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Original poster

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:
RantyMcRanterton · 10/08/2024 12:35

Years ago we used to refer to this vipers' nest as 'love and knuckles', just sayin'.

Didimum · 10/08/2024 12:34

Vipersnet is a very good suggestion. It’s a nasty place half the time. Perhaps more.

HappiestSleeping · 10/08/2024 12:34

Renaming it would change nothing. The manifestation you speak of is a product of society and of social media in general these days. I've been reading mumsnet more or less since the beginning, and along with the rest of the internet, it has developed some aspects that are unpalatable.

The good news is that you don't have to internalise any of it, so just ignore it and move on. I choose to read the nice parts, and ignore the rest. Some people just use this as an outlet for whatever is going on in their lives, and some are just plain horrible. Some, on the other hand, are lovely, empathetic, supportive, knowledgeable and have some really good perspective. Just focus on those.

whoknowswhattodonow · 10/08/2024 12:33

Bigearringsbigsmile · 10/08/2024 12:28

It's just you.
Oher websites are available if you don't like this one.

Like this you mean? 😂

I agree that there's a lot of meanness for the sake of it. It might just be a rushed response or joy taken in hurting others. Who knows.

Out of interest, what would you change the name to?

AndYesTheWeeDonkeys · 10/08/2024 12:33

@Lorrymum the name of this forum may allude to comforting cosiness, but in reality it manages to elude that stereotyped impression.

Which is a great thing. And probably the reason why thousands of people who aren’t mothers also enjoy spending time here.

user1471538275 · 10/08/2024 12:33

Mumsnet is fine for me.

It's up to you how you use it. You can avoid the arguments if you want to do that and just seek advice in specific forums if that's your bag.

Also agree that being a mother (or not) has no bearing on whether someone likes a bit of a dicussion.

Or are you making the sexist suggestion that all 'mums' (and other women) should only ever exist as an ongoing empathetic support service for others.

Mespher · 10/08/2024 12:32

Dunno, but I would never ask for advice from here, it's ok for general posting and threads like the telly ones

BeachParty · 10/08/2024 12:31

DurhamDurham · 10/08/2024 12:29

Why should it be renamed?

I'm a mum but I don't feel it's my job or place to be forever warm and comforting.
Mums are complex, complicated people just like everyone else. It's not all kites and kittens you know Hmm

This!
Everyone knows it as Mumsnet.
I hate the idea some people seem to have that the word mum throws up a nice, cosy "we're just little old mummies talking about prams and knitting!".
Mums /women can swear, and talk about stuff lol

Fannyfiggs · 10/08/2024 12:30

Bigearringsbigsmile · 10/08/2024 12:28

It's just you.
Oher websites are available if you don't like this one.

Oh the irony 😂

theduchessofspork · 10/08/2024 12:29

I don’t think anyone thinks Mums are more or less likely to pick arguments than anyone else.

People say this slot but this site is a mixed bag like anywhere else

Hisapsy · 10/08/2024 12:29

Maybe Vipersnet

DurhamDurham · 10/08/2024 12:29

Why should it be renamed?

I'm a mum but I don't feel it's my job or place to be forever warm and comforting.
Mums are complex, complicated people just like everyone else. It's not all kites and kittens you know Hmm

Lentilweaver · 10/08/2024 12:29

Mums don't have to be cosy.
But also, don't start a thread in AIBU. Generally there is a lot of support in sub forums.

Bigearringsbigsmile · 10/08/2024 12:28

It's just you.
Oher websites are available if you don't like this one.

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