete
  9. I have read a lot of blogs that were really awful.
    No one made me or paid me to read them.
    So when I said F* that, I didn't write the blogger to tell them why, I just quit reading the blog and all was well.
    The more readers you have, the more attention you get, the more appeal you will have to bitchy people with little to think about but what mean thing can they say today.
    As my sweet husband would say .... "F*k 'em " ....

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  10. LOL "you seem to delight in stupid inane replies to inane and juvenile comments "...

    Such as the comments by this bitter pants ? LOL what a d-bag.

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  11. What an awful person anon is. I love your blog and look forward to it every morning. Don't let him bother you.

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  12. I think anon is a female. in my opinion .. men who read blogs don't get into hissy fits ... they read it or not .. if they don't like it, they don't read it . This Anon likes to think someone is interested in what they think. . however inane they are.

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  13. I suppose if you actually call yourself 'Anonymous', then you are not strictly anonymous, and therefore banning anonymous comments wouldn't work. There must be another way of being rid of him/her.

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  14. I think it's someone from your village writing all this nasty stuff. Who have you pissed off lately. Take no notice, your blog family love your very varied posts, you, the prof and your menagerie of animals. Chin up chuck. X

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  15. hey anonymous - FUCK RIGHT OFF!

    my cats like to watch the toilet flush also.

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous3:33 pm

      Surprise surprise a fag hag with a cat
      Brother!

      Delete
    2. Aha....brother is a US phrase isnt it....hmmmm....

      Delete
  16. Oh well done! I don't know how you managed it but it sounds like Gollum reads your blog.....

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  17. Don't let it stop you John - I always read you first and couldn't live without your daily dose.

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  18. I love Anon's of the world. They keep all the ugly and bitter concentrated somewhere I don't have to be.

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  19. Calling oneself 'Anonymous' just about sums up all that needs to be said, though maybe 'Insignificant' might have been more pertinent.

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:34 pm

      Old fag

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    2. Lol! It's like having a poltergeist with Tourette's.....

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    3. LOL ... a boring poltergeist .

      Delete
    4. Don't stress John... we adults recognis/ze a fuckwit when we see one and I am sure Raybeard doesn't take offense at Old fag... seriously "OLD FAG". Hey Anon really we all love John, the Prof an the animals... and nothing you can say will get in the way of that. I am sorry you are so jealous and have no one in your life to love you have to attack people we love and admire. I hope somewhere in your life something.. something no matter how small.. bites you or something.. so you go ouch.. and then realise.. actually even though you are an ugly fuck ...you realise.. hey.. I do actually matter... :)

      Jo in Auckland, NZ

      Delete
  20. Anonymous1:18 pm

    Sorry John. I read your blog every day and have wanted to leave a comment, but been unable to because you didn't have Anonymous. After this post I checked again and Anonymous is definitely there. Maybe you'll have to change it again. Not so good for me or people like me who want to leave a respectful comment, but just for your peace of mind.

    Joan (Wales)

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  21. One has to wonder what a pitiful existence a person is living in to take the time to write something like that. Unbelievable. I think they are a self important drunkard.

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  22. Anonymous seems to be a moniker that only idiots use! Rarely have I seen a comment from Anonymous that wasn't mean-spirited.
    As for the toilet lid, my Maggie the Wonder Dog has a bowl of water in the kitchen and one on our deck. But the minute she hears a toilet flush she's off to the races! She loves to drink the CLEAN water as it swirls around. I bet Anonymous would have a hey day with that little tidbit.

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  23. Tell them to stick their comment up their ass. We love you John!

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  24. from time to time we have some of the "old" trols on our blogs,some of them have names too,they will go and come back with other names.

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    Replies
    1. I was thinking the same thing as Yael.

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    2. Anonymous4:32 pm

      Oh yeal jennifer wants to be your bestie!

      Delete
    3. Is it school holiday time ?

