to understand why newbies feel unwelcome when there's a certain group of people on here that think mumsnet is all about them?

[truthful]

I really do understand why there is a 'flouncers corner' on this site and I understand why people feel the need to go to it!
Six months ago I joined this site and on my first ever thread there was about 10 people who all clearly knew eachother and started their own conversation and completely ignored me! I felt really unwelcome but just thought it was a one off. Ever since then I've begun to realise that its like school on here and theres the 'popular' group who seem to think that everyone should know who they are and so they just hijack everyone elses thread and talk amongst themselves ignoring other people in the process! I was even in a thread yesterday and there was a discussion and one of the popular ones said something along the lines of ' oh its jack, havent seen you for a while, hows your dad?'
To me that was rude and if you know eachother that well then shouldn't you be emailing or private messaging instead of being so rude? I can honestly say I have said something regarding to what the OP was asking and been completely ignored by what send like the usual lot talking about scones or something
Another thing which I hate is all the private jokes flying around which is between the usual lot and no one else. Fanjo??? Grow up!
The only time people seem to get noticed is when they have changed their name to something like one of the popular peoples names! Remember the whole 'whos impersonating sue's thing yesterday??? seems like thats all people cared about as yiu are sooo popular so

To OP, without the benefit of having read this epic thread, why would you care? Why does it matter to you what complete strangers say/do/etc on a random internet message board? Why should these strangers matter?
Rather curious, really.

I'm reporting Honey for continually posting pictures of her puppy.
It is not fair on other posters who can't get puppies, in fact it's bullying in a stealth bullying sort of way.
and the rest which we haven't got emoticons for yet yet.

Well I'm still a newbie and sometimes people respond nicely and sometimes they don't. On here though I can say what I think not like in real life where I tread very carefully and it can be very very tiresome.

That's a good point, sometimes people are in situations where they simply cannot say what they want to, at least in here you can have your voice back, and see it in black and white.

LBE - whilst you're reporting shall I mention the baby orangatan again for good measure?

I know you've all gone now but I'm here and still up duff now 17 ish weeks.

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TETHERS!!!!! She is just lovely :)

Inevitable when it was an OP made so snidely, don't you think?

On any busy forum there will be what are perceived as cliques. Friendships form. It's only natural. And once you've been on a forum for a while you get to know people and you, too, become part of such friendships.

My feelings exactly marriedinwhite and it is fun! I am very diplomatic in RL. You can't be friends with someone you don't know. I generally agree with you, it doesn't mean we would get on. LeQueen sounds great fun, she might be a disappointment in RL!
I don't think cliques ( if there are any) matter- you can just ignore them. I have just done a quick scroll back and have only heard of three people out of about the last 20 - and I have mentioned 2 in this post!
If you are looking for friendship I wouldn't look for it here! Just take part in the bits you want and ignore the rest.

I give a toss about the op's opinion

sometimes on here, as I've been here about 8 yrs and have never been part of a clique, I feel like I havent a clue whats going /gone on, with all the in words and posters names and stuff

then I realise, my life might be a bit boring and dull, but it'll never be that bad that I get my kicks being well known on a forum for bored women aka mums

and i thank god for that

MN is but part of my life - which is pretty full and enjoyable. MN adds much to my enjoyment. I'm sorry you don't get the same experience.

I find that 'in' groups in RL tend to be boring- the 'out' people are far more interesting.

But I haven't seen a single thread on here addressing cliques that hasn't turned into an OP-bashing - even when the OP couldn't be perceived as 'snide'.

I winced when I saw the post. She deserves respect for her courage if nothing else - she's a braver woman than me.

KatieM!

I agree Biwi, MN is a great PART of my life

I don't think it's very brave to namechange to post an anonymous snidey post tbh.

I think the OP would have had a 'fairer' hearing if she hadn't phrased her post in such a provocative way. Nothing wrong with telling it like it is, and it might make a few posters think about the way that they post - but not if we're all just told to grow up!

Makes me want to stick my tongue out at her, tbh. [childish emoticon]

It is our cross, Mary. We must think of Jesus and bear it bravely whilst wearing our CROWNS of thorn(tons)

Only if it's Thornton's sugar free toffee. Mind you, that has terrible laxative effects. I once pulled a stomach muscle as a result of the diarrhoea that caused ...

sugar-free

Gah. It's terrible being a pedant ...

Aww OP I can see where you are coming from.

I think in AIBU (depending on your question) you might have to have a thick skin for the responses. I have had replies where I feel people are quick to post a reply but that they clearly have not read the original question properly,an example might be "MIL asks me blah" and a poster replied "It's none of your business, it's between her and her Son". This was a stupid reply because it was me the MIL had asked. Anyway I am waffling.

I recognise some names on threads but will still post my own opinions when I have 2 hands and no baby attached to my boob to get in the way . Don't worry about it, I have also noticed that people will say to another poster when they don't agree with them.

Stick around OP and take it all as a bit of fun with a pinch of salt.

and where is pedants corner? I want to go?