How about a campaign where the users get MNHQ staff to take diversity training?

Justine was never going to win on the diabetes thread. She admitted she should have said T2 diabetes but whatever she said people wouldn't be happy.

I don't think people can demand that MNHQ go on a diversity course. I actually think they do well on most points although there are some areas where they'll never get it right (trans threads etc). I know there is a lot of debate about disablism at the moment, but people with disabilities and children with disabilities can't agree on what disablism is and isn't so MNHQ are never going to get it right for everyone.

But like any other uk company they - by law - must be held accountable for discriminatory views and comments left on this site.

So either a) posts aren't being reported or b) the posts aren't breaking the law in any way.

Justine did apologise on the diabetes thread. But her apology wasn't good enough apparently because she added that children should still be told the grisly facts about type 2 diabetes. I and others agree with her. (I have two family members with T2D and I've made sure my children don't follow in their footsteps by being brutally honest with them.)

I don't see what diversity training would do to change anything.

No it isn't an educational resource. I agree.
So why - when there are multiple reports of upsetting posts, of vile racist or disablist or sexist comments do mnhq trot out the "let'set it stand and educate these posters" line?
You are dead right that's not their call.
But like any other uk company they - by law - must be held accountable for discriminatory views and comments left on this site.

Bloody hell. People that run a website aren't perfect paragons of every virtue going shock.

This website has one of the most open and tolerant discussion boards going, Goady Fuckers notwithstanding. Direct your ire elsewhere.

I WOULD LIKE THE INTERNET TO BE ON MY TERMS THANK YOU.

crikey.

Can I get sent along too? I know fuck all about trans issues and probably couldnt care less but if there is a trip....

Some people on this thread sound insufferingly highhanded

Who the fuck do you think you are ?

You are not alone, ThisJustIn.

Overall most members are happy with the way MNHQ run the site. It isn't up to members to dictate to MNHQ what they should or shouldn't do. Staggeringly arrogant to think they can.

MNHQ don't claim to be perfect and neither are the members. It's a free site that gives pleasure and support to a lot of people. It's not a branch of social services or an educational resource. It's just an informal grouping of thousands of different people with different lives and outlooks. MNHQ shouldn't be "held to account" by a few irritated members.

There is an "off" button, people

I don't understand had the Justine thread been deleted? Last I saw she had clarified her position of the type of diabetes she meant and I. Her opinion I think she said that she stood by her point in letting children know the issues I can't remember fully. If it's been taken down then that's not great.

But I agree MN is a website, It's a big website and they can't always comment on a thread as they have other things to be doing and they aren't always going to agree with your stance.

It's a website you choose to be here and most of the issues are more from what posters write, and whilst I don't condone what's said a lot of the time, if you find yourself being too upset or readily angry or irritated by what people post it's not right but maybe MN isn't for you unfortunately unless MNHQ constantly monitor all threads there will be views you don't agree with

I haven't come across any posts MNHQ have made which weren't fair and just. They probably get things wrong from time to time but overall I am happy with what the do. They can't control all the nasty posts and they need to strike a delicate balance between freedom of speech and unacceptable speech. I think they do this well. I don't think there is a need for any training. They are good people doing a difficult job. Let's face it, they will never please everybody.

Thisjustinno

You are not on your own. MNHQ is required to run their site lawfully, that is it. MN is an unmoderated internet site where predominantly UK, predominantly women get together. That is all it is. It is not a publicly funded resource, or a charitable support site - it is a web forum open to all.

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My post isn't just about this issue - it's the prevailing attitude on here that MNHQ should do this or that. Should ban certain words (not racist or disablist words), should take a particular stance politically in regards to e.g trans issues. That they should stop the DM using threads. The demands that they should comment on this or that thread and the accusations thrown around when they don't.

I'm not being difficult or goady. I know there are issues on this site but it's a massive site which must be difficult to run and keep everyone happy. And no-one has to be here. It's an anonymous, free site.

I genuinely don't understand why people think they have a sense of ownership over it (to go as far as direct what training they think staff should get) yet somehow also hate it and are angered by it. Yes there are things that I object to on here but I would never think to demand this or that from MNHQ. I can delete my account at any time. It would have no impact for MN at all.

I appreciate that I might be on my own here but I really don't get it.

Besides it's not dictating it's challenging the norms and putting pressures on the powers that be to create change. We could vote with our feet but as a minority voice it would be nothing more than a flounce and I doubt MNHQ would notice or care

So by that reasoning Thisjust any business can behave in anyway they wish towards disabled people? Disabled people just need to suck it up?

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It's not dictating
It's pointing out that vile discriminatory posts are left to stand in the name of "education"
Disgusting

For those of us that didn't see the thread, what was the gist of Justine's comments?

No. It's a free to use optional website. Although I agree there are issues; I really don't understand why users think they can dictate what MNHQ should do or not do. I really don't understand it at all.

Did anyone actually contact mn affiliates and point them in the direction the the disablist
Thread btw?

I'm afraid mnhq are well out of their white, mc comfort zone and boy does it show!!
Justines comments were disgraceful and so ill advised.
But I could say that about every mnhq member lately...

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Absolutely agree