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    4. Must be Notes.... they cannot spell for shit!

      Jo in Auckland, NZ

      Delete
  25. John, you have 'arrived'..you have your own troll! Gotta feel sorry for them really, for what truly sad lives they lead that they have to read blogs they don't like or even get and bitch about it. Loved Eileen Dover btw x

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jacqui - I've been wondering why no one said this earlier: this particular anonymous is just a troll. Could be a boy, a man, a woman, whatever - someone whose big deal is being a sour voice. Sad that he or she is so screwed up, but boring as well (everyone has seen it before).

      Delete
  26. One of our dogs used to drink out of the toilet when she was younger. Sorry haven't commented for a while. Hubby hasn't been keeping well for the past few weeks x

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  27. were it me, that comment would be deleted as soon as I read it. don't like what I write about? don't read it. it is my space and I don't allow hatefulness or small petty meanness.

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  28. It's bitterly ironic that the harshest critics always remain safely anonymous. It gives them a sense of power to spew their venom.
    Believe me, I've had my share of them on my blog.

    Fuck 'em, John. They are jealous.

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous3:31 pm

      I am not envious in any way Jon, I just find Going Gently rather too sugary and at times a touch false for my tastes.
      It panders to an audience of middle aged, sad women, as far as I can tell, oh with the occassional gay man thrown in to balance the books as well as the usual handful of drunks that blogging seems to attract nowadays. ( ring any bells Jon? )
      I am anonymous because I am allowed to be.
      But if you want to know my name, I am happy to share it.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous4:06 pm

      Since several anonymous commentators have crawled out of the woodwork, I shall add that my name is Petra

      Delete
    3. Petra,
      I admire your dedication . Nearly 50 comments on posts going back to 2011.
      I am intrigued why you have not posted before? What set you off yesterday?

      Delete
    4. Anonymous4:15 pm

      Nothing set me off.
      I am not a nut job but I am getting increasingly irritated with by your adoring no-life fans, who simper away at anything and everything

      Delete
    5. I am not a middle-aged sad woman, not a gay man, not a drunk. I have read "Going Gently" for several years and still enjoy my visits here. If you find the blog too "sugary" and "false" then do the obvious thing and go elsewhere. Find blogs that appeal to you. It is clear that your presence here is objectionable and unwanted.

      Delete
    6. Have you any fans in real liife Petra?

      Delete
    7. Anonymous4:21 pm

      Is Yorkshire Pudding just another way of being anonymous? Fuck Off back to your own fucking boring blog
      I looked at it just now ,,,fucking YAWN,

      Delete
    8. Anonymous4:24 pm

      To John:
      I am not as shallow as you so I do not need any.

      Delete
    9. Well thats telling me! I was going to leave the anonymous block off, and invite you to have a serious or at least adult discussion bout this but insulting my friends here is pushing it.
      Petra or whoever you are, if you continue to be insulting then you will be blocked

      Delete
    10. Anonymous4:30 pm

      Do what you fucking want

      Delete
    11. Hello Petra. I don't know if your mother is still alive but if she is please tell her that you have been taunting complete strangers and employing unnecessary bad language too. I think it is highly likely that you could benefit from professional counselling. All this unpleasantness may well be simply a plea for help.

      Delete
    12. so why do you continue to read a blog that you have such a low opinion of? there's an easy solution to your petulance...stop reading John's blog.

      Delete
    13. I think John's popularity comes from the fact that he's extremely sincere, honest, and believable. He is a genuinely nice guy and doesn't taint his blog with bias, bitterness, or hate. He also doesn't flaunt his gay lifestyle and he isn't judgemental about others.

      I - on the other hand - am more caustic and crude with the opinions I post on my blog. I've admittedly angered some people - but those who know me well know that my bark is FAR worse than my bite.

      BTW- I do have a number of extremely nice people who comment "anonymously" on my blog. I think what annoys me most about this is simply the fact that I have no clue who they are. I'd rather have a name and gender (even if it's a fake name).

