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Original poster

The old days of Mumsnet when…

291 replies

Anon778833 · 21/09/2022 22:57

Back in 2003, there was a section entitled ‘introductions’ and people would post identifying photos of themselves and their dc. And a post about themselves.

How times change!

OP posts:
Doubleraspberry · 22/09/2022 14:11

Every forum I've ever used has ended up with flouncing and splinter groups. And 'secret' threads.

I have mostly abandoned contributing to things as my tendency to dry humour just kept ending up with tedious rows, and it's not worth it. I do think that more posters take things very literally nowadays.

Jojoanna · 22/09/2022 14:21

Doubleraspberry · 22/09/2022 14:11

Every forum I've ever used has ended up with flouncing and splinter groups. And 'secret' threads.

I have mostly abandoned contributing to things as my tendency to dry humour just kept ending up with tedious rows, and it's not worth it. I do think that more posters take things very literally nowadays.

<<agreed>>

SleepingAgent · 22/09/2022 14:55

@SadOrWickedFairy that's your and other posters opinion only, as with all things on this site. I remember it, if she felt she had no option but to leave, I'd call that hounded.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Families
WGSW · 22/09/2022 14:57
Grin
WGSW · 22/09/2022 15:01

I think there was probably a fair point about leaning into one person all the time. At one point it felt like every thread about infidelity would tag her to ask for her help, which is a lot to put on an individual.

I often wonder about her when I see threads about trying to save a marriage post-cheating, and whether her and her H ended up staying together long-term or not.

Summerslam · 22/09/2022 15:30

I've been here since 2007, and never used to name change. I do now, as another poster said, almost as often as I change my pants. I have posted identifying information in the past - I have a disabled DD - and I would hate to be tracked down for whatever reason. I've also had a thread highlighted in the Daily Mail, and that's when I realised internet anonymity is important.

I do get irritated with the obvious begging threads especially when posters fall for the sob story. The fictitious sagas about CF builders/neighbours/hot workmate are all a bit dull to me, but some posters absolutely lap them up, each to their own.

magimedi · 22/09/2022 15:41

OhYouBadBadKitten · 22/09/2022 13:42

This has bought back a lot of memories. Im thinking back to the parenting advice I was given that turned out to be very wise.

The rivalry between us and netmums. We were obviously superior Wink The New Years Eve when it all went A Bit Wrong.

Ive still got the badge I made for one of the meet ups. Grin

I remember that!

JaneJeffer · 22/09/2022 16:19

The creepy wee brackets started to make things disappear <testing>

JaneJeffer · 22/09/2022 16:19

Oh they fixed it Grin

mewkins · 22/09/2022 16:32

Did things start getting weird (or even weirder) around Lockdown One? I remember visiting after a break and seeing so much telling off of people for making unnecessary trips to buy milk, walking their dog for longer than an hour, it was ridiculous. People were basically shouted at and told they were responsible for people's deaths. I guess no one knew then that our PM was out partying the whole time.

I've been here for at least a decade , maybe more, have never made friends and read more than I post but notice there has been a definite shift in tolerance to other people. Now I think there are many more people who, as my dad would have said, could start an argument in an empty room.

Some recent comments include:

  • calling people irresponsible for not being able to afford increases in fuel bills
  • calling people irresponsible for not having saved towards their child's university costs

I wonder if MN is a reflection of how intolerant and inward looking people are now, caused by lockdown, cost of living etc. No one can afford to be generous of spirit because they are so concerned about their own world.

GobbolinoTheWitchesCat · 22/09/2022 16:42

@victorvictorious thanks!

Doubleraspberry · 22/09/2022 16:50

mewkins · 22/09/2022 16:32

Did things start getting weird (or even weirder) around Lockdown One? I remember visiting after a break and seeing so much telling off of people for making unnecessary trips to buy milk, walking their dog for longer than an hour, it was ridiculous. People were basically shouted at and told they were responsible for people's deaths. I guess no one knew then that our PM was out partying the whole time.

I've been here for at least a decade , maybe more, have never made friends and read more than I post but notice there has been a definite shift in tolerance to other people. Now I think there are many more people who, as my dad would have said, could start an argument in an empty room.

