CAT Subscriptions

I agree with the concept, and think it is reasonable. I am also glad that mumsnet is doing well enough that this new policy is now viable economically.

However, I will be contacting MN Headquarters directly asking for my CAT charge to be waived as I paid a significant amount for a subscription/donation only a few months ago. Think it might have been a bit better to give some advance warning of the change, and say something like "from (insert date), subscriptions will be abolished and a charge levied for CAT priviledges" instead of informing us/starting the new policy at the same time. But, I imagine the point was to inform us, rather than open the topic for debate....

Just try to cat someone and it will take you through it.

how do i pay sub??

I paid an annual fee within the last 12 months & thought the £5 CAT fee would take effect when that expired! Don't want to pay another £5 yet but feel mean asking MN Towers. (Just tried to CAT someone re a For Sale item).

I don't use cat but always click on the ads.

Done and dusted!

I agree too, my my but we are an agreeable bunch this morning.

RT I agree. There should be some sort of system for making something out of those people particularly when they then direct you to their own websites etc.

oooooops that came out wrong

I have NO problem with paying for CAT or subs

I just wish those that use FOR SALE like a free ebay should pay

IMHO I would really really really like it if those on the FOR SALE board only had to pay something towards MNet

If they come in chat etc then IMHO that is different it is just those who use MNet like a free EBAY

They make me

I think this £5 charge is completely fair and reasonable.
Tbh I actually like it. I do use CAT from time to time, and am very grateful for the service. Now I will be able to use it without feeling guilty that I'm causing extra work for already busy people!

I have to say that I really send a CAT and don't tend to ask people to CAT me anyway - I always put an e-mail address instead (separated out with brackets).

It seems a fair amount. Not one I can necessarily pay at this point (bloody students eh?) but if I need to desparately I might endeavour to persuade DH to cough up.

For those of us who might never ask for a CAT, but still want to contribute (alothough I suspect it is ages since I last contributed ), would it not still be worthwhile keeping the voluntary subsription option - but make it clear that that would be in addition to the CAT charge?

TECH!!!

That link you have given below seems to send emails to carries address, and I've just had an automated response saying she's on maternity leave- can you change it so that contactus emails go to someone else?

I can completely see the logic behind this. Every time you CAT, someone at Mumsnet towers has to receive your message, read it to check it's not offensive, check that the recipient will accept CATS and then forward it on. It's not an automatic process but actually takes extra time - which I'm more than happy for the team to charge for.
As people said, you can put your e-mail address on here, (I've done it loads and never had any spam) save Mumsnet Towers the hassle, and save yourself the fiver.

oops again - must drop my Christmas name - chaos you see

oops thanks tech - you old son of a gun you beat me to it there. (Carrie's in hospital right now - we'll keep you posted)

Hi All,
Very sorry, we meant to post our note up here first thing for those of you who've elected not to receive mails, but my fault - general mayhem on a domestic level prevented me from logging on till now (quick question: if my seven year old behaves like a teenager now does that mean when she's a teenager she'll act like a mature twenty-something?). Anyway thanks Misdee for putting up the note. To clarify
We've introduced a £5 annual charge to send Cats - not to receive - and at the same time scrapped voluntary subs. The charge is in effect as of now - if you click on CAT link you'll be asked to pay.
We can understand that some folks who might recently have paid subs feel a bit aggrieved. Please do [email protected] if you're one and we'll certainly consider your case!
Many thanks and apologies again for the late start.
Mumsnet Towers

ooooh! Who's giving birth? Can you say???

Well I can't afford £5 at the mo so if anyone is waiting for a cat from me, sorry, I can't contact you .

Do agree with the principle though.

I paid subs a couple of months ago and I'm a bit miffed that I'll have to pay to CAT as the only times I've used it are to contact people who post on the Wanted board. I haven't asked for money for the stuff I've sent out so it would probably put me off TBH.

just wondering if there is some kind of legal issue about taking "donations" if you are a profit-making organisation.

(or it might be that significantly more people CAT than voluntarily subscribe)

or both

imho either is fair enough