      This comment was too long. Sorry...

      Delete
    14. I love your caustic blog jon.....especially when you pepper it with Hollywood stories

      Delete
  29. I suppose there is a difference between 'Anonymous' and being anonymous.
    Maybe it was someone you told to "Fuck off" one time too many?

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  30. Elsie rests her mush on the loo seat when it's flushed. I wonder what attracts them?

    Could Anonymous be a villager who thinks they are worthy of a mention but never is? Or once mentioned in a not so good light?

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous3:37 pm

      Ah I am one of these small town characters that actually does exist? Sorry to burst your bubble Andi - with an i- but I do not live in the village that is supposed to remind everyone of Walnut Grove

      Delete
    2. Ha .. you wish. Just another dull person who finds their kicks .. being something they can't be in Real Life.

      Delete
  31. Ilhona from 'Life after money' has the same problem with these bitter and twisted souls. I too wondered if it was someone local to you. It is the downside of social media. Never stop writing as you make my day brighter (apart from when you make me choke on my tea especially when confronted with a part naked bum)he!he!

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    Replies
    1. Annie I thought about Ilona too, I even wondered if it was the same anon she had to block. Hmm keyboard warriors as John would say Hey ho !!!

      Delete
    2. Ilhona's troll drove another blogger (who was her real life friend) 'out of town' on the blog and literally. She abused her by email and txt too. She follows you John and I hate that, Dear Reader, and wanted to say something at the time, but decided not to and just unfollowed her instead and waited patiently for the other blogger to reappear again, yay. Perhaps it is the same 'Dear Reader Troll'. DR Troll prob won't read this as she is too self-important and hypocritcal.....
      Susan x
      (not been around much, life crap)

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    3. Got it in one Susan

      Delete
    4. Susan, that was my first thought. Now she's turned on John.

      It's hard being frugal, Christian, modest dressing and two home owning.

      The vileness of the words made me think of her. She had turned on another reader of her blog before her friend. Ran that woman off the internet with her words.

      But hey, we are middle aged fangirlz

      Delete
  32. Surprised Anon has the inclination to post if you're so boring and self involved John - each to their own x

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  33. Anonymous4:02 pm

    Can I just say that I think you are just NORMAL you just put into words what everyone else thinks and does ie scratches arse. Any dog owner will secretly admit to their dog "drinking out of the bog, sitting on the table and "washing" the plates cos I couldn't be arsed clearing it, and leaving "presents" on the carpet while the back door is open. Keep it up and say "c-off" to them
    Su of anonymous fame

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    Replies
    1. Greetings su
      Thought you were Petra for a moment
      Welcome aboard........i shall knock the anonymous block off in a day or so so feel free to comment again x

      Delete
  34. "increasingly irritate by Johns "no life fans " ... and you have a life ?
    Reading comments made by others and getting that worked up over them ?
    Someone has issues and it certainly is not this blog or the people posting unless we count you.
    Take a break from reading blogs. That is my advice.
    Finding a life is another bit of advice, when anonymous people online start falling apart because they read comments on a blog, it is time for a change.
    Perhaps you can make your own blog. And we will all be happy to comment on it.

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  35. At my age I thought I was past simpering....I`m strangely flattered.....X

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    Replies
    1. With a name like Margo Bow Bells .. you will be a lovely example of simpering into your 90s at least :)

      that didn't sound like a simper did it ? I hope not, I would hate to get poor Anonys knickers any more twisted than they already are...

      Delete
    2. Why thank you darling.....! As for knickers I would imagine Anon is either selling his/hers/its to sniffers or is indeed a sniffer themselves...oh brother, I`ve done it now.....XX

      Delete
    3. This one made me laugh out loud. Thank you! Sniffers!!! Hahaha ha!

      Delete
  36. I also seem to feel the need to chant `fight` `fight` `fight`....

