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Are people getting grumpier out there?

Posted: 07 Oct 2008, 19:41
by Vortex
It may be the weather, it may be me, it may be the media focus on doom ... but are you noticing the GGF (Global Grumpiness Factor) climbing a bit out there?

Posted: 07 Oct 2008, 19:43
by MacG
Not yet. My primary indicator use to be traffic behavior, but this far people are staying calm.

Posted: 07 Oct 2008, 22:05
by Erik
GGF? Far from it, for the moment:

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style ... 53385.html
The world enjoyed its biggest collective ego boost after the 2004 Asian tsunami triggered an outpouring of charitable giving unseen in modern times. It was the sight of those coastal villages swept away, on whose beaches we had holidayed, that guaranteed that the initial horror was swiftly followed by relief at our own good fortune.

The worst of times for some brings the best of times for others, in the sense that other people's suffering puts your own in perspective. Suicide rates fall in times of war, civil unrest or disaster. During the height of the troubles in Northern Ireland in the 1970s, the region had the lowest suicide rate in the UK.

My own, completely unscientific, impression is that, at this early stage, the credit crunch is creating more excitement than gloom. People on modest incomes are pleased to see the titans of the City cut down to size. There is a buzz of excitement in the air, especially among the young. Fear about the long-term consequences are, for the moment, overwhelmed by eagerness to know whatever is going to happen next.
NB: I originally posted this down in the "psycho forum" which probably doesn't get seen much lately what with all the excitement going on up here in News 'n' General Discussion. Apologies for double posting, but I think this article ties in better here with Vortex's thread.

Posted: 07 Oct 2008, 22:32
by skeptik
Not at all. Most if the tourists have gone home, the weather's been really nice, and the sea's still warm enough to swim in. Bar staff are relaxed and have time for a chat - rather than the perpetually harassed look they have during the season.

Apart from from dead estate agent shops, no signs of financial stress yet.

Re: Are people getting grumpier out there?

Posted: 07 Oct 2008, 23:27
by Catweazle
Vortex wrote:It may be the weather, it may be me, it may be the media focus on doom ... but are you noticing the GGF (Global Grumpiness Factor) climbing a bit out there?
NO. Now ask something sensible.







:wink:

Posted: 08 Oct 2008, 00:04
by Ludwig
MacG wrote:Not yet. My primary indicator use to be traffic behavior, but this far people are staying calm.
In Scandinavia maybe. Drivers here in SE England are so rude I can't imagine them getting any ruder. I don't know how I'd notice the difference. An increase in actual assaults maybe.

Posted: 08 Oct 2008, 00:14
by Andy Hunt
Are people getting grumpier out there?
Yes.

Posted: 08 Oct 2008, 09:37
by Blue Peter
Andy Hunt wrote:
Are people getting grumpier out there?
Yes.
Shouldn't that be: **** off!? :wink:


Peter.

Re: Are people getting grumpier out there?

Posted: 08 Oct 2008, 09:51
by contadino
Vortex wrote:It may be the weather, it may be me, it may be the media focus on doom ... but are you noticing the GGF (Global Grumpiness Factor) climbing a bit out there?
No signs of it here. People are as happy as ever. However, that might have more to do with the lower levels of household debt or the fact that direct or indirect share ownership is a totally alien concept.

Posted: 08 Oct 2008, 10:36
by Andy Hunt
Blue Peter wrote:
Andy Hunt wrote:
Are people getting grumpier out there?
Yes.
Shouldn't that be: **** off!? :wink:
:lol:

That's the other thread . . . :wink:

Posted: 08 Oct 2008, 19:35
by Budgie
One thing I have noticed, for the past week, I am Passing approx 2 motor accidents a day, almost everyday. I am sure I never used to pass that many before. Today I think I saw 3 accidents!

Posted: 08 Oct 2008, 20:42
by OrraLoon
skeptik wrote: Apart from from dead estate agent shops, no signs of financial stress yet.
They never sell these things over here. Yup, the free market was always an illusion.

Posted: 08 Oct 2008, 20:50
by Andy Hunt
skeptik wrote:Apart from from dead estate agent shops
So what's the going rate for dead estate agents then?

Posted: 08 Oct 2008, 21:31
by Vortex
I've been asking a few retailers I know about the mood of the public.

Yep, there has been an increase in grumpiness - and even rudeness!

Posted: 08 Oct 2008, 21:33
by clv101
Budgie wrote:One thing I have noticed, for the past week, I am Passing approx 2 motor accidents a day, almost everyday. I am sure I never used to pass that many before. Today I think I saw 3 accidents!
It's just started to get dark, I think these weeks are usually bad for accidents.