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Original poster

Journalists on Mumsnet?

14 replies

AubernFable · 10/02/2025 17:27

I’m really curious about this! Since I joined MN again pretty recently, I’ve seen dozens of posts- ranging from completely normal to controversial “bait” type posts- receive the same comments:

“You writing an article about…?”
“Find other people to survey for your article.”
“Another journalist.”
“Got a deadline coming up?”

Is this really happening that often? It seems both a very unimaginative and unreliable source, as people come out with all sorts of nonsense on here.

OP posts:
BitchinTwinset · 10/02/2025 17:45

Have you read clickbait 'articles' like those on the Daily Mail/other big media sites? If they post 'Woman describes how she was uninvited from her brother's wedding' or whatever, then just pick some bits of what people wrote on a thread, people will click on it.

Of course it's unreliable if you mean 'did anyone check whether this actually happened' but they can faithfully report that a thread on MN got a lot of responses etc.

You have to assume that anything you post might be lifted and put in some clickbaity 'article' somewhere else. It's happened on boredpanda and the likes.

lnks · 10/02/2025 17:47

AubernFable · 10/02/2025 17:27

I’m really curious about this! Since I joined MN again pretty recently, I’ve seen dozens of posts- ranging from completely normal to controversial “bait” type posts- receive the same comments:

“You writing an article about…?”
“Find other people to survey for your article.”
“Another journalist.”
“Got a deadline coming up?”

Is this really happening that often? It seems both a very unimaginative and unreliable source, as people come out with all sorts of nonsense on here.

It does happen. There have literally been articles on the Daily Mail website about a specifics threads, quoting posters etc.

MurdoMunro · 10/02/2025 17:50

First thing to look out for is a nice clicky title and slightly outrageous opening post then zero engagement from the OP. Just left to run while they scoop up the responses to use in their copy.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

News
YarkYark · 10/02/2025 18:07

Yep, the open questions then complete lack of further engagement always raises suspicion. Never seen it confirmed but sure it happens.

Fitzcarraldo353 · 10/02/2025 18:14

I reported a couple of posts yesterday that were clearly from journalists. Classic start of 'I'm looking into X y and z...what do you think?' without any opinion of their own.

Redglitter · 10/02/2025 18:16

MurdoMunro · 10/02/2025 17:50

First thing to look out for is a nice clicky title and slightly outrageous opening post then zero engagement from the OP. Just left to run while they scoop up the responses to use in their copy.

There's a few of those today. I'm always suspicious of those ones too

MurdoMunro · 10/02/2025 18:36

Redglitter · 10/02/2025 18:16

There's a few of those today. I'm always suspicious of those ones too

Show quote history

Maybe this is one? ‘Journo’ having a little journo joke??!! I look forward to my glorious entrance to the Mail, Buzzfeed or Apple News 😆

Original poster
AubernFable · 10/02/2025 19:14

BitchinTwinset · 10/02/2025 17:45

Have you read clickbait 'articles' like those on the Daily Mail/other big media sites? If they post 'Woman describes how she was uninvited from her brother's wedding' or whatever, then just pick some bits of what people wrote on a thread, people will click on it.

Of course it's unreliable if you mean 'did anyone check whether this actually happened' but they can faithfully report that a thread on MN got a lot of responses etc.

You have to assume that anything you post might be lifted and put in some clickbaity 'article' somewhere else. It's happened on boredpanda and the likes.

I can’t say I have ever intentionally clicked on the Daily Mail, but it makes a lot more sense now! Thank you, I will try not to be too controversial then 😂

OP posts:
Original poster
AubernFable · 10/02/2025 19:16

MurdoMunro · 10/02/2025 18:36

Maybe this is one? ‘Journo’ having a little journo joke??!! I look forward to my glorious entrance to the Mail, Buzzfeed or Apple News 😆

Show quote history

Journalist inception 😳 I’m afraid not but maybe one will come across this thread and we’ll get our 5 seconds of fame!

OP posts:
RitaFromTheRanch · 10/02/2025 19:19

I had one DM me last week asking if she could discuss something I'd said in a post for an article....

Original poster
AubernFable · 10/02/2025 19:22

MurdoMunro · 10/02/2025 17:50

First thing to look out for is a nice clicky title and slightly outrageous opening post then zero engagement from the OP. Just left to run while they scoop up the responses to use in their copy.

Almost was guilty of that myself, just had to do some flashcards with DC! Things like the ridiculous “Should all prisons be abolished?” and “Should cheating be illegal?” from the last few days make a little more sense now.

Actual journalists surely would be horrified.

OP posts:
Original poster
AubernFable · 10/02/2025 19:23

Redglitter · 10/02/2025 18:16

There's a few of those today. I'm always suspicious of those ones too

Show quote history

Going to be looking for them now! Thank you all :)

OP posts:
MurdoMunro · 10/02/2025 20:21

AubernFable · 10/02/2025 19:16

Journalist inception 😳 I’m afraid not but maybe one will come across this thread and we’ll get our 5 seconds of fame!

Show quote history

Oh boo @AubernFable you spoiled my fun 😆

Are you sure you’re not a journo tho? Maybe you could still flog this for a couple of quid to Reach or something?

MurdoMunro · 10/02/2025 20:47

AubernFable · 10/02/2025 19:22

Almost was guilty of that myself, just had to do some flashcards with DC! Things like the ridiculous “Should all prisons be abolished?” and “Should cheating be illegal?” from the last few days make a little more sense now.

Actual journalists surely would be horrified.

Show quote history

I immediately thought of the prisons one too. We are of like mind.

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