To ask why you like Mumsnet?

[Whenslunch]

To counter the spammy actions and attempts of some people

I've genuinely gotten so much out of using this site, though I've left and come back many times. I know there's good and bad everywhere but so far, Mumsnet is my favourite to engage in.

I'll like to ask you to share some good things about Mumsnet. Not going to try to compare it with anywhere else, just saying what we like about this one. It can be anything.

I personally have gotten useful recommendations on some products I never heard of before and still use to this day. Some of them have made a huge difference to my life.

I usually add '+mumsnet' to my google searches because 9 times out of 10, I get what I'm after.

I find a lot of the threads entertaining and as a busy site, it can take hours and some snacks. 😄

Namechanges mean I can easily feel safe, blend in or stand out if I want. It's just fun too when used for positive stuff. My favourite is when people namechange to jokingly fit the theme of an ongoing thread.

I enjoy the community feel even for a site that encourages namechange and anonymity, I feel it's LESS cliquey and social media-ish which I truly love. I don't have to worry if my post is 'liked' or not, I just add my input and move on. It takes away the mind-games people play or atleast makes it harder to notice.

What's yours?

[Thisbastardcomputer]

I love it, it's interesting and I like to read the point of view of others. I've learned a lot about various things. I have not yet started a post but often comment. I keep away from all things Brexit, they are a bunch of vipers on there.

[aurynne]

It's like a reality show without the boring bits and celebrities, and you can choose which bits you read and reply to

[PippaPegg]

It's one of the very few places on the internet where I can hear from women with very little censorship on what is said. The reality of it is refreshing. It's the only time I can be truly open about my life as a woman and as a mother, away from all the competitive #makingmemories shite.

[zscaler]

I have very mixed feelings about it and have quit and rejoined several times. I hadn’t used it for months until I got pregnant, I rejoined then for the pregnancy board which is really supportive and informative.

[cologne4711]

It's the only time I can be truly open about my life as a woman and as a mother, away from all the competitive #makingmemories shite

So true, though there's quite a lot competitive "parenting" on here too.

Also agree that it's nice to be able to express an opinion without people knowing how you are in RL (I think I only know who one MNer is in real life).

[undercoveraessedai]

I like reading different points of view to my own, and like you OP I really like that there's no "like" button :)

[growinganotherhead]

Entertainment, information, ideas, a feeling of camaraderie and some of the best laughs ever.
I am not a prolific poster but joined 9-10 years ago and have seen many changes, some better than others and I miss some of the earlier members although I still recognise some names and others seem very close to names I remember..
The demigraph does seem to have shifted but that is pretty normal in a forum this size and age.

[usernotknown]

I like the size of it and how fast moving it is.

[ProseccoBubbleFantasies]

The wit and wisdom of some very smart women

[NiceLegsShameAboutTheFace]

I love it, it's interesting and I like to read the point of view of others. I've learned a lot about various things.

This


It's one of the very few places on the internet where I can hear from women with very little censorship on what is said.

And this

[HaddawayAndShite]

Its a time filler for me. I enjoy reading other people’s experiences and inputting mine when I can and it’s helpful. It can be a great place for debate and I’ve learned a lot.

I do think since lockdown though the place has generally become more aggressive and more trolls looking to attack people or generally spread their vitriol, which is making me spend less time here.

[Popuppippa]

It makes me laugh. There are some genuinely funny people on here.

[SweetPetrichor]

I started using MN cause the crazy threads would filter across to normal forums as a 'look WTF is going on over on MN' thread. So I joined MN for the entertainment value. There's not a day goes past where you don't question the sanity of the average human. There are occasional useful threads but mostly it's like watching a runaway train. I wouldn't come to MN for solid advice...but I do for entertainment!

[paperandfireworks]

Agree Sweet. It fills the void Jeremy Kyle left.

[spikyplants]

It's equally entertaining and supportive - some lovely responses to people who are struggling with all kinds of things.

Plus I always like reading reviews in style and beauty - helps in deciding what to buy/not to buy/if something works, etc.

I love MN Classics and the woo threads too

[Mucklowe]

I come her for advice, entertainment, solidarity, laughs... Everything really! I wouldn't be without it.

It's hugely important and powerful, in terms of reflecting and guiding opinions. Its significance bears out when you see the desperation of some 'activists' in trying to get it shut down. In that way it's a magnet for misogynists, which isn't great. But we move.

[Hingeandbracket]

I like the swearing and the frankness.
Also (genuinely) find it interesting seeing the sort of absolutely hatstand AKA batshit people there are in the world.

[Jammydodger1981]

Not going to try to compare it with anywhere else

Except I’ll mention them in the first sentence and then slip in the name change and the like button mentions just to make it super clear 🙄

[Whenslunch]

So what do you like about Mumsnet now that you've got that out of the way? @jammydodger1981

[Lenny1980]

Sharing of parenting experience and advice.

I used to enjoy the lighthearted funny discussions but it’s too difficult to find those amongst the many bitchfests at the moment

[NiceTwin]

I like the predictability when somebody posts a shitty reply, you just know the Mumsnet massive are going to come for a pile on. There is usually some foolish brave soul who goes against the flow but they'll be shouted down too. Saves trawling through a long thread once you can see the way it's going.

[Nightbirdcackle]

While it has its limitations, it's always been such a valuable source of information for me. When I've had issues relating to work or relationships, there have been some helpful and knowledgeable people giving good advice. It also gives me a kick up the arse if needed. Mumsnet is certainly not perfect but it is still so much better than any other forum I've seen. Reddit's quite good for a laugh sometimes but I don't think it's a go-to place to get advice if needed.

I've looked at the other site and actually considered joining for about 30 seconds-. I agree there is room for a new, up to date site for mums that allows honest debate as well as sharing good advice. But, well, it's a bit shit. And the current users seem to largely consist of whiny, bitter sorts bemoaning the fact they've been banned from Mumsnet for various reasons.

Mumsnet does need to change but while there is nothing decent out there I'll continue to use it for now.

[Veronicat]

Is that you Justine? 😂😂😂

Seriously though, I have had great advice on here for specific problems and have made a few offline friends through MN.

The internet is big enough to sustain lots of different forums be it chat, hobbies, music etc.

Each forum is great in it's own way.

[squeekums]

There no sugar coating b.s. If your acting like a dick you will be called on it.
The ability to speak rather freely and not be banned. Yeah there limits but here a lot less than many parenting forums.
I can swear here. Australia's main parenting site you get little stars automatically put in words. Even cocktail gets a star so c**ktail.

[ZetaPuppis]

I love it’s practical, sensible and frank approach.
There’s amazing advice from very knowledgeable people, intelligent debate about current affairs, really good recommendations for anything you need or want.
It’s so diverse too. So many members from all backgrounds.
If anyone asks a question about Islam, Russian politics, the International Space Station, soil erosion, sourcing the parts for a broken washing machine or the life of a sea horse, someone knowledgeable will come along and provide helpful information