Like so many people, I am a member of Facebook and belong to a number of local groups including one which is Good or Bad Jersey Businesses which people use to moan, or praise businesses locally. It is slightly strange but can, at times, be amusing.

A few weeks ago there was a thread started by a student in Boston, Mass, USA who said that he had belonged to the group for about four years, he had no idea how he got into the group but the few times he has tried to leave he seems to get added again so he stayed and lurked. He said that he wasn't sure where in the world we were but knows where not to have a car serviced!

He was immediately inundated with replies with people showing him where on the map we are situated. Then people were jokingly saying that he should go here, and there and then it got to you are just going to have to come here to see it for yourself. Then it took off, an hotelier said that if he made it over then they would provide free hotel accommodation, other businesses made offers of meals, beer and more. Then it got more serious and a crowd funding page was started by the hotelier to raise the money for the fares for this man and his girlfriend.

They have offers of jetskis, a dolphin watch boat trip, 'beauty' treatments, cakes, jam and chocolates, more meals, a rental car and much much more.

He has been featured in our local newspaper and today he was interviewed by ITV channel News so was on television here!

So for an innocent post on Facebook they have a free trip to Jersey in the Spring. You couldn't make it up.

Edited to add that the money was raised within less than two weeks.

But has he agreed to visit?

This is so great, and typical of the Channel Islanders, especially Jersey. Please keep us posted about his trip!

Oh yes, he agreed before the funding page was set up. Would many people turn down such an opportunity? He is looking forward to it, then why not, it is a free holiday staying in a four star hotel for him and his girlfriend.

What a lovely story, Sue!

Even one of our politicians has chipped in a few pounds to bring him over. It is all good fun. Naturally there are a few moaners who feel that the money ought to be given to local charities but for me anyway, I give to charities and the money that I have given towards this isn't out of money earmarked for giving away, it is on top of that.

What a great positive story. We see so much about the trolls on social media, it's good to see the genuine and friendly side too.

This is a fun story of the man adopted by 'Old' Jersey

I also want to know all the details of his trip there. And see the group picture of him, his girlfriend, and all the people on the Facebook group.

That's what the internet's ultimately about. Where else would someone flying home to Nigeria from Switzerland changing at Heathrow would make a 15 mile trip from there to see someone (me) he met on Funtrivia forums? Friendships can now extend around the world.

Awesome!

That is an awesome story. I recently learned the power of the internet myself.
I have been in the hospital for 8 weeks and will be for quite awhile yet.
I mentioned how drab the room was so my wife made a FB post and a tweet asking for postcard, cards, or photos. No gifts no money.

Between us we have about 150 FB friends. I have received over 500 cards so far. From all 10 provinces (I am Canadian) 20 states and 5 continents...no South America or Antarctica).

Ten different grade school classes have sent me drawings from each student. I have received 3 page letters and paintings. The outpouring has been humbling.

How lovely.

That makes me feel better about the constant requests for cards or letters etc from people that I feel are sometimes not true. I guess they are!

get better soon!

I got cards and letters from Funtrivia friends after my surgery. It was really great.

I know what you mean Heather. When I had my stroke and then discovered that I had a raging infection inside my heart the support I received from Funtrivia members was amazing, masses of cards, flowers and gifts too. I still have the teddy bear sent to me by our dear Roos who so sadly lost his fight with cancer not many years afterwards.

I know I am a less frequent visitor than I used to be to the forums ( ) but my "Fun Trivia family" got me through some of the darkest days I'd known when my dear Dad died, now over twelve years ago, with the support of messages, cards and flowers. Social media is a marvellous thing at times!

It doesn't seem like twelve years Jane.

Seems like a good thread just to say the power of Social Media has helped me (and my dear Mum!) make a ton of new friends, the first of which is my "Funtrivia Family". I've been a member of the Forums on and off for almost 14 years now, and the forums hold a special place in my heart. All of you were a massive help to the family, when my dear Dad died. I may not visit as regularly as I used to but I wish each and every Funtrivia member (and their families!) a Happy Christmas - and for those who do not celebrate Christmas, good wishes too xxx

A very happy christmas to you and your family Jane, and indeed to all my FT friends from through the years.

Just poking my head in - again - to say the power of the internet means I've been a member of the Forums for 14 years today - with the "quizzing side" a little longer I may not post as often as I used to do, but regularly check the forums and keep in touch wiht my "Funtrivia family"!

Happy anniversary Jane

Happy Funtrivia-versary, JM!

And yesterday was my 18th birthday here.

Time flies

Joe and his girlfriend, Amanda, are arriving in just over a week. I had been intending to be at the airport to greet him, along with many others, but unfortunately I will not be arriving home until the following day.

There are some events planned so that people can meet them but as they are 'social' occasions it would be difficult as a singleton, drinks in pubs (including the one which featured so often in Bergerac) and also a meal in a restaurant.

Oh great, Sue. I hope you will let us know how he got on.