AIBU to think local pages on mumsnet aren't so great

[Valdeeves]

Largely because there's not alot of traffic?
I moved to a new area and met all my friends through Netmums - not one on mumsnet despite using the local pages - no one ever replied.
Why is this? Why do mumsnetters not use the pages?

If Mumsnetters use their local boards, the whole thing will snowball.

I tried posting some local events this morning. It took about 95 hours (well, felt like it), and at the end of it all said "access denied!" Someone else upthread said that happened to them too.
What's that all about?
People aren't going to use them if it's too hard to post!

I think this thread is really useful - and am sure MNHQ will think so too. There are definitely some things that could be improved regarding usability of the site. But also I think a lot of mumsnetters on the main site are just unaware of how useful the local site could be to them. You don't have to use it to do meet ups or risk outing yourself - but it's helpful if you want the inside gossip on a local school / hospital / what to do this weekend. And you can use a different NN if you want to or keep the same one.

I'd like to know what we could do better because then more people will want to use it. I've not been Editor for very long so I've got a lot to catch up on listings wise. Once that's done I hope it'll become a first port of call for MNetters in Cambridge looking for things to do.

I had access denied too, but it had listed the event
HQ can only do so much, activity on local boards needs to come from local posters. As others have said, you can use another nn on local, so no need to out yourself. Follow your local mn, like them on fb, share their status, apply to be an editor? Help to make the local pages what you want them to be.

The Edinburgh one is very very quiet too. I don't know anyone else with children here and resorted to starting a thread in chat as I thought I wouldn't get a reply in local. But you've all inspired me to go over there and start one now!

There's some really useful constrictive criticism on here. I am sure it will all lead to improvements.

I was going on my local one (well two actually as I live right on the border of two counties) but I don't seem to fit in as it seems to be all people moving into the area wanting to know what to do with their toddlers when it's raining! My children are older now but I've given what I think is quite helpful advice a few times and been totally ignored which is a bit disheartening, especially when the conversation between the 'young mums' carries on as if I never posted. Or people ask for cleaners and I suggest someone good but they never acknowledge.
Anyway I've given up now. I've better things to do frankly.

I'm a new LE and am seeing out the last few weeks of my notice and then I will be going at it full pelt. I have a very large area and will need help as i have loads of plans and schemes to get things moving. Traffic is up though already.

Use the sites.

I understand it must be very frustrating if you are a local Editor etc to hear posters complaining that the boards are too quiet but I think most people who have commented here feel that they would use the boards more if listing events etc wasn't such a bloody kerfuffle. Maybe if that was addressed by LEs/ MNHQ posters would post more.

I wanted to post some info re how to get tickets to our free Christmas tree turning on off lights - I nearly fecked the laptop through the window - in the end it was easier to start a thread

I'm frustrated too - I'd like a busy local board, but at the end of the day - the info I'd like is already on Netmums, I can follow my local city's website on FB - it's easier.

Use the sites

Not keen because in a small county like the one I live in, it makes me vulnerable to being outed.

Another Local Editor signing in.

I have been working for months, thinking 'If you build it, they will come', but the chat boards are still quiet. Like other LEs, I KNOW that you are there, lurking. I can see the stats climb steadily.

We are all working very hard to make the Local sites attractive and useful to you, we are posting on Facebook and Twitter, and some of us have even started a local blog - see the Dundee Angus Fife Local Blog

You can choose a totally different user name, and no one will know if you only use MN for local, or if you post about your kinky sex life under a different name. :)

There is a big box in the top right corner that says 'GO TO MUMSNET.COM' to get back the main site, and if you post on a local thread, it shows up in your Threads I'm On.

We have raised most of the issues mentioned with MNHQ already, but do give us more feedback if there is something that you have noticed.

harticus - did you know that your MN local username is different to your main NN? So people shouldn't be able to link your local posts to personal info on the main boards.

For those having issues with Listings - it should be reasonably easy, but I know there were some issues in the past week or so.

I have posted a tutorial here

they would use the boards more if listing events etc wasn't such a bloody kerfuffle. Maybe if that was addressed by LEs/ MNHQ posters would post more

Definitely this. I'd use it loads and add things to it, but as I found out this morning when I tried, it's a lot of hassle then when you've filled all the events listing in, it says "access denied!" and you lose it all so you feel like throwing the laptop out of the window!
It definitely needs sorting if you want people to post in it.

My local is just booooorrring, about nanny shares, private schools and secondary schools. None of which are of any interest to meM

MrsCakes - no I didn't - but now I do! Thanks!

So post something YOUwant to talk about Whereismyhat

Wiggles
If you don't want to put postcode etc into a listing, you can just put a .

If we LEs think that we need to add more, we will search and add relevant info

If you have any problems listings something you can just email them to your LE. I will list things for people, no problem. If you encounter issues, let the LE know or HQ. This way we can try to get the sites going properly. The NN thing being different on Local is something HQ need to make clear to users , IMO. It seems there are unanswered questions etc flying around. Short term hassle for long term gain, I hope!

Another local ed signing in. I've only been doing it for two weeks and it is a bit lonely over there.

I did comment on a few threads previously under a different nickname so it's really not a problem if you have sensitive stuff on the main MN site. You can't do that on NM and I really think it's a positive side of the MN Local boards.

Yes it takes time to add listings but there is more information than NM which again I think is a plus.

Talk doesn't just have to be about where's the best place to live, it can be about anything at all to do with your area or about anything at all.

If you think things are missing tell us so we can sort it!

I am all but convinced that there are no other Walsall Mumsnetters. Any that posted on our boards posted long before I took over and were unfortunately not replied to, so haven't returned :(
Any Yam Yams out there please come on over and keep me company! :)

LE for Worcs here - if anyone is Midlands based I have a competition to win a family ticket to Avoncroft Museum next weekend.

Competition

I'd also reiterate what all the other LE's are saying :)

Hello....I´ve just started - this week actually...any feedback is useful to us as we are only just getting going but are all motivated! So, anything you need to see, (apart from board action!) let us know.... listings categories etc.

Those that are saying they got Access Denied - this is because you haven't registered with Mumsnet Local and got your local name. You can't upload a listing unless you have a local nickname. Once you've done that it should be as easy as it is for me to do it.

I'm glad you've posted OP. I think if you have a look around the various and many local sites, you will be able to tell the ones that either don't have an editor yet, or have a very new one and the ones which have been established for a little while. I've been doing this for around 8 weeks now.

I have been busy up-loading local information and researching the things that most people go to NetMums for - namely baby and toddler groups, local events and local deals. I've secured a 10% discount for a local business and another is under discussion. I'm also in talks with a major Toy company to get some lovely competition prizes.

If anyone wants to take a look at my site, feel free - in fact - compare it to the Netmums site for the same area and see what you think about the actual listings for events, groups etc. I think you will find that we provide much more useful and comprehensive information.

I cannot emphasise enough that it is about people using the site. Go to your local site and either answer a query or start a thread. If everyone did this - very soon we would have a good local natter.

You can't change your name on local - but HQ can. If you want a namechange you have only to ask.

As for the meet ups - I had a successful one two weeks ago and plans for another very soon.