Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Should "Mumsnet" be renamed?

89 replies

Lorrymum · 10/08/2024 12:27

Just wondering if Im the only one who feels "Mumsnet" should be renamed. It is such a cosy, comforting title which eludes to a safe space. Sadly it really isn't!
Some contributors offer wonderful, kind advice but others are simply looking to pick an argument. It's impossible to start a thread without knowing if you will be the victim of the latter.
Or is it just me?

OP posts:
Whatafustercluck · 10/08/2024 14:31

I thought this was going to be another thread about the number of men on here 🤣 AIBU is notoriously viperish. I've had lots of really helpful advice on other mn boards, particularly the SN area.

GenghisCalm · 10/08/2024 14:23

Why do you think that you can "decide" that an established website that has been running for years should change its name as it doesn't state that in the title that it is inclusive?

Maybe change it to CIS Mumsnet and start a new website called Mum's-can-also-have-a-penis-net.

KerChingo · 10/08/2024 14:22

Lorrymum · 10/08/2024 12:27

Just wondering if Im the only one who feels "Mumsnet" should be renamed. It is such a cosy, comforting title which eludes to a safe space. Sadly it really isn't!
Some contributors offer wonderful, kind advice but others are simply looking to pick an argument. It's impossible to start a thread without knowing if you will be the victim of the latter.
Or is it just me?

What do you think it should be called?

DiscoBeat · 10/08/2024 14:10

I agree, since it's also for Dads and even non parents too.

Crysti · 10/08/2024 14:09

What’s wrong with the name mumsnet? I like it. What do you think it should be called?

MrsTerryPratchett · 10/08/2024 14:07

littleburn · 10/08/2024 13:53

I like that the reality of Mumsnet shows women/mothers exist as more than emotional support humans.

This.

Mumsnet is the perfect name. Because people come on here expecting conversations about make-up, periods and prams and find a group of intelligent, fierce, kind, strong, informed, amazing women talking to each other. As women always have when they are alone.

It's refreshing to me that it is not a fluffy place. It can be incredibly kind and supportive. But it can also be tough, no-nonsense and punchy. Like mums.

I don't like when posters are intentionally mean. But that's just social media.

ChangeEmailAddress · 10/08/2024 14:06

No.

Hope this helps.

Asherrain · 10/08/2024 14:01

littleburn · 10/08/2024 13:53

I like that the reality of Mumsnet shows women/mothers exist as more than emotional support humans.

Yeah... Fucking bitches 😂

MeinKraft · 10/08/2024 13:56

'What I do find sad is when someone makes a thread. Looking for support . And the first few replies are nasty. Not a difference of opinion but actually nasty .'

That mainly happens when someone posts the same thing again and again and again and never takes any of the advice or bothers to change their behaviour.

littleburn · 10/08/2024 13:53

I like that the reality of Mumsnet shows women/mothers exist as more than emotional support humans.

Didimum · 10/08/2024 13:49

OkPedro · 10/08/2024 12:43

Why do you stay?

Not too sure sometimes

ilovesooty · 10/08/2024 13:45

Lorrymum · 10/08/2024 13:22

Some posters sound quite desperate and unhappy and they are obviously looking for help and support. When you are feeling vulnerable it is very hard to pick your way through the helpful posts and ignore the unkindness and venom that some feel is appropriate to post.

So this isn't about renaming by the sound of it. It's seemingly another thread about how posters are mean and nasty.

SnobblyBobbly · 10/08/2024 13:43

Mespher · 10/08/2024 13:38

I think it was originally for advice but not now, best to go for advice on specific forums elsewhere to get a proper reply. It's quite political here which doesn't help and everyone seems to hate men.

Yes this would be my thinking too.

The Mumsnet tag doesn't account for the diversity of the site. And probably does deter some people.

Turophilic · 10/08/2024 13:42

I think you’re looking for Netmums @Lorrymum - U OK hun and that sort of stuff.

Here it can be funny, angry, rude, wry, supportive, vicious, helpful, creative, knowledgeable, erudite, batshit, witty… you know, widely varying just like actual women are.

If it doesn’t suit you, move on. Or you can embrace your inner viper and join the Radicalised By Mumsnet cohort.

OpizpuHeuvHiyo · 10/08/2024 13:41

If you want kind, supportive women who conform to your expectations and don't challenge your thinking then Netmums is the place to go. There is no obligation to use any web site.

This one is the place where women (especially, but not exclusively), especially but not exclusively mums, get to drop their mask of conformity and be real and whole and complex people who can express the things that they are worried they'll be judged for and find out whether they have the courage to step towards self-actualisation.

People do get their arses handed to them sometimes, if they are being too selfish, deluded or idiotic then this is something they need for their own good.

Lentilweaver · 10/08/2024 13:40

Mespher · 10/08/2024 13:38

I think it was originally for advice but not now, best to go for advice on specific forums elsewhere to get a proper reply. It's quite political here which doesn't help and everyone seems to hate men.

I love that it's political and fights back against the misogyny on the rest of the Internet and indeed in real life. Everywhere else we have to "be kind'
" for men. No thanks.

Mespher · 10/08/2024 13:38

I think it was originally for advice but not now, best to go for advice on specific forums elsewhere to get a proper reply. It's quite political here which doesn't help and everyone seems to hate men.

Asherrain · 10/08/2024 13:37

I agree it could do with a rebrand. A lot of users are dads or aren't parents at all, it sounds dated.

araiwa · 10/08/2024 13:37

If they wanted it to be nicer there's a simpler option

Delete aibu.

But it will never happen as it's the money maker

Lentilweaver · 10/08/2024 13:37

If you think MN is hardcore, you should see the Reddit thread discussing MN posters!
"Wet lettuce"
"Teeny tiny"
"Never happened"
Now that's VipersNet.

Dreamingofgoldfinchlane · 10/08/2024 13:36

The name's fine. It's just an internet forum that bears no resemblance to most people's everyday lives which is why it's great entertainment fodder.

Brawcolli · 10/08/2024 13:34

I would never ask for parenting advice on here, the number of ops I’ve seen get an absolute kicking when they’re down and asking for help is disgusting. I do wonder what the kind of person who comments like that gets out of sticking the boot in- most not be much else going on in their lives imo

HowardTJMoon · 10/08/2024 13:33

DancelikeFredAstaire · 10/08/2024 12:54

Well you could start your own cuddly site if you want. maybe call it "MumsBe KindNet". It will probably be the most boring site ever, but you never know.

Isn't that what netmums is for?

OkPedro · 10/08/2024 13:32

Lorrymum · 10/08/2024 13:22

Some posters sound quite desperate and unhappy and they are obviously looking for help and support. When you are feeling vulnerable it is very hard to pick your way through the helpful posts and ignore the unkindness and venom that some feel is appropriate to post.

I don't think the internet and social media is the place for help with a person's mental health problems

HeyTalkToMeGoose · 10/08/2024 13:30

No let's leave it as it is!

Swipe left for the next trending thread