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Original poster

Has Mumsnet ever considered a re-vamp?

82 replies

MsAmerica · 19/04/2021 01:46

Have the powers-that-be ever considered a major overhaul of the site? It has so much potential, but it has one of the most problematic set-ups of any chat forum I've ever encountered - in the table of contents, in the forums that exists (or don't), in the way messages are posted, etc.

OP posts:
AlfonsoTheTerrible · 19/04/2021 19:21

I just copy and paste the part and bold it.

I do that, too, but it's a work-round whereas being able to quote part of a post would be preferable.

Quarantino · 19/04/2021 19:17

If you could edit to add a limited bit of text and not change what's there already, that would work. Stops 100 people asking "how old is your dc" etc if they've later answered it.

BertieBotts · 19/04/2021 19:16

They have revamped it at least twice since I've been here.

It works fine. I like the way it's not like other forums.

Twenty2 · 19/04/2021 19:15

I exclusively use the iOS app, I find the website too chaotic. What would be really useful would be a preview on the app. I only ever notice typos when my post is loading to post 🙄

WorraLiberty · 19/04/2021 19:12

Edit means people who talk bollocks can change it when they get pasted. Nope. I like that people who write nonsense can't change it.

No, with most edit functions you can click and see what was originally written.

DramaAlpaca · 19/04/2021 19:12

There's no need for an edit button - you can preview before you post.

A big, fat No to a Like button. It's a Chat forum - the whole purpose is to, you know, chat.

I like the simplicity of MN.

The only thing I would like changed is for zombie threads to be locked after a certain time.

Sparklingbrook · 19/04/2021 19:08

@AlfonsoTheTerrible

I would like the option to quote part of a post, not just the whole post.
I just copy and paste the part and bold it.
AlfonsoTheTerrible · 19/04/2021 19:07

I would like the option to quote part of a post, not just the whole post.

floofycroissant · 19/04/2021 18:58

The search function is abysmal. 9 times out of ten the top search results are from 2006 and I get an error message when I do try to read those threads.

Quarantino · 19/04/2021 18:51

@Carryonlikeaporkchop

But not as helpful as people actually reading the full thread... I've given up on that battle!

One small tweak that might help with this would be that when you want to post a reply after reading only the OP on a thread which has hundreds of posts why do people do this the message box opens at the actual end of the thread instead of at the bottom of the first page. This might help to give a clue that the thread is many, many pages long and it might prompt the poster to notice that the most recent 5 comments all say ZOMBIE

This is actually a great idea! Also maybe some visual separator for when there's more than eg 2 months between consecutive posts. Eg
CuriousaboutSamphire · 19/04/2021 18:37

@NiceGerbil

Nope to edit nope to like.

Edit means people who talk bollocks can change it when they get pasted. Nope. I like that people who write nonsense can't change it.

Like. Nope. The really good thing about MN is the conversation. People saying yes or no and why. Like is lazy and adds nothing to the conversation.

This. All day, every day.

The format is what defines it.

Carryonlikeaporkchop · 19/04/2021 18:30

But not as helpful as people actually reading the full thread... I've given up on that battle!

One small tweak that might help with this would be that when you want to post a reply after reading only the OP on a thread which has hundreds of posts why do people do this the message box opens at the actual end of the thread instead of at the bottom of the first page. This might help to give a clue that the thread is many, many pages long and it might prompt the poster to notice that the most recent 5 comments all say ZOMBIE

Thereoncewasababy · 19/04/2021 18:00

I use Google search and put mumsnet and then whatever I'm interested in in to search for to read about. Can't use search to find threads mentioning things I'm interested in on the app. Also my favourite topics doesn't seem to remember my favourites on the app

Quarantino · 19/04/2021 18:00

The quote function and "see all op posts" have been great additions, imo.
A timed edit button (5 min, or just "adding", so no changing original text) would probably be helpful. But not as helpful as people actually reading the full thread... I've given up on that battle!

Please no "likes" or avatars etc.

Ratched · 19/04/2021 17:59

I agree with no edit..... but think a 2 minute window to make changes would be useful?
I know there is a preview option, but threads are so quick moving, I have certainly been guilty of rushing off a response then looking like a total knob because of typos😶
Search is crap. It always has been.

I hate, loath and detest posts that read ' Supergirl, that is exactly right, well done', then I have to trawl back through 73 pages to read Supergirls words of wisdom. USE THE QUOTE FUNCTION, SAVE MY SANITY😂😂

Other than that, MN is pretty good 😉

ViperAtTheGatesOfDawn · 19/04/2021 17:56

@MsAmerica

Have the powers-that-be ever considered a major overhaul of the site? It has so much potential, but it has one of the most problematic set-ups of any chat forum I've ever encountered - in the table of contents, in the forums that exists (or don't), in the way messages are posted, etc.
I hope they don't change it, the simplicity makes it so much easier to use and read than other forums.
MNHQ
LilyMumsnet · 19/04/2021 17:52

Hi folks

Just wanted to say thanks for all the feedback and ideas. We're reading. Flowers

littleburn · 19/04/2021 06:52

I don't like the website at all and just use the app, which I don't have any major problems with. I mostly view active threads and have my favourite topics highlighted so find it pretty functional and easy to navigate.

Actually, the one thing I would LOVE to have in the app is a swipe back function. That's pretty standard on most apps nowadays. Having to tap the back arrow each time you want to leave a thread feels very dated and clunky.

No to a like and edit function though!

Bluntness100 · 19/04/2021 06:37

I think it’s really good, easy to use. Much easier than most other sites.

The only issue is the search function is really bad, it only works if you’re searching by user name.

MazekeenSmith · 19/04/2021 06:36

I'm sure they have and they tweak around the edges sometimes but users like mumsnet as it is!
The app is crap though you need to use the mobile site, that works perfectly most of the time

Sparklingbrook · 19/04/2021 06:35

There’s nothing wrong with it IMO. A timed edit function might be nice but that’s it. Definitely no Like button.

What had you got in mind @MsAmerica? how is it ‘problematic’?

BlueDahlia69 · 19/04/2021 06:32

I looked at Reddit a while back..,

utter chaos .. I couldn't understand a thing about it.

So Mumsnet is phenomenally simple lol

Hazelnutlatteplease · 19/04/2021 06:27

I agree with everything that's been said. Like the simplicity like the format.

No to a like button, no to edit.

If you dont like a site format, maybe it's not the site for you

WhatWouldPhyllisCraneDo · 19/04/2021 06:22

@NiceGerbil

Nope to edit nope to like.

Edit means people who talk bollocks can change it when they get pasted. Nope. I like that people who write nonsense can't change it.

Like. Nope. The really good thing about MN is the conversation. People saying yes or no and why. Like is lazy and adds nothing to the conversation.

Absolutely.
Hm2020 · 19/04/2021 04:31

Please don’t change it mumsnet I find it so easy to use they did this to another forum I used and there’s been so many problems since the revamp apparently half the users are barely posting any more