to think that, however well intentioned, favourite MNer threads can reinforce the clique-y image some have of MN and

[MardyBra]

be hurtful to anyone left out.

And unfortunately, because of the large numbers of MNers, there are inevitably going to be lots of lovely lovely posters who don't get a mention. (btw, I would love to have a with all those who kindly mentioned me, annd loads more too).

I agree with you mardy actually.

I always feel awful when I name my faves, as I always remember people I have forgotten.

THing is the vast majority of people I have spoken to on here have been marvellous, and on several occasions (when I have felt really bad) people have really helped, and been so kind.

I have too many fave MNers to mention really so will take a tip out of others books and will refrain from naming names in future - is the best way I think.

OH yes, am imagining one of those Sheffield swingers clubs from a thread a while back

I just think it's all a bit pointless. I mean, I totally get maybe starting a thread to call out a few posters who particularly helped you out one time, or to say one specific poster has been amazing for you/other people for a while, or something. But this just sort of makes me think of a little girl standing in the playground at school with a circle of people around her and going, "You're my friend...you're my friend...mm, and you..." and pointing. She's not saying any of the others aren't her friends, but they still may feel quite left out and wondering why she didn't pick them.

It's like the same reason many schools these days say kids can't give out invitations to parties at school unless the whole class is invited. And that transfers as adults - if you were inviting only a few people from work to something, you'd probably do it on the quiet to them, not in the middle of a team meeting. It's just polite.

I mean, theoretically as adults we are better able to deal with these feelings of being unwanted as we recognise that actually some people do want us but not everyone's going to be our best friend forever, and that's okay. But for quite a lot of people some of those feelings still linger (and may always do, especially those with low self-esteem due to their pasts) and I just think you risk upsetting so many people, even if just a little bit...why bother? If you really want to tell certain posters you like them or want to meet them or whatever you can do that without making a huge obvious thread about it, y'know?

Meh, I'm with Mardy. and like MissPenteuth's filthy mind

I'm torn on this one glitterandglue. I could kick myself for looking at the who'd you like to meet thread. No, I wasn't mentioned, and when I first looked at these years ago, I wasn't then, so I stopped. Can't say I felt gutted about it, but know I would have pleased; the whole thing satisfies a perfectly understandable desire to be recognised.

On the other hand, I don't think these threads shouldn't carry on just because some MNers have low self-esteem. To seek validation on the interweb at a fundamental level is risky but the popular gels are entitled to their fun too.

Mardy, I'm sure your intentions were kindly when starting this thread but it comes across as patronising - especially when you see fit to point out you would like to have a cuppa with 'all those' who 'kindly mentioned' you on the other thread!

Anyway I'm not spoiling for a fight...I think the beauty of Mumsnet is everyone can say and do exactly what they blooming well like. If you know you are a sensitive soul (guess who isn't!), then don't look on these threads. There are plenty of fabulously funny and interesting threads on here to move along to.

I would never expect to be mentioned on one of those threads. I know my place.

But I still like reading them

^ like.

Too slow

Love how there are so many peopke disagreeing with these types of threads for a load of different reason yet you all know if you were mentioned or not

I'd like to meet proudnscary.

The thing is bibbity, whilst I get your point, there are people out there on Mumsnet where it is the only social interaction they get. I was talking with somebody at the weekend (also a MN user) and it was the first proper adult conversation they had had in two years.

Isn't this a thread about a thread and therefore STRONGLY DISAPPROVED of by the MN core gang (who are also those mentioned on the "We love [insert name of MNer here] threads, who also make up most of the cliquey chat on this board, who are also probably the only ones on here frequently enough to care)?

But I don't care - I like threads about threads and I like that there are people out there who devote so much time to writing on internet forums so I can be amused by their thoughts and I never read the who's your favourite MNer, as I can never remember anyone's name.

I dip in and out of MN as and when I find time. I never find it hard to 'join in' with anything (the Nobs were lovely last time I was there), and I am more then big enough and gobby enough to stand up for myself when the odd 'gang' have decided to have a pop :)

So I don't find love-in threads off putting. I quite them them as they offer an at a glance view of who uses the board a lot. It makes sence to me that regular posters will get thier names in these type of threads, nod popper inners, such as me, wont.

YANBU
Such threads are dull (I don't open them) and yucky.
Also they mainly contain a list of names of people who spend too long on the internet and don't name change!
In fact I think if it's got to the point where you've spent enough time to build a mental picture of any particular anonomous person you've spent too long here and need to evaluate the situation you are in!

I feel glad that I am not named as it means I am not a sad fuck and actually have a life.

However none of this matters as it's all a stealth boast by Mardy that she was mentioned so many times

rollingheather - I do understand that Mumsnet is more than just an internet forum to some of its users, I really do.

But, surely, those users who are so socially isolated for whatever reason must realise that this is not the norm (and maybe not even ideal?) and that the vast majority or posters really do not take it too seriously - even to the extent of not realising that having a which Mumsnetter would you like to meet thread could potentially be hurtful to someone who was not mentioned.

Mnhq are always telling the world that Mumsnet has a million users or something. We can't all get a mention on the "who is the most interesting" threads - and why would we expect to?

Sorry sent too quick. The ones who are named are on here all the time, hence no life.

Now now *Arachnophobic, that sort of attitude's not going to get you on anyone's favourite MNer list, is it?

Methinks arachnophobic is well jel

Oh my goodness....TWO serious MN crimes now spotted - thread about thread and stealth boasting. It's like a textbook how not to do it for the less prolific (who haven't been mentioned on the "We love" thread). Ha ha.

Actually fanjo you are right, would love to not work and doodle all day!