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I don't think 'come on mn if you think you're hard enough' but I do think it's fair enough to expect some challenging questions, although I also think we should be asking them politely.
The way that online chats come about is twofold. First we do often ask people to come on and we periodically consult on this and we'll start a new thread on this now. Realistically we're probably not going to get JK Rowling any time soon (but we'll keep trying). Lots of folk also approach directly us because they want to plug something - a book or a show or just themselves, sometimes it's part of a paid for deal. Tony Parsons' publishers did some advertising on the boards and we threw in the online chat as part of that deal. Scheherazade Goldsmith wasn't advertising/paying but she approached us and we thought she'd be interesting (maybe that was a bad call - we were a little surprised by the level of hostility I must admit). Had she braved it out though she might well have won us over like TP, with a few notable exceptions, did.
On balance I suppose we'd rather folks didn't have to steel themselves to come on Mumsnet or we're going to get ourselves a reputation and they'll stop coming. Certainly it's a bit cringy our end when several folk come on and say something along the lines of, "who the hell are you?" or worse. There does sometimes seem to be a bit of a feeding frenzy mentality and, given our druthers, we'd rather not appear to be rude/smart-arsey/bitter and twisted to the outside world.
Having said that we absolutely think everyone should be able to question what our guests stand for/ their opinions, along the lines of Scummy's question last night, without fear of censorship. That's perfectly valid I think and we do warn anyone coming to expect forthright questions/responses.
One thing we could do is to moderate a bit more on these threads - go in and say calm down or stick to the topic or don't be rude etc for instance like our old mods used to do - I think that might help?
Another thing we'll do is to consult with you when someone approaches us - to check the interest/hostility level and keep trying to get the guests people want.
Thanks for bringing this up - think it needs some discussion. Let us know your thoughts.
I've got blisters from blowing up soo many ballons - I've bought these HUGE balloons though which are a metre tall and they are GREAT - they were only 60p each from a local cheapy shop. I have filled up my conservatory with balloons. I have made the lounge into a disco. I need to give some thought to what they will DO. And I need to make some party food...
I like seeing how people respond to webchat - their previous skills notwithstanding, it can be interesting. He was a very good guest, I like it when they are typey typey typey without too much in the way of careful and measured responses.
Not quite sure how I brought my norks into it, that is due to it being too late at night and me having just blown up 200 balloons
yes you have a good point cod but I did have tears of mirth running down my face at points during the TP chat (have just read it all)
HOWEVER I think there are plenty of guests that we could get that wouldn't induce such rudeness (because it is a bit toe-curling). SG was a ridiculous idea (sorry MNHQ) and TP is one of those people that many find utterly infuriating
TP came on to promote his book-so whatever happened for him it was worth it. However I do think it descended a little into who could be more of a clever dick and basic courtesy went out of the window.
I think it was fine last night, he didn't asnwer scummy's PERFECTLY reasonable question though and fair enouh that people asked him to.But other than that, TP is a big boy and can look after himself imo. OK, calling him a cnt was pushing it but it was deleted, no? (skimmed this am, went to bed at half ten last ight)
Shereddarzi or whatever she's called was ALWAYS going to be a BAD choice, c'mon!
So no, I don't think we're 'too big for our boots' - I think this is on the whole an intelligent site and guests should do their research and know what they're letting themselves in for. If they don't, well, more fool them, frankly.
I'm just trying to re-read last nights webchat but my computer is sooooo slow this morning.
I do remember thinking before he came on how rude and rejecting everyone was... but then I also found out that for some of those posters it was because they thought he was misogynistic so I lost a bit of sympathy.
Like I said I think it would be good for us if we had a preparation thread for us to dissect the guests and hone our insults debates. Not least because we look like twats when we miss out on pinning someone down on something or holding them to account.
- we were a little surprised by the level of hostility I must admit). Had she braved it out though she might well have won us over like TP, with a few notable exceptions, did. 
