What do people like about this forum particularly? People here seem genuinely friendly and helpful, obviously there are a few exceptions but by and large I would go for a drink with most. The reason I ask is this forum was described as a 'horrible nasty site' and the mods really hate Oz. The guy is a bit of a numpty but it certainly doesnt seem accurate to me. What I do like here is that the really nasty posters are actually moderated and not just allowed to post rude comments.
I should add the forum wasnt named specifically but all the details matched.
What do you like or dislike about this place?

Interesting. Informative. Funny (sometimes unintentionally). I get a little, 'window' on some one else's life.

I like being able to share my experiences and read about other people's too.

OK, sometimes a row breaks out, but hey, that's group discussions for you.

I'm on it, obviously

There are some real characters here. Some lovely people I have met and hopefully some to meet really soon There is a good cross-section of opinions and knowledge. Pretty much any question can be answered by someone.

Other sites can appear to be a bit, erm, fluffy

It's been a bit quiet of late, especially in the Barbie (which is really the only place I venture into), but am sure it will pick up again soon.

I like the fact that I'm on it

I'm a BE legend

That's because I've been quiet on BE recently (actually have had to do some real work for a change - bit of a shock really)

I'll be back

I don't hate Australia. I might dislike a few things about the place just like I dislike a few things about the U.K. & Europe.
As for the forum. I used it to research our move over here 10 years ago. I've stayed around, firstly to repay that debt in the form of passing on my own experiences, secondly to keep in touch with mates I've made along the way.
My immigration experiences are 10 years out of date so I tend not to frequent the immi section very often nowadays. I'll leave that to those with current experience.
It's a support network, it's a helpline, it's a place to vent frustrations & it's a place to get a quick answer to a problem others have possibly had.

Yay

Just as in real life, BE is a community, warts and all. It has been very helpful through the immigration process, and I've made friends online and in real life through it. I try to help others in return -a virtuous circle rather than a vicious one. (Circles get a bad press.)
It is a good place to share, vent, laugh and go WTF?, especially if, like me you don't get out much. I can sympathise, congratulate and ((hug)), and even have a virtual glass of wine.

+1

Absolutely .., I may not be around as much as I once was but I still feel it's somewhere I can connect with people. And isn't that what life is all about?

Don't matter if you agree with their world views it's all about connections.

Ebony and Ivory, living together ... <fades away>

I agree somewhat with all of the last few posts, however, BE has become rather cliquey and less kind and welcoming - especially this year.

It was invaluable to me whilst researching the move and when we first got here, but there can be some very spikey comments, hence my signature. I didn't come on here for a while as I felt it got a bit personal and some members were quite short and rude to largely helpful comments.
I stopped trying to be helpful to newbies after I got some very nasty responses... Which is a shame as I feel I have a lot to offer anyone making the move.

The Mods don't like Australia?!!! I can only think of one mod who is not a big fan - but mostly down to circumstance.

I think the posters are more likely to be angry over their lot in life than the mods. To be honest, this migration lark seems to create a forum which is nastier than any other forum I have come across - not so nasty - more that people seem to be disadvantaged/angry/peeved/marginalised - people tend to really respond to all sorts of things that get them going just when you least expect it. Post a argument(which is nonetheless well documented and has a strong case to answer) and someone will suddenly get hot under the collar about their lot in life. There are a lot of posters who are basically quite miserable, I think.

I visit BE for the range of opinions. If otherwise, I would have left many years ago.

I like the banter, exchange of information, ideas and opinions. It's good to know there are people who share my perspective... but also good to get insight into opposing views, which can sometimes be rewarding.

I disagree actually. Apart from a few people who seem to spend their time sniping at each other, its probably much less cliquey then a few years ago.