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Original poster

Journalists writing articles about MN threads

35 replies

VivDeering · 15/02/2017 10:27

What is the position on newspapers doing this? I think there's a difference between them writing about a humourous AIBU and a sensitive advice thread, but the journalists don't appear to agree.

Is it not a case that the content belongs to MN?

Or is it a case for MN that any publicity is good publicity? (Sorry I can't word that nicely, I'm hoping for transparency/honesty).

OP posts:
00100001 · 15/02/2017 13:32

MNHQ could make it a closed forum, whereby you have to at least sign-up to get to see the posts (rather than only needing to sign up if you want to contribute)

Iggi999 · 15/02/2017 13:17

This happens on a loop these days. And the bottom line is nothing can be done, and nothing will be done. OPs need to make their situations so unidentifiable (or alter so many facts) that they will probably be accused of being trolls. Or accept that the support mumsnet so readily offers can turn at the roll of a "reporter's" die into a life-altering, dangerous at worst/humiliating at least situation.
We can't post safely about anything we would not want to see in the press. When the posted that story about the bereaved mother a while ago it became clear that there are, actually, no depths they won't sink to.

WannaBe · 15/02/2017 13:12

Not again.... Although it's probably been a week or so since we had one of these threads.

MN is not anonymous if you put enough identifiable information on your posts. MN is a public platform, and if you post sensitive posts you are not being put at risk if some tacky tabloid publishes your public post elsewhere.

No-one knows who is reading MN any more than we know who is reading the DM or whoever has published whatever this time.

We spend significant time warning kids about the dangers and public-ness of the internet, adults really shouldn't need their hand holding when posting on a public forum just in case they're too stupid to realise that publically posting your life online means someone might recognise who you are.

And, whenever a so-called sensitive post appears in the tabloids I'm more inclined to believe it was planted there in the first place and probably a load of bollocks anyway.

Sparklingbrook · 15/02/2017 13:06

People shouldn't need a warning on every page. Once you post something on the internet it's out there for all to see.

keepingonrunning · 15/02/2017 12:54

I agree with Viv. It's really unfair on unsuspecting newbies to the forum for them not to be warned their story and identifying details might end up in the national press.
Can Mumsnet please tell me what the traffic is to the forum each day? I wonder how it compares to The Sun website.

AlisonWunderland · 15/02/2017 12:31

How is "Fair Use" defined please?

Original poster
VivDeering · 15/02/2017 12:09

Thanks MNHQ. The solution would appear to be to have a warning on every page,

We always like to remind people that Mumsnet is a public forum, accessible to anybody, and all information is public. Unfortunately, there’s not a huge amount we can do about newspapers using threads, they would likely claim Fair Use and that would be difficult to challenge. We in no way feed them stories or receive/give payment. It's just something that we don't have a lot of control over right now.

OP posts:
MNHQ
KatherineMumsnet · 15/02/2017 11:46

Hi VivDeering,

It’s one of the downsides of Mumsnet being an open site, alas - and as always, it really is important to remember that this is a public forum, searchable by Google, legally linkable to - and quotable by - all and sundry.

There are massive upsides to being open of course - the consequent volume of users means Mumsnet is available for free to anyone who needs advice 24-7, and the wisdom that comes from a very sizeable crowd is one of the brilliant things about MN. But it's definitely worth being a bit circumspect with identifiable stuff.

We always like to remind people that Mumsnet is a public forum, accessible to anybody, and all information is public.

Unfortunately, there’s not a huge amount we can do about newspapers using threads, they would likely claim Fair Use and that would be difficult to challenge. We in no way feed them stories or receive/give payment. It's just something that we don't have a lot of control over right now.

We appreciate this is most frustrating, and we wholeheartedly agree and wish that we could do more in these situations - especially when it's leaving our users upset and, rightfully, angry.

We hope that this goes some way to explaining things our end.

PinkShampagney · 15/02/2017 10:39

I don't agree I'm afraid. It's an open forum. People posting here know that it's open and journalists report about interesting threads.

If you don't like it, don't post anything sensitive, alter facts to make it less identifiable or join a closed forum.

rainbowstardrops · 15/02/2017 10:35

I think it's appalling that these newspapers and journalists can just take what they want from MN.
I would post about a sensitive subject knowing that it's an anonymous forum and also that I'm pretty sure none of my immediate family are on here and wouldn't get to hear anything but if things are going to be increasingly lifted from here then I'd be sorely put off.
I think MN need to look into this as a matter of urgency.