Netiquette: bringing previous threads into current discussions

[ImNotThatGirl]

Having been a long term name changing MNer but also a user of other forums for many years, I've always pondered on this one. On MN, the netiquette seems to be that you don't bring up previous threads/posts on a current discussion. I understand that it's frowned upon to use minute details as a stick to beat people with but what if it's relevant? I'm going to use a random example that hopefully is not too emotive. Imagine there is a person posts prolifically on school threads, stating that they are anti-home education and they post it so often, that they're on every thread and they are known for their views for years. On another thread, they casually mention that they've been home educating for 10 years. Would it be bad form to say something on the current thread?

I'm just curious. On other forums, there is a casual approach to this but on MN, it seems to be less common.

[cozietoesie]

I'd be bringing it to MNHQ's attention rather than raising it in-thread. It would call into question the veracity of any of their posts I would have thought?

[wombattoo]

I think previous threads are always being brought up. Loads of people AS and then make reference to previous stories. Usually if the OP is a bit goady tbf

[VertigoNun]

I don't notice people thinking it's bad form to bring info frim thread to thread, unless it's happening to them or someone they agree with. Put someone they don't like into the mix and they will bring up anything. The worst seem those who have heads that spin in anger if it happens to them.

[neonrainbow]

I think it can be relevant for example someone moaning about their dh for something apparently petty then when put together with their posting history it would reveal that the dh is probably abusive ... In that case i think it's ok. If it leads to op getting help. Not if it leads to people going "why don't you ever LISTEN OP, we've told you before he's abusive! Why should we help you anymore when you're clearly not listening!!" I've seen happen many times.

[whatdoIget]

I think it happens more than it used to and people don't get upset about it as they did in the past. I personally think it's fine as long as it's relevant to the thread, for example when a lot of posters are saying LTB and it's not obvious why when only seeing the current thread.

[cozietoesie]

I think I'd probably agree with that although it's a slightly different situation to that which the OP talked about.

[IonaMumsnet]

Hi there ImNotThatGirl and others. It's a bit of a grey area this one. It's not strictly against the rules but we tend to think it's a bit unsporting.

Largely that's because mostly when this happens it's really a sneaky bit of troll hunting of the 'oh, got 16 grandchildren have you? Funny that coz yesterday you were 19 years old and pregnant with triplets' variety. Generally we prefer folk to come to us and point it out so we can check it out behind the scenes.

Having said that, we obviously don't expect no one ever to mention anything from across threads. If someone you chat to regularly is on saying they've had a dreadful day, it's perfectly acceptable to pass comment of the 'oh goodness and didn't your tortoise have worms yesterday, too?' type if that's the case.

Essentially if it isn't done with a slightly malicious head tilt and isn't going to derail the thread we don't mind, but if in doubt, it's usually best left.

[NameChange30]

Personally I think that if someone is posting lots of identical/similar threads about the same thing, without saying they've already got (an)other thread(s), it's not fair on the people who take the time to reply. In that scenario I think it's totally fair enough to point out that the OP has an identical/similar thread - and I've done that myself.

[NameChange30]

I also agree with neonrainbow about backstory and bigger picture. It's often very useful, especially if the thread is about an abusive relationship.

[raininginspringtime]

I don't mind those examples given by the OP.

What I personally dislike is
'There was a similar thread yesterday'
'Have you posted about this before OP?'

It's awkward and unpleasant.

[NameChange30]

raining I agree with that. It's not hard to do a quick search if you think it might be the same person. More often than not it's a different person, in which case it's pointless asking the question (and sometimes a bit mean).

[HoneyDragon]

I think it's as always done to intent.

I don't object when I post on a thread and other posters helpfully point out to the op that they would do well to ignore and wisdom I have offered in child rearing.

I do say something and boop report if someone comes on a thread that an op has started that may be sensitive to continue and argument they've had on another thread with a different subject matter.

Because that's not nice, and shouldn't happen.

[HoneyDragon]

*DOWN to intent

[ImNotThatGirl]

I agree re: the points about intent and sly troll hunting. I must say, I particular hope to be able to say; "oh goodness and didn't your tortoise have worms yesterday, too?'"

[DawnMumsnet]

We're all hoping for that day, ImNotThatGirl.

[CotswoldStrife]

People name change, but you can recognise their posting style sometimes. I'm thinking of one that was pulled recently because the OP was asked if she'd posted before, denied it and was then linked to a startingly similar thread. If you're going to troll, change the story a bit!