Why is Mumsnet Talk so addictive?

[Chanelno5]

We only recently got a PC (yes, I know that I'm about 10 yrs behind the rest of the world) and it's opened up a whole new world to me. I only found Mumsnet by accident when I was searching for something else and I can't believe that there has been this little 'community' existing for sometime which I knew nothing about! Some of you seem to know each other really well. Now I find myself strangely drawn and logging on at all times of the day and night. What is the attraction? I have a few theories:- 1. You feel a bit daring talking to strangers but equally know that you are safe as everyone is in the same boat (ie. sitting at home/work harrassed covered in nappy rash cream/ baby vomit etc. 2. As it's anonymous you can talk about and admit to things that you perhaps wouldn't to friends and family 3. You know that somewhere out there you'll find a friendly ear and someone else who has shared your experience, and 4. We all basically like a good gossip and this is just another way of doing it !!! What do you more experienced Mumsnetters think?

[Ariel]

chanelNo5.I,m also quite new to mumsnet and also found it by accident.I find it really interesting,being able to chat and get advice from other parents,i find this much more helpfull then asking "so called experts".It also allows you to ask advice on the more mundane questions you wouldn,t want to bother a health visitor or doctor with.There are so many topics discussed,i love looking through the different discussions. Im so glad i stumbeled across this site,you will love it!!!!!

[Rhiannon]

Chanelno5, I have been 'around' for nearly a year now. I love Mumsnet and any problems I have, I'll ask you lot first. I'd far rather have a look on here, the NCT website, ukparents and check my emails than watch TV these days.

I find I don't air all my views on a lot of subjects as some of the conversations have become quite insulting and I don't think I could stand the stress! R.

[Anibani]

ChanelNo5 and Ariel - I too have only recently discovered Mumsnet (again, by accident) - as recently as a week ago and I'm finding it more addictive than any of the soaps on the box !! It's great to see such a range of topics, all with a common theme of children / parents. Where else can you get such a wide range of shared experienced and advice from so many different sources?
How refreshing to read through the messages and see several people who have been through the same experiences and emotions as you. The only problem is that my partner had, until recently, been the only one in the household to show an interest in the computer after the children's bedtime. Now he's going to have to learn to share !!

[Robinw]

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[Pupuce]

Rhianon, why can't you really express your views ? I think if they are put diplomatically, people will respect them, won't they ?
I, myself, have quite strong views on sleep (yes I am a GF fan!... and get some criticsm for it - I don't care, I am very happy with what it has brought to my life and I like to share that experience), food (I am against sugar BIG time and very pro-organic), I am very pro alternative medicine and will do everything to avoid taking medicine (my kids aren't vaccinated). I respect others views on these topics I feel they respect mine. Don't you ?

The site was recommended to me by a friend... and I have been addicted ever since. I am on it several times a day (almost every day). I like the fact that I can ask others about their experience and share mine.

[Rhiannon]

Pupuce, haven't you noticed some of the arguments flying around in the last month? I like to keep it light and that suits me. I do read the Daily Mail (don't tell anyone) and the Times on a Sunday (hope they don't find me down here! right at the bottom of the listings!).

[Emsiewill]

I'm a fairly new recruit (since July), and I love it. Dh can't understand, and NTL are rubbing their hands in glee. It's amazing the number of times I'm having a "real" conversation with someone, and I find myself referring to something I read on Mumsnet, but pretending that it was a conversation I had with someone else - otherwise I'm going to get a reputation as a real sad computer geek! I don't tend to join in the contraversial discussions - but that's just the same as in "real life"!
Oh, and I've learnt how to do this , and this !

[Chanelno5]

I have to agree with Rhiannon, I too like the more 'light-weight' discussions. I see Mumsnet as a chance to have a bit of a laugh at the end (or beginning or middle!) of a busy day. It is a great stress reliever. Also it's reassuring to know that in times of trouble there are people to support you and offer good advice.

[Sis]

Now that they are going easy on cannabis users, do you think there will be anti-mumsnet legislation to protect potential addicts? Mumsnet could be seen as the gateway site to "hard" internet sites and v-tech will have to be brought in to produce something to help people overcome their addiction safely!

[Helenmc]

I love mumsnet and my phone bill has soared in the last couple of months - my mother is too distance and uninterested to ask for advice/help and have a good old gossip.

[Anibani]

Emssiewill - on behalf of all the very new Mumsnetters who are probably thinking "how do they do those smiley faces?" - can you share the secret?. Also, I've noticed the dh,dd and ds abreviations, but are is there any other standard jargon that everyone uses?

[Robinw]

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[Robinw]

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[Scummymummy]

What's this? A Daily Mail reader hiding at the bottom of the listings?!! Disgraceful
Seriously, Rhiannon, I'm so sorry if I and others have put you off certain threads. I think for me at least the gas masks thread was a sharp lesson in Mumsnet ettiquette. I've really tried to take on board that even very strong opinions need to be expressed without personal insults.
Can't guarantee that I won't forget myself occasionally and sometimes it's fun to have a bit of a debate/wind up.
Anyway, am trying to think of something positive to say about the Mail to prove my good intentions... think... think.. think... at least it's not the porno Express!

[Ranirma]

Where do you lot all find the time for all this Mumsnetting? I have noticed the same names comming up often in different topics. I love logging on an having a quick look at what you are all chatting about and picking up the tips, but I never really have the time to read the threads properly and add messages.
(day off work today, so can indulge - but also want to use it to spend with dd, who is already waking up!)

[Lizzer]

Ranirma - nap time and bedtime usually, or else when I'm 'supposed' to be researching for college!

Scummymummy, you do suit that name better than okapi in my personal opinion (), is that why you changed back?

Robinw, I always thought it was Laughs out Loud for LOL, but I prefer your explanation!

I am a mumsnetterholic and have been for about 8 months now. I recently poked fun at my brother saying that playing his computer games was such a waste of time for him. To which he replied 'unlike sending messages to people you don't know all day I suppose!' I don't think he quite anticipated the torent of abuse that he got back from me in return!

[Scummymummy]

Yes, I missed being Scummy. I thought I'd lain low as Okapi stripeybum for long enough!
I too thought LOL was Lots of Laughs or Laughs out Loud. I've seen ROFL for "Rolls on the Floor Laughing" used on other sites. I like ttfn- for Tata for now- as well.

[Tinker]

Ranirma - I find just neglecting my daughter gives me sufficient time. Joke!!

ROFL? Now I know!

[Jodee]

Daily Mail readers of the world unite!

Now I don't want to start another showdown but I'm sticking up for Rhiannon (and the other DM readers who won't own up!). I'm not a right wing voter but generally it's a pretty good read - am now hastily putting on the tin helmet ... !

[Mooma]

Jodee - you are one courageous woman!

[Rhiannon]

I was supposed to be hiding down here! My husband works and I don't too! Ssh! R.

[Joe1]

I found mumsnet via a link, Im on here instead of doing housework, again. I read the Mail too, dont care to admit it. I like the puzzles the best. Im going to try a different face, hope it works B).

[Rhiannon]

I was supposed to be hiding down here! My husband works and I don't and I vote Conservative it's all coming out now! Ssh. R.

[Joe1]

Didnt work, try this one } Looks like you can only do one type. O