Some recent comments include:

  • calling people irresponsible for not being able to afford increases in fuel bills
  • calling people irresponsible for not having saved towards their child's university costs

I wonder if MN is a reflection of how intolerant and inward looking people are now, caused by lockdown, cost of living etc. No one can afford to be generous of spirit because they are so concerned about their own world.

The judgemental stuff definitely feels more pronounced. I saw some extraordinary posts recently in which a poster was claiming that no one who hadn't studied thoroughly the business models of energy providers and read the financial press in 2021 and fixed their rate could possibly complain about energy prices.

mewkins · 22/09/2022 17:01

@Doubleraspberry yes it's exactly those kid of posts that are totally depressing. Absolutely no compassion or understanding. I think some people post to make themselves feel better about their own lives. I hated the smugness during lockdown and the tellings off from people holed up in their lovely homes with their families. There was no understanding of those of us who were isolated. I broke plenty of rules and actually regret not breaking more to be honest.

5zeds · 22/09/2022 17:17

It is a reflection of RL which I would say has followed a similar path. Post lockdowns I don’t feel the same so I don’t suppose my posts are.

ssd · 22/09/2022 17:27

Added to that, many of us who were 30somethings when we joined are now menopausal and taking no shit from anyone. And a bit sharper of tongue, shall we say?!?

Or maybe thats just me..

SettingsO · 22/09/2022 17:30

I think there was a big change around penis beaker, when threads started appearing in the Daily Mail, which attracted a new demographic.

Crikeyalmighty · 22/09/2022 17:32

@ssd I think that's a big part of it yes- I mentioned on an earlier post that to some extent the demographic has changed. Lots of 30 somethings are now menopausal and I think there's a far wider range of incomes and 'stages of life ' on the site. I'm now 60 and I've seen plenty of posts from women pushing 70 too - I think that's good. I still think meet-ups would be good - no need to say 'who ' you are on here !!

Huckleberries73 · 22/09/2022 17:39

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

MuddlerInLaw · 22/09/2022 17:44

I also like the fact the age range has stretched upwards. I was in my 40s when I found my way here and I felt myself to be older than most posters. Now I’m Crikeyalmighty’s twin - and there seem to be plenty of us here.

I’m not consciously more sharp tongued - at the start I was clumsy in my wording and there were many pitchfork /name change incidents. Now people seem to take offence at my mildest observations - but I usually just shrug and move on.

Doubleraspberry · 22/09/2022 17:58

I'm far more assertive and sure of myself now I've hit menopause, but I don't think it's made me less caring when people deserve it.

WGSW · 22/09/2022 18:16

I agree with the point about menopause and giving less of a shit. It's definitely a benefit, although the bastard hot flushes are bloody awful. It was 15 degrees in my house yesterday and I still had the fan going.

B00mShakeShakeShakeTheR00m · 22/09/2022 19:24

exLtEveDallas · 22/09/2022 06:03

Xmas gifts and meet-ups - seems like a world away.
Oh, and Zombie doing her rescue mission 😰 whilst it wasn’t a good idea even back then (2016 ish?), no-one would even consider it now.

YOU were great on a post I had in relationships about my mother. Talking nearly ten years ago now. 💕
Pompous brother re our estranged mother, he wrote a really obnoxious email to my husband.
Thanks again! 😊

PollyAmour · 22/09/2022 19:35

Crikeyalmighty · 22/09/2022 17:32

@ssd I think that's a big part of it yes- I mentioned on an earlier post that to some extent the demographic has changed. Lots of 30 somethings are now menopausal and I think there's a far wider range of incomes and 'stages of life ' on the site. I'm now 60 and I've seen plenty of posts from women pushing 70 too - I think that's good. I still think meet-ups would be good - no need to say 'who ' you are on here !!

How would a meet up work if everyone remained anonymous? You could tell everyone to meet at Whatever Bar in Whatever City on whatever date at whatever time, but then how would you know who was a mumsnetter and who was just a bit strange?

Would there be a secret phrase like 'are you on glue?'

WGSW · 22/09/2022 19:36

I remember someone once saying you would identify a MNer by way of a mooncup pinned on their lapel and the fact that they'd be clutching a bag of pom bears

MrsLargeEmbodied · 22/09/2022 19:41

message in a bottle!
yes what a long time ago that seems - so addictive

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