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MNHQ

Update on the Gina Ford legal situation

732 replies

JustineMumsnet · 25/02/2007 19:58

Hello all,
Some of you may have seen a Gina Ford interview in the Mail on Sunday today, in which she refers to the Mumsnet legal situation, so we thought it was only right to update you as to where we are.

We are due to go to mediation on March 7th. Our position with regard to this hasn't changed - since very early on in the dispute we have suggested mediation as a sensible way forward and so we are pleased to be meeting with Ms Ford and her lawyers on March 7th.

In the meantime GF has issued a claim form, which means that the court clock is now running and we have to put in our defence within 28 days.

Obviously, as Ms Ford has made clear by this action and by her statements in the Mail on Sunday if mediation fails, she intends to sue.

We're sorry that we are still having to ask you not to discuss Gina Ford or her methods but given the potential for something that may be used against Mumsnet to slip through, this probably remains the safest course of action.

We will, of course, keep you fully updated.

Thanks for all your support.
Mumsnet HQ

OP posts:
Judy1234 · 27/02/2007 15:08

..ooops 27...

Judy1234 · 27/02/2007 15:07

Elsusis, that's the key issue if you look at my posts below. I think they should be treated like internet service providers, hosters, AOL etc and not liable for content you don't check in advance and NOT treated as a publisher who checks things out first. Presumably there must be some cases in court already somewhere in the 25 EU states that have the same EU rules on no liability for ISPs.

newgirl · 27/02/2007 15:06

I can see both sides here.

I hope that the mediation will work and GF will feel she has made her point - surely a ban on discussion about GF methods on mumsnet has worked and is enough?

I am sure GF will realise that mumsnet is a fantastic help to many parents and that they share COMMON AIMS

bobsi · 27/02/2007 14:52

No, but Channel four got into a lot of trouble. I did say though that I didn't blame Mumsnet.

Fubsy · 27/02/2007 14:49

When Celebrity BB was on, there were a load of pretty damning remarks about Jade - and there have been other similar situations - but they didnt attack MN over it.

bobsi · 27/02/2007 14:41

I agree Eleusis - I just think there should be some kind of code of conduct on these forums. Freedom of speech is great but can sometimes blow up in your face - look at Jade Goody.
Is it really right that we can say what we want about who we want. I was bullied at school and it didn't feel right then.
I take your point though about MN not being to blame. I've gone off on a bit of a tangent haven't I?

foxybrown · 27/02/2007 14:41

Thats what I don't get. Are Mumsnet being held responsible because they provide the forum?

Eleusis · 27/02/2007 14:35

But, Mumsnet didn't make the comment and is wrongly being accsed of responsibility.

Whe we start holding website responsible for their content which is freely posted by users themselves it will be a very sad day indeed for free speech.

bobsi · 27/02/2007 14:31

Of course I don't want Mumsnet to shut down - I love it!! But I believe that we should all respect each other on here and each others views. I wouldn't have dreamt of making the comment that caused the situation - even if it was a joke. Sorry if I'm the only person who thinks like this.

mummylin2495 · 27/02/2007 14:24

goodluck mumsnet.this site helps such a lot of people.

Papillon · 27/02/2007 14:23

Good luck

Rochwen · 27/02/2007 14:14

I am sorry it had to come to this and I wish mumsnet Good Luck !

It's such a brilliant site.

MNHQ
JustineMumsnet · 27/02/2007 14:06

Hey LisaLisa,

We deleted your post simply because we are trying to adhere to our policy of no discussion of GF, her methods or her book on the site, as the safest way of avoiding legal action. Sadly this means we have to delete all comments re GF's methods - pro and anti alike.

We?ve started a thread about where we are at with regard to the legal proceedings against us because GF referred to it in her interview with the MoS and we think it's important to keep everyone abreast of what's going on. As such we've taken the view that discussion of the freedom of speech issue and the legalities surrounding the case is fine, but we are continuing to remove posts that discuss GF or her methods and yours fell into that category.

As a rule we do try and write to folks when we delete things but as you can imagine we were a bit swamped yesterday. In any case apologies for the late explanation.

Best,
MNHQ

OP posts:
Eleusis · 27/02/2007 14:02

I'm only a mild fan of you know who. I believe more in routine than schedule, but I can make use of a lot of what she says. But, MN... well, I couldn't possibly even bear the thought of life without. (although my productivity at work would probably soar)

majorstress · 27/02/2007 13:52

Hi Eleusis

Didn't know you were a dual-devotee-what is it about MN that makes you come down on that side?

Eleusis · 27/02/2007 13:43

Hey can we countersue for damages if she takes away our beloved Mumsnet?

Fubsy · 27/02/2007 13:36

Yeaaay! I got deleted!

doggiesayswoof · 27/02/2007 13:35

Yes but bobsi the future of SWMNBN's teachings is not under threat - MN is...

beansprout · 27/02/2007 13:33

Best wishes for the meeting.
I really, really don't know what I would have done with MN over the last 3 years. My life (and ds's) would be very different without it. i hope the situation can be resolved.

Eleusis · 27/02/2007 13:32

I agree bobsi, but I have no trouble making a choice and putting my loyalty squarely in the Mumsnet camp.

bobsi · 27/02/2007 13:26

I'm torn on this one - Don't think I'd have the wonderful child I have now if it wasn't for MN & GF. They were/are both life savers for me.
I hope everyone can be friends at the end of the day :-)

LieselVentouse · 27/02/2007 13:11

Just let her try

ruth2007 · 27/02/2007 13:06

Good Luck MNHQ.
It would be such a loss if you are forced to shut down.

doggiesayswoof · 27/02/2007 12:54

Yes I agree with eleusis - MN are being very consistent, they have asked everyone to stop discussing SWMNBN. The discussion on this thread is mainly about the legal process/the Mail on Sunday article and not about any one person.

MerlinsBeard · 27/02/2007 12:52

lisalisa, its not, its about the current situation and your post will have been delted because it could have got MN into more trouble. You should check your email, don't they usually mail when they delete posts?