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  37. Petra
    Like the blue Peter dog of the same name, started to get a bit more insulting to the generally placid and sweet natured going gently reader, so she has been stopped from commenting.....that is unless she registers
    Hey ho

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    Replies
    1. I thought about blue Peter's Petra too....I think that's the only Petra I've known of

      Delete
  38. Anonymous4:57 pm

    John, to be fair: Anonymous does have entertainment value. How often do you come across people who express what they really think?

    For all I know, and suspect, Anon loves stoking a fire and laughs from one to the next comment.

    Anon will be the first to admit that she isn't hot on delivering "critique" with finesse yet she does have a wider point. Some blogs (and comments made on them) are saccharine. No point denying it. Sometimes the ingratiating does make one slightly queasy on reading. And, of course, it does have a knock on effect. Eventually you yourself shut up. I thought twice about my earlier raising the wisdom of keeping the loo lid open. That's what I loved about Tom aka Hippo's blog (and Tom Stephenson is similar) - no offence taken (and vice versa). Witty, sharp, to the point.

    Look at it another way, John, and I actually mean it: Why not welcome someone like Anon and give them as good they give you. Everyone likes a slanging match. In fact I almost envy you. Send h.. over to me and I'd finish h.. - before making h.. rise out of the ashes once more. Best not take stuff too seriously.

    Greetings to Aunt Gladys and Albert,

    U

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That was why i didnt reinstate the anonymous clause until just now....i quite enjoyed the debate
      But she started to get a bit personal with Anne Marie, Raymondo and Jon, so i had to hit the button.

      Hope she reads this, as i shall revoke the bloke later....one step to far and petra, like the blue peter dog, will be dead meat!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous should really start a blog of her (his) own. It would help unleash all the pent up frustrations....instead of unleashing them with comments.

      Delete
    3. She called me an OLD FAG, J.G. Oh, I'm so offended! - even though it's true that I am old (coming up to 70!) as well as being a homo. And I'd been trying so hard to keep these traits secret, drat it all! :-)

      Delete
    4. I think she's basking in the glory of all the attention she is finally getting.

      And she obviously loves us "old" fags....

      Delete
  39. Look at all these responses from a complete non entity with a poor vocabulary.

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  40. Anonymous5:04 pm

    Sorry, John, I see your last comment overlapping with mine. I do agree with you that as a minimum Anon should admit tohaving some identity. Which reminds me, blogspot is confusing. This morning's comment I was allowed to sign off under my actual name (which I prefer). Just now (and with this one probably too) I had to use my rather debatable wordpress user name.

    More greetings to Albert,
    U

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the block was revoked but not by me

      Delete
  41. At least we can say this is one nutcase who is not from here in the US, they spelled savior 'wrong' Sorry people like this are compelled to attack all that is good, and by good I mean you.XX

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  42. The mentalitt of trolls puzzles me. I can't understand what intinsic gain someone might get fron being hideous to others. Today's post made me laugh as well. Thanks xxx

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  43. Holy Moly, I don't think your blog is sugary or whatever else it was that that "person" said.
    I love when you talk about the animals and the village people, but I also read to hear about your job and how much it teaches you. We all have so much to learn from each other, it's so sad that anonymous isn't getting that.
    But my experience tells me that those kind of people lash out because of a wound that they haven't taken care of - and that they will never admit to. Even if it's evidence is spewed all over the page.
    Love, love, love the photo of Mary!

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  44. Congratulations "Annon." You've inspired 87 truly nice and interesting followers to pay attention to you...was that the goal or was attention from your parents always caustic and you miss your mommy?

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  45. Every dog should have a hobby !
    Perhaps it's Mary's answer to the pathetic post from Anonymous !

