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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

Why is Mumsnet insisting that I log in?

402 replies

CrispEater · 17/08/2016 09:58

I spend quite a lot of time browsing Mumsnet on my Samsung tablet, not logged in. I rarely post anything but if I do, I do that on my PC because I can type quicker on a proper keyboard.
Just now I was in Mumsnet on the tablet and kept getting a pop-up that insists I should either log in or join. As far as I can see, there is no way of getting rid of this pop-up except by logging in or joining or giving up on Mumsnet. It looks very genuine to me.
I really can't be bothered to keep logging in when I only want to browse and I hate being forced into doing something I'd rather not do.
Is there some reason why Mumsnet now wants everyone logged in all the time? Or have I missed something?

OP posts:
FruOla · 17/08/2016 10:06

It's just started doing it to me too Angry

Like you, Crisp, I prefer to read threads without having to log in - especially when I'm on my iPad.

It's bloody irritating ...... grrrr.

Cherylene · 17/08/2016 10:15

I had this on the I-pad for a few days, and stopped looking on there as I was not convinced it was not something dodgy. Then it went away Hmm

Today, I have it on my computer account. I have gone onto a different account, and it is ok.

Is it kosher, or is it phishing?

MNHQ
RebeccaMumsnet · 17/08/2016 10:36

Hi all,

This is us, no phishing involved.

We have been and continue to test as we would like to be able to add more personalisation in the future to improve user experience by showing more relevant, useful content. We can only do this when folks are logged in.

We are keeping an eye out for your feedback on this but it is us and not anything untoward.

ohidoliketobe · 17/08/2016 10:38

So it's not linked to the dodgy porn pop ups and redirects people are also experiencing this morning? Because you can understand the reluctance to log on an usual pop up when that's going on

Original poster
CrispEater · 17/08/2016 10:51

Thank you, Rebecca, for the quick reply. It's the element of coercion that bothered me. If there'd even been an explanation why, I wouldn't have minded so much.
I think you should at least offer people the opportunity to say, no, I don't want any personalised info and I don't want to be asked again.
Being able to offer personalised info is probably attractive to your advertising customers, but against that, isn't there a risk of a lot of new readers being put off by having to join?

OP posts:
FruOla · 17/08/2016 10:55

Well, thank goodness for that Rebecca.

However, it is damn irritating. I frequently browse MN when I'm out - waiting fo friends to arrive - and I CBA to log in just to have a quick browse for 5 or 10 minutes. And I frequently browse when I'm at home too but, similarly, just want to 'read' without posting.

zoop1 · 17/08/2016 10:55

Yes, I noticed it this morning on my phone. If you are forcing people to log in when they just want to browse, isn't this potentially increasing the risk for certain users of the site? If someone posts seeking advice about an abusive relationship, they would currently be able to see responses without being logged in. If they have to log in to see responses, there is a much higher risk that their abuser will discover the post if they check the phone/iPad/computer.
By all means have a personalised user experience for those who chose to log in, but in my opinion it is a mistake to force people to do so.

FlumptyDumpty · 17/08/2016 11:00

I'm REALLY irritated by this too. Lost the precious few mins I had to check MN earlier as I wasted it all having to request a password reset then had to dick around actually changing it and find a password on the hoof that meets the stringent requirements that I will probably forget and have to reset again.

Why the coercion? Great if you want to OFFER more personalisation. Those who want that will be free to choose it. I don't want to have it imposed on me, thanks. It's just a way of mining data on me, which had a value which will not go to me! Please sort it out.

FlumptyDumpty · 17/08/2016 11:00

Bang on zoop

SpinnakerInTheEther · 17/08/2016 11:31

It is annoying. Especially as there were security issues in the recent past regarding people logging in to a false page and having their accounts hacked. I often will read and then only log in if I want to comment.

More 'personalisation' also sounds a bit Big Brother, not in the spirit of Mumsnet I would have thought.

Puddington · 17/08/2016 11:47

I had wondered about this too. While it's a relief to hear that it's all "above board" I think an opt-out button would be a good idea, especially in light of what zoop1 mentioned.

insan1tyscartching · 17/08/2016 12:02

I have a problem too that after all the security stuff and multiple changes of passwords I have no clue what my password is anymore and so whilst I have the unknown password saved on the laptop on the phone I just want to browse because typing is too laboured on there anyway. Added to which on the phone it's usually for the odd few minutes so logging in just eats into the time.

RhubarbRhubarbRhubarb · 17/08/2016 12:26

Slinging my twopenny in:

I understand advertisers like to tailor ads but when you're just browsing its utterly annoying. It stops you viewing the full thread unless you login and frankly just dumping it on us without a by-the-way-this-is-happening-soon is pretty presumptious.

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 17/08/2016 12:31

I only got that pop up when on safari. If I go onto Mumsnet through the FB app, it doesn't happen.

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 17/08/2016 12:35

Me too on my iPadHmm

droitwichmummy · 17/08/2016 12:39

I don't like it either. I am not allowed to log in on my work pc so I usually just browse at lunchtime but I can't now Angry

Sleeplurker · 17/08/2016 12:42

I resent having to sign in, especially as I know I'll keep forgetting my password and have to faff around re-setting it all the time. So I will probably stop browsing so much, which means I'll see fewer adverts. Shame.
A more personalised experience adds nothing useful to my life frankly.

Hadeda · 17/08/2016 12:56

I really don't like this at all. I often browse at lunch time at work and don't want to log in from my work pc. And, like others, I generally only log in when I want to comment. I don't want a more personalised experience at all and I want to be able to choose when I log in and when I don't Angry

PartTimePunk · 17/08/2016 13:03

Being forced to log in is seriously irritating. After the hacking issue several months ago, I prefer to lurk and not post. I resent having to log in to read threads. Also, I'm not interested in a more personalised experience. That sort of stuff would discourage me from using Mumsnet.

imustbepatient · 17/08/2016 13:09

I really don't like this at all. I often browse at lunch time at work and don't want to log in from my work pc. And, like others, I generally only log in when I want to comment. I don't want a more personalised experience at all and I want to be able to choose when I log in and when I don't

Exactly. I just saw this thread after being forced to log in and I was very surprised and annoyed that there wasn't a usual 'opt out' button on the pop up box. I was going to post the exact same thing as Hadeda , who beat me to it!

FlumptyDumpty · 17/08/2016 13:46

Not interested in personalisation either. I don't want what I see to be narrowed. I use the Internet to broaden my knowledge.

user1471424834 · 17/08/2016 13:53

Really annoying - desperately reading up on threads about pnd with a baby in one arm so can't fill out the endless lost your password, verify your email bollocks for hours.At least put a big X on it so you can get rid of it. Totally unhelpful and a pain in the Ares.

roomonmybroom · 17/08/2016 14:05

I am in work trying to have a mooch around, it is really annoying - I do not bloody want to login, if I did I would do so!
A cross in the corner to close it would be handy, but you cannot even do that and make it bugger off.
Not interested in "personalisation" and that sounds like advertising targetting speech to me, grumble grumble……...

twirlorwispa · 17/08/2016 14:10

I'm glad it's not just me. I've never seen that message before and was a bit suspicious at first...

user1471427395 · 17/08/2016 14:27

I had to join today due to the pop up. I didn't want to and when I said I didn't on a thread I got some really sarcastic replies which is why I have never wanted to join properly. I don't see why to browse a site you have to be a member. Anyway here Iam. Need to change my user name next.

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