Mumsnet not going to the Baby Show

[JustineMumsnet]

As some of you may we've been umming and ahhing about whether to have a stall at the forthcoming Baby Show because it came to our attention that the organisers also host an arms fair. See this thread for the reasons/debate. Well we've cogitated, ruminated and whatever else that annoying Canadian bloke does, and we've decided not to go.

In truth we are still a bit in two minds about this - as it seems the Mumsnet community is - but we feel we need to do a bit more research/ thinking on it and generally think that it's best to err on the side of caution.

Obviously we think nasty weapons sales to evil regimes is bad - that's an easy one. Whether Clarion (the events organiser) and by extension the Baby Show should be held responsible for organising a legal event however is slightly more tricky in our minds at least. And something we'd like to think about a little more before we start banging a campaign drum about it.

Thanks to all for your input - please do continue to add your thoughts/perspective as it's very helpful for us and sorry to all those who offered to represent us at the Baby Show and who will be disappointed not to go there. We appreciate the offer of your time and hopefully they'll be other events.

Best,
MNHQ

[GordonTheGhoul]

Boo hooooooooooooo.

[PuzzleRocks]

Hooray - I went last year and it was seriously naff!

[PsychoAxeMurdererMum]

I am one of those that offered, and yes, I am a wee bit disapointed, especially as it was going to be time away from the psycho ones[winks].

I know that your reasons are for the weapons issues, but however, going on the amount of trolling recently, I think you have made the right descision.

tis a shame, but there will be, I am sure, other opportunities to get yourselves known to genuine new posters.

also, really, anyone who joins up at the moment are going to possibly have a rough ride getting themselves known etc.....given how suspicious everyone is right now.

[JustineMumsnet]

Don't be sad PsychoAxeMurdererMum (have to smile writing that) - believe me we've been here before a few times - trolls, folk leaving, doom and misery - but it always rights itself in the end, as there are always more folk interested in making others lives easier than the reverse, thank goodness.

[Flamesparrow]

Arse

[PsychoAxeMurdererMum]

at makin you smile!!!

[PsychoAxeMurdererMum]

....flame, shall we lie???

[MerlinsBeard]

when is the baby show?

[MerlinsBeard]

oh its ok, found it and its London so not the adventure i thought it would be for you 2!(I thought it would be Birmingham for some reason!)

[policywonk]

At the risk of sucking some serious arse, can I just say that I really appreciate the fact that you take the trouble to consult us about things like this, and that you are prepared to put ethics before profit on a regular basis (WRT your advertising policies). You are a shining example of corporate social responsibility.

[JustineMumsnet]

Of course you can say that, Policywonk. You can say it on a daily basis if you like . And thanks.

[Jux]

Thank you.

[pReachyTheExorcist]

I think the right decision.

Psycho's point re trolls is good too- Just this weekend I spoke to two lovely lurkers who are too afrad to post because of some of the nastier postings. Both are sn famillies and isolated so I thought even more really.

[FeelingLucky]

Have you told Clarion that you thought about having a stall at Baby Show but decided against it after lots of ummming and ahhhing and consultation with your X number of members?
Might make them think again about their own direct dealings with arms sales?

[Merrylegs]

FWIW -think 'that annoying Canadian bloke' is actually from Boston. Us Canadians don't talk that way thank you (and actually neither do any Bostonians I know)

[JustineMumsnet]

We haven't told Clarion yet FeelingLucky but it's on the to do list don't worry.

[wonderstuff]

What policywonk said, good call

[wonderstuff]

What policywonk said, good call

[FlameCod]

Lol I was considering lying so I could go see MRM or Kelly, then realised I was already worrying about how I was going to pay to get there anyway

[TinkerBellesMum]

mumofmonsters that's in May.

Thanks for letting us know Justine, TBD has been trying to put me off anyway as he thinks it wouldn't be an easy journey from Croydon with a pair of crutches. If you do decide to attend the Birmingham show next year I will be more than happy to help out and would even do the whole weekend if you needed it. Plenty of time to decide though

Personally I don't think it's a problem, it is a legal event and for plenty of people guns are a hobby or part of their job. There are some stupid people out there who are irresponsible with guns, but then there are with lots of other thing too.

[hana]

what does him (whoever he is?) being Canadian have to do with anything?

[JustineMumsnet]

Only his strong Canadian accent, which is apparently Bostonian...

[ilovemydog]

Nothing wrong with being American!

[Bride1]

So those countries we regard as good and democratic and who, we'd say, have a right to defend themselves... When they want to buy arms, where should they go?

[ThreadieKrueger]

Well, I was going to state my sincere approval of your decision, but policywonk's association of that statement with the sucking of serious arses has put me off.

(I only suck frivolous arses.)