Mumsnet...

[Steph1502]

Ok so been on mumsnet for a whole month now. I must say I'm a little put off by how rude some folk can be on some of these threads. However I have found it to be, mostly, very helpful. What I want to know, after reading some posts where some poor newbie like myself was ripped to shreds, is what is mumsnet etiquette? So far I have read that calling other ladies 'hun' is frowned upon (it's ok, I'm from Glasgow it means something entirely different here anyway) and sending kisses at the end of a message isn't really 'cool'. What else should I know before posting any more threads? (xx)

dustbunny it's fine, come with us typos are encouraged

Flyinggeese21 I can only speak for myself, but I post a lot of stuff under this name that would make me easy to identify if you knew me in real life. I'm pretty sure that there are people I do know in real life who at least lurk here, if not post regularly - one of my SILs sometimes mentions mumsnet in conversation, I know someone who works in MNHQ and there are probably more. I don't mind if they guess who I am because I don't really post anything I wouldn't want them to know. If I did want to post something that I wouldn't want anyone to associate me with in real life, I'd change my name.

I'm not very imaginative

Sorry hit post before I was really finished with what I was saying. I have no clue what I'd call myself

I was for quite a while before my first SirTP-inspired name.

Judging is fine

If someone asks for a cash present they are "grabby"

Don't start a thread about another thread (called a TAAT) - v bad form

Check whether someone else has already started a thread about current affairs stuff before starting your own

Only post Xmas stuff in The Xmas topic . Everything else ends up in Chat (disappears after 30 days) or AIBU (yes, probably)

Ok, so...as a Newbie...

1. What's AIBU?
2. How do you change your username?

Going to have to get my imagination going, here...

Please for your own sake, never ever mention how you manage 12 delectable meals from one chicken..

< you have been warned>

In my mind, AIBU.. is AAYYYEEEBOOO...LIke how the Fonz would sound if he were a MNer..

Ok, so...as a Newbie...

1) What's AIBU?

Told you, MNHQ. Care to explain to the newbies?

To change username, you go to My MN, if I'm not mistaken.
Then you can alternate between usernames. (as above)

Now to sort out my Insomnia...

AIBU is a bunfight.

Do not post there unless you are genuinely looking for constructive criticism.

The topic to use for all mild grumblings, errant observations and random musings is Chat.

When it all gets too much, heading over to Style and Beauty (S&B) can be very therapeutic. They are very supportive and non judgemental over there.

Oh and a quick proof read before posting saves a multitude of helpful grammatical corrections.

AIBU is to be renamed 'Petty Gripes' hopefully.

My advice to newbies would be

Don't be an arse
Take 99% of what is posted on MN as chinny reckon.

Thanks for the replies on 'outing', think I get it now.

I'm sure AIBU used to have its title in full, 'Am I being unreasonable'. (Never start a thread there unless you are prepared for robust YABU or YABVVU). Perhaps MNHQ thought using the acronym would deter innocent newbies. The other daft thing people sometimes do is start a thread there just because it tends to get a lot of traffic, really not a good idea.

worra made me do a LOL with her arse cheeks answer. Thanks for that

Don't forget to ask for updates if the OP hasn't posted in 5 min.

Yes, what are you doing this morning OP? Has any of this advice been useful? You have to tell us, OP! Come back and update us.

And if a thread seems interesting but you have nothing to contribute, stay away from the "Watch this thread" button. You must Mark your place by posting "marking my place". It's the polite thing to do.

And don't bother RTFT (the F is not for full...). Just the title and at best the OP, before you post. Do not read updates or other posts so that you are not biased. You have been warned.

If a thread sounds like cobblers then it most likely is.

There are quite a lot of members who don't have (or want) children too - this is because there are so many topics, many of them non child related and MN is more than just a parenting site.

I say this because often a newbie will start a 'why are there non parents on MN?' thread

Really, Livia? How rude! Thought that this was a public forum?

It's one of the recurring themes which will often attract yawns. Other perennial favourites are about parking (in 'my' space or P&C in supermarket car parks). Stealth boasts (heaven forfend overt ones) about your G&T toddler are also likely to be lead balloons.

Seriously for a moment - do read the talk guidelines and if you think someone has transgressed just hit the report button and let MNHQ decide. That's how this site is supposed to be policed and by and large it works pretty well.

Thank you everyone for your input. I feel slightly cooler now and will find a more imaginative name lol

Can't believe I just said LOL

Thread themes to think twice about posting on-

Cat poo in the garden
Whether you take your shoes off at people's houses
Parent & Child Parking spaces
Dogs and everything about them
Saving tables in cafes
Reclining seats on aeroplanes
Cycling and everything about it

There is a 'Hide Thread' button. Use it wisely.