Mumsnet taking over Daily Fails job

[OnTheRoadAgain1]

Not sure if this has already been posted, but I've just seen a sponsored post by MN on Facebook with a screenshot of someones OP! I'm sure even the rag newspapers don't put usernames.

Lots of people have usernames that mean something to them so that along with the full post means you're more likely to be recognised! Its really put me off posting (not this post clearly, as I doubt it will be used as an advertisement!)

Newspapers use people's usernames all the time when reporting stories. The only time they don't do this is if the name is PaulDacreIsATwat or whatever (doesn't stop them posting the content though).

But I'm genuinely a bit baffled by what your issue is. MN publishes everything you write to an audience of millions: potentially the whole world. No paywall, no password. The size of its audience is what makes it what it is, and what pays the bills. How can putting a screenshot of a post on their Facebook page as well make a significant difference?

The lesson is that if you want to post anything you wouldn't happily see on the school notice board then don't pick a name like ElspethAndEricsMummyInDevon.

Mumsnet have been doing this for years. The forum has a huge readership anyway so if you think you're likely to be outed don't risk writing it- it's not a 'safe space'. The newspapers also share usernames. I just googled and the first link that comes up has usernames published

www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/parenting/article-11515901/Woman-sparks-online-debate-wanting-reduce-dogs-visits-former-owner.html

They do put usernames. I was once quoted (a previous username) - in fact, I was quoted twice, two things I said, but they attributed the first to me and the second to "another user"... Even though both were posted under the same name!

You should absolutely not be using a username which might lead to recognising your real identity, if you don't want people to see it and perhaps recognise your identity! That's why you can namechange, temporarily if you want. Also, I would suggest changing non-relevant specifics about your posts too, to avoid too much identifying info being posted.

But the main point to note is the MN Talk is already public and widely seen by millions. Once you've posted here, you've told the world about your issue or thoughts. You can't possibly object to the same info being reposted on Facebook or in an online newspaper. If you don't want things to be shared, then don't post about them!

I'm aware it's a public forum (doubt anyone will recognise me from my username), but it's people with an interest in getting opinions on often serious matters. Not everyone uses mumsnet so it's opening it to a wider audience who wouldn't have seen it - solely for entertainment purposes. People can post all their problems on Facebook if they like, but most people would prefer to post here for actual advice and not the often horrible (and unmoderated) comments on FB. I'm also sure that a lot of people wouldn't post here if the person they were posting about had a mn account so it defeats the purpose.

I suppose it's bothered me so much as I've recently told a friend of mine who is just coming out of an abusive relationship to join for support. Now I have to tell her that the website I said was supportive, may publish her posts on FB word for word.

MN have 7 million unique visitors per month...

It's very basic Internet usage understanding to realise that everything you post online is public, no matter how safe or supportive a forum seems. Even private forums which can only be read by logged in users are not actually private, as anyone can sign up and any one of those users could copy posted content and use it elsewhere. Once it's online, it's out of your control.

MN makes money from advertising to the user base, part of that is driving traffic to the site which is what posting threads on FB does.

Your friend can get plenty of useful support on MN, I would point out that AIBU and Chat aren't the best place for support requests and are the ones that often feature on FB. Then, you could also point out about the namechange facility, and about not posting too much personal identifying information on a very very public forum.

In the old days you would a writer go by train, bus or cycle to visit cities, goes and villages to pick up what’s going on that might be of general interest.

Nowadays they can sit at the desk and look on the internet to find people talking about all kinds of things that make for a read in a wider publication.

Why anyone can’t grasp, understand or think there is anything wrong with that is a bit daft really!

The Internet connects everyone worldwide so if you write something than you must understand it can be picked up and repeated elsewhere!

You'll be gobsmacked to learn that MN HQ also publish threads on their Twitter page, too.

No, I am not daft nor have any of my posts been published.

My point is, the website that advertises as (direct quote) makes parents' lives easier by pooling knowledge, advice and support on everything from conception to childbirth, from babies to teenagers is sharing peoples difficult stories.

Obviously there is a chance the tabloids might pick it up, but there's a difference between a headline that you may not recognise and your full post being shared (no need to click on the link to read it) by the people who say the site is to advise and support, just doesn't sit right with me.

Example - I want to post about an issue with MIL, I know MIL is not on mumsnet so I can post and receive support/advice whether people believe I am right or wrong without worrying about a family rift. I post on MN because MIL won't see it like she would if I posted on FB. Posters constantly ask for more details to be able to 'advise' properly and at times scoff at the OP or call them a troll for not giving details. Then my post is shared for MIL and all extended family to see.

Advertising is one thing, using people's full posts and usernames is another. I have no issue with people disagreeing with me about it, I personally think it's wrong and I can't be the only one. You often see posters slagging of tabloids for how they exploit peoples stories on here for clickbait, it's worse when MN does it.

I would also say that there are a lot of people who are very trusting or who may not understand that this site will share their stories where there family or friends might see. I am not one of them, doesn't mean I can't be concerned about others (and no, I don't think they are daft either!)

*their

@OnTheRoadAgain1 I posted about this on 'site stuff'

www.mumsnet.com/talk/site_stuff/4710876-mn-threads-on-facebook

I agree with you, as do others over there, that MN is crossing a line in publicising sensitive threads to a massively larger audience, when it also claims that the site is a supportive space.

Thank you, I'll jump over to your thread!

I just think that advertising about the support side of this site would be more helpful and I feel as though the stories being shared are entertainment for people who most likely won't join. I certainly wouldn't if I saw them being shared. Although I suppose it's for the ads, people will have a nosey so they're still clicking, even if it's just to have a laugh over others difficulties.