Heads up: some academic research taking place

GladAllOver

If they were that bothered they wouldn't have offered it as an option.

I don't want any of my posts to be included thank you

Why - because people opted out?

Very likely, yes. When conducting an anonymous study you don't want self-selected opt-ins or self-selected opt-outs, because either might skew the results.

Then there's the middle group who don't really care either way.

So lets get this straight MN has offered people the chance to opt out.

Posters opt out

other posters ask why

get answers

those other posters now accuse opting out posters of getting their knickers in a twist, are thick, pearl clutchers, don't understand and are up in arms.

Seems to me that only one group is up in arms and are just spoiling for an argument.

No thanks, please don't include me.

Those participating in a study have the right to withdraw their data at any time, or to request anonymity. I think not using usernames would be appropriate. I would not like my username used.

Why - because people opted out?

One thing is for sure.

Anyone else wanting to use Mumsnet posts for a study certainly won't be asking MNHQ for the file. They will just use one of the standard site scraping programs to lift the text off the website. And that can include the usernames too. Job done.

I don’t want to take part either thanks!

We cannot opt out of redtop rags stealing out posts or everyone reading them but on this occasion we've been given a choice to opt out so I've taken it and do not need the disrespect of others

ZigZagZebras
One piece of lazy journalism is different to someone doing whatever with whatever data they might want, stored wherever they like etc.

For some of us the inability to give informed consent means we choose to opt out (whilst being entirely aware that what we post is public)

Surely this is less of an issue than the articles published in newspapers etc which is already common knowledge.
Its a public forum they're not using anything that isn't already visible to anyone with internet access.

The only people that are pearl clutching are those saying things about those that have opted out.

Please do not include me.

Yes dr that's what o was getting at!

BIWI again - apologies if my comments have upset. They didn't intend to. I wasn't suggesting the whole older generation (me included!) had no idea but that school age children are educated in this kind of thing and we didn't get that education as SM etc didn't exist. I think there maybe needs to be more out there education wise for those people who want and need it.

My point purely is as dr said that it's quite astonishing how many people have become very up in arms about the whole thing. I totally understand people deciding to opt out. That's their prerogative. It's the reaction of the fact the whole idea someone will read their public words or that MN could agree to this that has surprised me.

Every days a school day!

Of course they are - it's not the opting out that's making me roll my eyes but the pearl clutching going with it!

There seem to be a lot of people on this thread who can't read the OP.
I'm less surprised that there are people who don't understand research or don't understand social media.

And people are well within their rights to opt out as the offer has been made.

Several of those asking questions are after the edits and clarifications.

The op has been added to several times due to lack of initial clarity.
We can all read.

There seem to be a lot of people on this thread who can't read the OP.
I'm less surprised that there are people who don't understand research or don't understand social media.

youarenotkiddingme

I am not annoyed at you, I apologise if it comes across that way.

I am annoyed at those that for some reason think that because I and others choose to opt out that we are less intelligent or don't understand.

Oi! Less of the ageism, thank you! I'm part of the older generation and I'm very well aware of how to use the internet, the implications of what I post and where.

I've also been on MN for almost 12 years now, and I'm under no illusion that what's posted here is secret - as I have pointed out on this thread (and countless others over the years).

And I'd also like to remind you, that it's my generation that has grown up with the advent of computing and the internet so, if anything, we're more experienced than those in their 20s and 30s!

Fine with me. I'm in. Looking forward to reading about it.

Boney you seem annoyed at me? I agree with you. I get that people really haven't ever really considered their words could be used and the wider impact of what they write - I'm just surprised in this day and age that there seems to be quite a large population still rather in the dark.
I also get they are offering the option to opt out. I thinks that's great. But what surprises me peoples reactions on why the want to opt out "they don't want their words used and refute permission". Yet as someone pointed out anybody can take the words and print them and even link it to your username.

I'm all for people having their opinions and think mnhq have been good to inform people.

Of anything this thread has highlighted the need for more online education to be given to perhaps the older generations and not just the ones going through school in this media age?