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  46. GIVE ME HER ADDRESS! I WANT TO SHAKE HER HAND! Only joking. No, not everyone is a critic - mainly you. Look on the bright side - she has quadrupled your sycophantic comments, so why worry?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I kind of enjoyed the banter until she got personal

      Delete
    2. I miss the Hattatts - they are the last proponents of politeness for its own sake, and are not fearful of being identified. You are not worried about that either, There is a good reason why you are loved by strangers - you are not strange! Don't worry about people with problems greater than ours.

      Delete
  47. Anyone lacking the courage to put a name with their moaning isn't to be taken seriously in any case. Those who matter like you well enough. x

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  48. I'm afraid I can't agree with anonymous, I spotted cutting comment on GBBO thread. I got on your blog via Sue' s blog the lady doing a Phyllis Dixie behind a huge cabbage. I think she was on Omlet. I like her blog and found yours via that.both blogs are well written, sad and funny at the same time. your black sense of humour comes from your job I suspect - nursing - I love it. As a nurse too I laugh at macabre and smut. Apart from age and job I also keep chickens and cats and your animals are a delight. I firmly believe animals match their humans. I know North Wales well so lovely to read up on old memories. Well done for rising above the abuse. Look forward to hearing about Mary's new watering hole😋

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice to have you aboard for the ride x

      Delete
    2. It's a long time since I was on Omlet 😉

      Not saying a word about Anon ... why grace the tithead with a reply!!

      Delete
  49. Meant to add 96 comments says it all for this thread

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  50. Shit I think I could be accused if simpering and I LOVE it.

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  54. Anonymous8:09 pm

    Oh, I am so thrilled! I can comment on the infamous John Gray blog. So, before you remove it, just want you to know that I look forward to your post every day. Love the Prof an all of your 4 legged companions also. Thoroughly enjoy the updates from all of the village antics - happy and sometimes, sad. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. I live in Minnesota (USA) and read every bit from beginning to end, as well as the comments. Ranee

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    Replies
    1. Just for you i took the block off.......lets see if petra returns!

      Delete
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  56. To me , this tirade reads like the angry thoughts of a young man who, no matter how hard he tries or however good he tries to look, his mother just refuses to sleep with him ever again

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    Replies
    1. Kerching! Hows affable despot claire's foot?

      Delete
    2. How many deleted comments are you going to do?

      Delete
    3. I'm experiencing iPad issues.....pain in the arse it is ....

      Claire's foot isn't great tbh .....three weeks today .....think the X-Ray May have missed something john ....

      Delete
    4. Its been too long jason, she needs to go back

      Delete
  57. Don't think I've ever commented before, but I'm a faithful reader from across the pond. Anon/Petra obviously has a problem--alcohol? rage?--who knows, but something is off.

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    Replies
    1. Welcome jean..petra has done me a favour, i have disabled my anon gate and ne anyone can comment
      Bring it on x

      Delete
  58. I am becoming an old woman who says things sometimes that I wish I hadn't. But this person meant to say everything that she said and I for one am happy that she is blocked and gone. There is enough ugly sh*t in the world, we don't have to have it here too.
    Let her go be sick and miserable somewhere else. alone.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I love reading your blog and your bravery in sharing the good, bad and the ugly in all its glory is the best bit. Thank you. That said, this is your blog and your hard work and if the anonymous trolls make it less bubble and more squeak you should do as you please with the comments!

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  60. I read your post first thing this morning on my iPad, as I always do, before I crawled out of bed! I never try to comment on the iPad because it has a mind of it's own. With a storm heading this way. I had things to batten down outside and forgot to get back to this. Anyway, Anonymous can just Fuck Off! (wash my mouth out with soap!) I love you as does everyone here and that is all that matters. ...Little Mary is a sweetheart!

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  61. I have a fab busy life and I adore this blog. I appreciate good writing in general.
    John I think Petra's personality is going to cause her way more problems in life than she'll cause you.

