...to start a thread about a Mumsnet thread? Russell Brand......

[Hakluyt]

...........why?

Yes, if you want to have a web chat with a pretty comedian, then go for it. It makes us all look a bit trivial, but hey ho.

But treating him like a serious social and political commentator? Really??????

Quite lola. The answers are useful only if they make sense.

As for talking down noses to people, RB is a perfect example of that. He spews contempt with every sentence.

....one more thing. Recovering addict? So is Alistair Campbell. Addiction could give a shit about who it finds. FFS. No reason to make him a political golden boy.

I have no need of a Russell Brand in my life. I have teenagers.

No Hak, it doesn't. We have had comedians, TV competition winners, other celebrities and even Muppets (real ones, not political ones) on the webchats. I don't think that their presence trivialized us all and I don't think that Russell Brand will either.

As for giving him publicity, that happens anyway. There seem to be threads discussing him every time he writes or appears on the media, the only difference is that this time posters will be able to talk to him, not just about him.

I actually have no problem with him being on a webchat, or anyone really because the point of it is to let us all ask questions and challenge the person on what they say, if we want to. Whether it's a comedian, politician or anywhere in between.

I think the tendency to treat him as a serious political commentator isn't totally genuine. Having him on political programmes etc. I think they do it for a bit of intrigue and colourfulness and to get ratings. He is clever and may have something interesting to say, same goes for many comedians and actors, but it doesn't mean most people actually think he's some kind of political leading light.

I don't see how having ANYONE on a web chat can make us look trivial?

Sounds a bit arrogant to dismiss someone or their profession as being too trivial for the likes of Mumsnet.
Is there a 'rule' for the types of people who should be on web chats?

I find lots of people interesting,..especially the ones I may disagree with or even dislike.

His book is currently 10 in Waterstones. I haven't bought it but I do watch The Trews daily. How many of you with very stong negative views on RB have watched it? I think some people are being very rude about a human being that is really just trying to make things a bit better for people who have no voice.

I'm gonna channel claig and say, I find his being promoted to us like he is rather suspicious...

I've asked him on the Web chat if he realises how misogynistic he comes across (particularly with all the sexploits in his first booky wook ) his use of prostitutes has always niggled me too..... he has had many addictions including class A's and sex, he seems to be fizzing with revolution now. I found his messiah complex tour amazing, so funny but also adressing many political issues in a way admired in ben elton and the late bill hicks. I think if young people particularly can be more politicised by him that has to be a positive as long as they still vote he's not perfect, he hasn't got any answers but he questions the status quo and his Trews is so relevant and right. Ive heard him called a rambling unmedicated bi polar .......but no, I think is a passionate, anarchic mischief maker with many contradictions that people either love or hate. Im a lover not a hater!

He knows lots of long words

Jean Jacques Rosseau seems to inform RB even if he doesn't know it. That human kind has a default setting of basic goodness and greatness if only they could find the conditions within which to explore the...erm like The French Revolution, Russia, Cuba, Cambodia. All revolutions eat themselves. Many revolutionary leaders have corrupted themselves in the name of the people, for the virtue of the people. A misplaced sense of destiny not only for themselves but on behalf of the people.
there is much messiness despite claims of universal brotherhood and peace that will occur once the enemies of the revolution, who keep creeping out of the wood work, are dealt with.
RB where is your economic policy? Your health policy for an aging population...oh that's right, you don't do graphs do you. They are meaningless.
You mean well you half baked intellectual but stick to the funny stuff

RB is far from perfect. We all are.
All I know is that I would rather listen to his ideas and appraisal of today's politics than most other people in the public eye because I believe he is genuine. That is rare as far as I'm concerned.

I don't think he is genuine at all.
There is no way I would buy a second hand car from him!

I have no belief in the basic goodness of humans. (it seems that nearly everyone in power is corrupted by something or other ) If RB believes that then maybe it's his youth talking.

BUT he has some good ideas that he can get across, due to his popularity.

I have too but don't have the press's ear