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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that people just use MN as an opportunity to get a bit uppity?

60 replies

Holscrafty · 30/11/2014 06:24

Have just been enjoying reading posts on another thread about funny things non-parents have said to you in a clueless type manner, suggesting that their cat/puppy is very similar, you get the picture...All very lighthearted stuff until a non-parent poster comes on and says we're being sanctimonious and the mood of the thread turns to people 'sticking up' for non-parent kitten and puppy raisers...

Have people lost their sense of humour?

Also, why join MN if you're not a parent of planning to be one? Would be like a non-pet owner joining the Labrador Owners Club!!!

OP posts:
PrettyLittleMitty · 30/11/2014 06:32

Yabu to suggest that only parents/parents-to-be should join mn. Plenty of past threads regarding this.

GahLinDah · 30/11/2014 06:35

I disagree with you on the non parents joining MN thing, what about people ttc? Nannies? childminders? Also, though a parenting forum I actively avoid the parenting threads (Zzzzzz), unless there is a specific issue I need advice on.
I like the trivial chat and humour ones, you don't need to be a parent to join in on those.

However, yes, there are some snippy sorts around who like to give the op a hard time regardless of topic.
My personal fave being those who jump on and exclaim "my eyes are bleeding" "paragraphs op" to somebody posting in obvious distress. They are complete twats, and don't look clever.

Mumraathenoisylion · 30/11/2014 06:36

Yanbu

NorwaySpruce · 30/11/2014 06:38

Some people don't have a sense of humour, they just don't.

But for many people, not having children hurts, and hearing things like 'why do they post here anyway' hurts too.

Perhaps someone's hurt got in the way of their ability to see that the thread was just about the daft thing people say, because the bit that stood out to them was the 'you have no children, so your opinion counts for nothing'.

I'd post here if I had no children because the place is generally full of clever, informed, funny people, with opinions (and advice) on everything.

You have to look past the name of the place - it isn't a rule that posters should have children, it probably just seemed a catchy idea in the early days of the site.

These days, if someone only Googles 'what way should I turn a screw?' - Mumsnet will probably be one of the first hits on the answer screen, so all sorts join up.

That's why is better than other sites. Grin

listed · 30/11/2014 06:43
  1. TAAT
  2. anyone can join mn
Mehitabel6 · 30/11/2014 06:45

I suggest you read the many other threads explaining why people who are not parents post. It makes it a far more interesting place.
Why would you want to restrict it?

Mehitabel6 · 30/11/2014 06:49

The funny things said in a clueless type manner are generally said by parents anyway- you only have to read MN to know there some very odd parents around!

Original poster
Holscrafty · 30/11/2014 07:03

I don't want to restrict MN to any group of people, though I do at times question why some people do choose to join. I do feel that a thread that is intended to be lighthearted and fun should not be slated by a group of people who weren't the intended audience of the OP (cue yet more reminders that MN is not just for mums!!!)

Perhaps 'sense of humour' should be added to the site's terms and conditions!

OP posts:
Mehitabel6 · 30/11/2014 07:10

Why not have a thread which asks what clueless things people have said to you? It is rather like the ones 'what funny things have your PIL said' as if only parents of boys say funny things!

Mehitabel6 · 30/11/2014 07:11

We Could quickly clock up funny things said on MN by parents!

GokTwo · 30/11/2014 07:13

Not bothered about the non parents but can see why you say that in this context. Yes, I know what you mean. While most people are great on here some people seem to be spoiling for a fight and just seem to be unnecessarily snotty in their responses.

ProudAS · 30/11/2014 07:20

I do think some people use this forum to get nasty and with no need.

listed · 30/11/2014 07:26

I think in a way you are right - I read that thread just waiting for the first person to get offended to come along and.... up they pop.

But you do have to be careful. It's all in the eye of the beholder isn't it? Some of the posts I chuckled along with, some I rolled my eyes at, but one or two DID come across as smug and sanctimonious.

I would be tempted to say if you think you'll be offended, then don't click on the thread, but that can be a slippery slope can't it?

Mehitabel6 · 30/11/2014 07:28

They do on most forums- I can't see why that one should be different!!

40somethingwonderful · 30/11/2014 07:28

YANBU to think that some people are uppity and unnecessarily nasty at times.

YABU in thinking only people with children or TTC should join mumsnet.

ArsenicSoup · 30/11/2014 07:32

Also, why join MN if you're not a parent of planning to be one? Would be like a non-pet owner joining the Labrador Owners Club!!!

I don't want to restrict MN to any group of people, though I do at times question why some people do choose to join...........Perhaps 'sense of humour' should be added to the site's terms and conditions!

So that the non-parents have to giggle about your remarks?

Okaay then Hmm

I like having non-parents around here, personally

ArsenicSoup · 30/11/2014 07:33

But I suppose you must have a sense of humour to post a thread title like that on a TAAT on AIBU, so fair play.

NoArmaniNoPunani · 30/11/2014 07:34

I don't have kids but I was still laughing along with that thread before someone humourless spoilt it.

There are two separate issues, humourless people spoiling threads and childless people on MN.

listed · 30/11/2014 07:35

Mehitabel what's then to stop someone saying if you don't like snarky remarks about kids with SN then don't click on the thread, or if you don't like misogynistic comments then don't click on the thread.

It throws the onus onto the person who is offended to not be offended any more, rather than making it the job of the original poster to not be offensive in the first place.

Mehitabel6 · 30/11/2014 07:37

There are always humourless people who spoil threads- many of them parents. You get all sorts.

Mehitabel6 · 30/11/2014 07:38

It wasn't me that said you shouldn't click on a thread! Wrong person.

NomorepepperpigPLEASE · 30/11/2014 07:41

YANBU

what ever you post you will always piss someone off.

Mehitabel6 · 30/11/2014 07:41

I can see the humour of it, although I didn't see the thread. All I am saying is that parents can say clueless things too- MN is full of them- it is what makes it so entertaining.
Not having seen the thread I can't say, but maybe it caught someone who hasn't got children on the raw- on a bad day.

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 30/11/2014 07:42

Hmm YABU a bit. Just because something doesn't offend you doesn't mean it can't offend someone childless and then it's OK if they say so.

NomorepepperpigPLEASE · 30/11/2014 07:43

In fact why are even men on here