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  62. I just read what you said before that skanky person made such a mess of things and I think I would be fine with a photo of the dogs at the toilet and not that ugly person posting ever again on here.
    This is where I go to feel good .. even when it is sad sometimes, this is a blog full of good feelings, for animals, people and Home. These things pretty much make all humans feel good or at least most humans enjoy that sort of thought.
    I won't mind if you start previewing your replies so you can throw the trash out when it posts and we can all/ you included, enjoy things that are important.. that would be you blog.

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  64. The odd thing about this is that although he/she is being vile - at least you know she/he is reading your blog :) I think you should ignore the content of the message from anonymous and take it as a complement :) x

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  65. I have sometimes read your blog and ended up laughing through my tears when I've had a particularly bad day. I wonder if Anonymous feels happy and contented after launching such mean-spirited critiques? Life is too short to be so negative. How much better to spread a little joy with your tales of dogs/children and 100 ways to burn your arse!

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  66. One thing I've learned in almost ten years of blogging is: Don't feed the trolls. There are people out there who get their rocks off creating drama just like this as a means of entertainment for themselves. When I get comments from people like "Petra" I usually delete them right away and then block that person from commenting again. It saves wear and tear on my nervous and digestive systems that way. Life is too short to spend time fighting with assholes. Your blog is a lovely escape into a pleasant place of dogs, love and humor. Carry on, John!

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  67. Anonymous11:21 pm

    Well John I am going to be sycophantic and make no apologies for it. We have read your blog for very many years and it is a daily treat. You are such a lovely caring man. Your work at the hospital and being a Samaritan should shout out to everyone that you are so much better than low life who think they can bad-mouth you. The best thing is that we all know it is like water off a ducks back to you. Keep smiling.
    Wendy (Wales)

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  68. Gee, I had a voice mail like that from one of my homeowners at a community I manage but his was peppered with FU** and "You're an a**hole Ruth
    Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Ruth in California

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  69. This blog is a lovely mix of the little 'mundane' moments that make life worth living, and deep thought and emotion. That person, well I can imagine them sitting in their basement trolling away, and I think they probably have a truly horrible life with no love or hope in it, unlike your life, John. No wonder she/he feels so poisonous towards you. I hope you don't let them change how you post (or live) for even a second. xxx

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  70. Hello John! I've never posted here before either, however I really wanted to thank you for sharing your writing with us. I don't understand people who feel compelled to be so awful - if I don't enjoy a blog I read, or its followers I simply don't read it anymore. It puzzles me when people feel compelled to behave this way. Best wishes and thanks, Lynne

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  71. Your writing is a joy. You very frequently bring happiness to me in this simple way. Anonymous is clearly a dink. Cheers!

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  72. What a sad sap this Anonymous is.

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  73. I'm still giggling at the comment she made about me.

    Yael, please be my bestie!!! LOL!

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  74. Allegra5:04 am

    So, I come back after an unexpected trip down the staircase on my back, head first btw, two weeks ago and instead of getting news about George I get to read some bitter rubbish from someone who can dish it but only as anonymous? Petra? as in stone? it must be. Anyway, I didn't break anything, but we are watching some very deep contusions for the obvious reasons. McKenzie and Aliah were sure I would never be back and are glued to me, and not even half as happy am sure as I am to be home. Enough about me, how is George?

    Btw, all intelligent dogs wonder why we send used food down the toilet, everyone knows that. In dog's etiquette "used food" is always eaten again. Oh dear, I wonder if that is the problem with Petra...

    Allegra,
    (who is well on the other side of middle age, I guess that makes me an old fag hag according to Petra,at least I will never be anonymous,*smile*)


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    1. George is doing fine.. Happy and if not heathy comfortable

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  75. How wonderful, I know a man who lives in a Welsh village populated by Agatha Christies. How far by straight line are you from Midsomer?

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  76. Why are we giving this ? Whatever so much of our time. Let's just move on to the next great adventure of this phenomenal Welsh town and its folk people/animals.

