Have I missed something?

I USE a couple of online forums to ask about things that I’m not sure of. I’m careful what I put on there.

I try to be concise and to the point and, of course, look forward to any answers that may be given or comments on the posts.

But what really gets on my nerves is the people that hijack the conversation by taking over my thread and sending it in a completely different direction. It happens all the time.

There has to be forum etiquette and it’s simple. If I ask about the correct air pressure to put in my tyres for a long journey to Portugal with a car full of people I have no desire to read about how your Aunt Fanny got her suitcase nicked at Faro airport OK? The annoying thing is that sometimes by the time I get back to read the answers to my question it’s now gone off in loads of different directions. I will, of course, just try and take it back with the one word reply to that person which is HIJACKER!

OK I may be taking a chance with this next grump but it has to be said. As I’ve mentioned before I was in the video business for over 20 years and in that time I watched thousands of movies as a buyer.

Not once did I ever consider the race, religion or sexual persuasion of any actor, director, or come to that anything except was it a good movie.

There is a lot of carrying on at the moment with the Baftas, Oscars and whatever other award is being given out, that there should be more women, people of colour and gay, plus any others I’ve missed nominated.

My question is could it actually be a case that the movies, directors or stars that are being nominated are actually producing the best work? I’ve listened and read all the stuff people like Joaquin Phoenix has said and I’d hate it to go the other way and movies and the stars and directors were nominated because of all of the above reasons of colour, gender etc.

I don’t see Joaquin refusing any awards by the way or saying you know I think I’ll give this to so and so because their performance was far superior to mine. Oh and what’s with Joaquin curtseying when introduced to the Royals? Have I missed another equality thing?

mikesenker@gmail.com