what if every poster from one thread was instantaneously transported into a cafe together?

[boombang]

I think there are plenty of posters who would be surprised to see who they have been chatting to, maybe getting on very well with people they wouldn't think to approach and speak to in real life, across 50 year age differences, etc.

And some threads are lovely, like the weekend pet thread, and everybody would have lots in common and plenty to say

But I also think that without user names on you, sitting down having a coffee, people would get on much better in real life than they do online, for the most part. Largely because people who are deliberately nasty anonymously wouldn't dare face to face, but also because when you see people, you realise they are normal people not monsters, anyway, and feel more kindly disposed to them, even if you disagree

No, they would start a fight about whether you can reserve a table with your coat while queueing for your latte, or queue first, then look for a vacant table. Punches would be thrown

no, it is not that sort of cafe! It's a big, comfortable room with squashy armchairs and sofas, and waitress service, and all the drinks and cakes are free!

and it is arranged so there are not cut-off little booths, every one can see and talk to multiple people, around large interconnecting tables

I don't think I would like to meet any Mumsnetters in real life. But that's probably to do with my extreme social anxiety.
It took me a long time even to be able to reply on any threads. It's only the anonymity of the forum that means I've been able to do so. I actually avoid threads which involve photos of other users - the how old am I , is this suitable to wear type of thing - because I prefer not to know what others look like. I find easier to listen to what people are actually saying without the inevitable assumptions and judgements made when people can actually see who is talking.
I know the anonymity does allow quite a few posters to be incredibly cruel and unpleasant but it does allow a lot of posters the space to be open and honest about things they couldn't otherwise talk about.

o that is interesting

Are we allowed to get dressed first?

Only I'm currently in full goblin mode, lolling about in a saggy Motorhead t-shirt & saggier pants (first week of school hols).

I fear that I am not alone & that your cafe might resemble a gathering of orcs, rather than a thoughtful symposium of elegant intellectuals.

If the buns are free then a bunfight is guaranteed within about 5 minutes...

Or into Parliament?

O no, I don't think so! That doesn't normally happen at weddings, or funerals, or other places where a load of strangers suddenly come together. it might happen if we had our user names pinned to us, but otherwise it wouldn't

🤣🤣🤣

Please can it be the tapas thread, and the cafe is serving mini pizzas? I'll be at the table in the corner, watching it unfold.

I think people would be much more polite in the cafe and pull their punches - but that's the advantage of a forum, you'll be told in no uncertain terms on MN what at least some of your loved ones are thinking IRL but not saying.