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  77. Frankly John, if the world were peopled by more people like you it would be a much better place. I love your blog and it reminds me on a daily basis to be kinder and to take that extra moment with people. As T.L. Merrybard comments above 'lovely mix of the little 'mundane' moments that make life worth living, and deep thought and emotion'. I guess some people will always be bitter and jealous of those with richer lives. ((Hugs)) to you, the Prof and the menagerie. xx

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  78. PS Our cat likes watching the loo flush too but then she also likes to be on lifeguard duty when my husband takes a bath. It's hilarious watching her peering over the bath at him with this really concerned look on her face. We're thinking of getting her a red swim suit a la Baywatch.

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  79. Anonymous9:23 am

    John, you are a very caring kind hearted man. I really enjoy your writing and the sentiments behind it. Keep it up and don't take any notice of horrible stuff.
    Cheers, Lynda (NZ)

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  80. I've been following you for years ....I used to be " seaview cottage " blog as miss holly.
    I've Loved every minute...I have saved a number of photos...Gladys of course...you in bed with all the four leggeds....and your wedding day...several wonderful pictures of that day...
    I've read aloud so many wonderful bits to friends and family...so many hysterical moments...sweet moments...animal moments..
    I have friends and family who ask all the time how you are all doing as I've retold or read so many stories....love you all to bits .
    Social media has opened so many amazing doors to meeting people from all over the world. I absolutely adore that. I have met so many who have become long distance friends......but it has also opened a vault of some who like to rant...madly rant ...it is so disturbing...but all we can do it delete or block them...its just that when it happens it's unsettling...what causes a person to unload all that shite????? Good with the bad I guess. The worst I ever received was to be told I should shoot myself in the head after a comment on guns...very touchy subject here in the U.S. That shook me up....but I'm over it...
    Stupid people are just stupid.
    Great people are just great and that's you ! So thanks! And fuck off anonymous .

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  81. As I retread the "four legged bit" is I'm sure going to cause a stir... :)

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  82. If I ever pull a 'woe is me' on the lack of comments I might receive, I'll remember your 'anonymous' & count myself lucky. I have a few very friendly & thoughtful commenters & I'm grateful.

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  83. Life is to damn short. I say, haters something is way bad in your life and you secretly want fulfillment in yours. John makes us laugh, and shows his caring spirit for anything breathing. I wish we all knew each other's Facebook id's. I can't share pictures on my blog so I just don't write. Hello and hugs to you and the Prof!

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  84. Thanks for the joy you give.

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  85. Thanks for the joy you give.

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  86. HI John-The comments here have been a fascinating read tonight! I 've often wondered what makes someone want to make that sort of negative comment on a blog. An attempt to steal what they perceive to be the limelight perhaps?
    For the record I love the blog, because it's a view into a life very different to mine, and that's always interesting.


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  87. HI John-The comments here have been a fascinating read tonight! I 've often wondered what makes someone want to make that sort of negative comment on a blog. An attempt to steal what they perceive to be the limelight perhaps?
    For the record I love the blog, because it's a view into a life very different to mine, and that's always interesting.


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  88. Oh John, I'm disgusted by anonymous what a bitter nasty piece of work she is. You are a kind wonderful generous man, taking care of cast of poultry and the like, looking after and helping your friends and neighbours, child care, and your wonderful dogs and cat. Volunteering your time in the community and entertaining all of us with your sense of humour and daily goings on.
    I would volunteer my time to hit her over the head with my fly swatter.

    Cheers john.

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  89. That was all quite entertaining. More so than the lack of comments at my own comment-free blog (obviously). But names on blogs mean nothing, often, and your Petra could well be an old male sociology researcher gathering materials for his next paper on the role of the internet in identity crises. Or she could be an eight year old laughing at all you old farts taking her seriously. Or of course she could be some bitter sad bitch. Anyway, I hope you keep blogging (although the photo of your sunburned crack made me question that hope for a while)

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I love all comments Except abusive ones from arseholes