Aibu that the reputation of fwr being 'unsafe'

Yes Somethinginoffensive thats what I meant.

I often see that we're a bunch of bigots because someone had the audacity to share an article to discuss on here without actually reaading the discussion points.

I think you need to see a full range of views to develop your own understanding of things, but that attitude seems to be missing a lot these days.

The Doghouse is absolutely lovely when someone has lost their beloved friend, and many other things. It takes no prisoners if people are thinking about buying a puppy from a dodgy source. The first example of a poster who was a campaigning type who told things exactly as they were being permabanned that I came across, many years ago, was on the Doghouse - there was a series of 3 threads pleading with MNHQ to reconsider but she'd had her warnings and refused to pull her punches with people who didn't put animal welfare first.

The Gardening thread is an oasis of helpful loveliness - but can get heated on the use of chemicals, and you may be chastised for growing lilies.

I think there are a lot of assumptions made about FWR and feminism in general because for example we'll discuss an article from the Daily Mail or GB News without really looking at what is being said.

I completely misread that the first time, taking the meaning as we will discuss articles without really understanding them.

I think you actually meant people assume any article from the daily Mail is untrue or bigoted and assume women on fwr are the same.

I must admit I have now read some excellent articles in the daily Mail when in the past I avoided clicking on their links.

Yes this is one of my "safe places" on mnet.

Never had a cross word said to me!

Another safe place was my antenal board, but that was over 16 years ago .... but loved skuttling over there when I was a newbie!

In all the years I've been on here, I've only recently posted on the Style and fashion, and they're a gentle bunch. Who knew?

I'm hardened old foggy now, so AIBU doesn't bother me, although can't remember the last time I started a thread there!

Agree, OP. When I first found this board (or its predecessor) quite a few years ago now, I was all “oooohhh, you can’t say that!”. The frankness and directness kind of blew me away.

But it’s not mean. Women here just very often know their stuff, and aren’t afraid to say it as they see it. I’ve had some fantastic support here, and have learned so much.

AIBU is where people seem to work through their school bullying related issues 😱

I agree that discussion on this board is frank but very rarely personal, unlike AIBU. I love your example TheSlayer. It would have fitted perfectly on a thread a few weeks ago:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/4266717-Threads-you-can-tell-the-answer-to-before-opening

If yo click on the arrow next to Talk at the top of Active you can arrange what topic syou see. I hid AIBU and Relationships ages ago. AIBU is crazy and some of the threads on Relationships blew my mind, I've been quite lucky in love but even with no major traumatic experiences I find that section I dunno, not triggering but very very upsetting.

I never used to look at FWR but it's become my favourite place now. I like Chat, that seems a bit lighter than AIBU where people will fight over anything.

I think there are a lot of assumptions made about FWR and feminism in general because for example we'll discuss an article from the Daily Mail or GB News without really looking at what is being said.

At the top of the site, there is a blue banner which features 'Talk' 'Conception', 'Pregnancy', etc.

Underneath that banner is just 'Talk' on its own with an arrow next to it. Click the arrow, choose 'customise', then scroll right to the bottom of the options where you can hide topics so they never show in 'Active Conversations'.

SilverBirchWithout
In another life I had my head bitten off once on FWR and remember thinking it was really harsh at the time, but the thread was informative. It was a blunt interaction, but did leave me thinking a lot more critically about the wider impact of 'be kind' statements and how those sentiments are used to shut women up.

I think everyone should spend a good three months on a primary school 'reading level' thread before venturing to other boards. Anything else on mumsnet is a picnic in comparison.

But yes, this forum's great and I've learned a lot over the last few years (like not to post in AIBU)

On the odd occasions that a post by a feminist from the FWR board is allowed to stand on AIBU, the numbers on the polls are instructive to say the least. It is quite clear clear that there is a consensus that we don’t want men in changing rooms prisons refuges etc, however they identify.

Very proud to say I survived AIBU many years ago, how I don’t know as I committed two sins, doing reversed post and putting x every-time posted.

Over the years on off coming here, I have laughed, been infuriated, had some great advice, picked up loads of bargains 1yr for Xmas, had my arsed handed to me on plate few times, flounced - deleted account created account, sulked deleted account (repeat).

FRW I used to avoid until couple of years ago and since venturing over I’ve have learnt loads.

Always notice when one of regulars is MIA, it was only part of MN that was chaos.

When i joined MN I was told to avoid AIBU (they're nuts), The Doghouse (they're barking), and FWR (they'll eat you alive). The people that decry this section have obviously not read it, or have read it only through their own internalised misogyny. The women here have taught me a lot, and I thank them for it, in fact I have done so previously. The women here are the reason TRAs want it shut down because these women do debate, and they're brilliant at it.

So YANBU in the slightest, this is the best place on MN.

I like good Style and Beauty best winter coat thread myself.

Have had many a good tip. Protected Species jackets btw

@McDuffy

The level intellect on this board is pretty high, I'd say! Not including myself I learn loads though.

I want all women who want to, to feel able to post if they want to.

The feelings and thoughts and views, when genuine, are incredibly important.

I've been here an awful long time and seen lots of phases of what it's been like.

There was a phase where it was really academic and I didn't like it. It felt like an in crowd who wrote quite impenetrable posts. It wasn't engaging and it lacked heart, as it were, a lot of the time.

I've been here so long I've been round and round. I've heard most of the goading, attempts to dominate/ belittle. The same MRA type arguments again and again.

I used to get really angry/ frustrated but now I've very much seen it all before. I keep posting as feminism is not a choice it's what I've been since before i knew the word and I know there are lurkers, and so keep getting stuck in

Don't go near the dog walking threads. Utterly vicious

I love it here. I feel absolutely bereft when MN is down. But I think most parts of MN outside of aibu are great. I enjoy Telly Addicts and found the breast feeding forums and relationships boards invaluable when I was going through bf and relationship hell.

AIBU is not for the faint hearted. At least here you might be flooded with facts and links to information to back up opinions and assertions…

I had perinatal depression s and anxiety that went on for about 6 years...

And some threads on here sent me into a tailspin. Certain topics- even if very general chit chat could just set me off. Is that what's called being triggered maybe? Anyway I tried to ignore threads with the things in the title but it was a moth to a flame...

I do post on any thread that takes my fancy. But all over the boards the most mundane of OPs can turn into a no holds barred all in war!

Gardening is lovely, it’s cosy and supportive whatever your gardening style. Although some people’s gardens make me green with envy.

for you OP.

Robust. That's the word I use for here. Robust. There's very little/no personal attacks, mostly it's people's ideas that are questioned. If posters are not used to that kind of debate it can feel a bit threatening - they then feel under personal attack. The (mostly) women here are nearly always polite even when shredding your arguments to bits.

Each area has a unique culture. AIBU is brutal. SEN are lovely. Housekeeping are also supportive.