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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Am I right to be annoyed?

53 replies

annoyedinipswich · 03/04/2020 08:19

I am a part of a professional group, a specialist committee, which is quite active at present as it is fairly newly set up. At least I think it is.

Thing is, when the group was set up, some of the committee decided they would communicate through whatsapp. I can't get it on my phone and am not in the position to upgrade to one that can just now.

I told them from the very beginning that this wouldn't work for me but the response was " aw that's too bad, you should get a new phone".
So, I am left not only in the dark but also looking like I am not pulling my weight (as I have no clue what the tasks etc are).

I know I am the only one but AIBU in thinking that this is a little unfair (or am I being difficult)?

OP posts:
annoyedinispwich · 03/04/2020 08:23

Sorry, I just read my OP and realised I didn't make it clear that ALL communication to do with the group is via whats app.

Booboostwo · 03/04/2020 08:24

Is this part of your work? Your manager should be helping out with this, perhaps helping you upgrade your phone as part of the equipment you need for work.

If this is a voluntary role then I am not sure what can be done. Can entire what’s up threads be emailed to you at the end of the day maybe?

Can you not get what’s up on a laptop or computer?

Ohdearymeshame · 03/04/2020 08:24

What sort of phone have you got that can't get WhatsApp? Even my old ancient phone had it.

A quality phone is a standard necessity in business, including a professional group.

Ask around. Someone must have an iPhone 6 going spare or equivalent.

TENDTOprocrastinate · 03/04/2020 08:40

Move with the times, get a new phone

PineappleDanish · 03/04/2020 08:45

Whatsapp is hugely useful though. It's free. You can have multiple people in a conversation and everyone can see what everyone else replies. You can video call too.

Far better than something like email, or voice calls, or even Facebook messenger. You can access Whatsapp on a laptop, but it needs to be installed and set up on a phone first.

The group has obviously decided this is the very best way to manage things remotely. If it works for everyone else apart from you, I can't see why they should all change just to suit you. You do not need the latest phone to use the app.

Original poster
annoyedinipswich · 03/04/2020 08:46

I can't afford to upgrade right now (and I would have to pay the early upgrade fee on top of a monthly increase). I am self employed.

OP posts:
Original poster
annoyedinipswich · 03/04/2020 08:46

I think I will just pull out of the group.

OP posts:
SoupDragon · 03/04/2020 08:48

Why are people suggesting the OP gets a new phone? She clearly states that she is "not in the position to upgrade to one that can just now."

PurpleDaisies · 03/04/2020 08:48

My husband’s cheapo £10 a month phone has WhatsApp.

GinDrinker00 · 03/04/2020 08:49

Unless you have a old brick Nokia WhatsApp should work on pretty much any phone. There not being unfair though, it’s not their fault.

Appuskidu · 03/04/2020 08:50

Can I ask what phone you have?

My dad is 85 and has a knackered old third-hand thing way out of contract and that has WhatsApp. If you’re still on a contract, that suggests it’s not old,

Newkitchen123 · 03/04/2020 08:51

What kind of phone are you paying a monthly fee for that can't have WhatsApp?
I thought only pensioner phones didn't have WhatsApp

PineappleDanish · 03/04/2020 08:51

I think I will just pull out of the group.

You do that then.

Rather than putting a shout out on Facebook asking if anyone has an old iphone 6 kicking around you can borrow for a short time, or speaking to friends and family asking if they have a spare, or taking any other sort of proactive steps. Go you.

Sirzy · 03/04/2020 08:52

Have you suggested an alternative that is as easily accessible to a whole group chat which you can access?

Original poster
annoyedinipswich · 03/04/2020 08:53

I have a Samsung J1 and it costs £8.50 month. Due for upgrade in Nov. I have no income now, roll on June :)

OP posts:
SharonasCorona · 03/04/2020 08:53

I’ve had WhatsApp on my phone since 2010, and it wasn’t a fancy phone.

I can see why they would be annoyed trying to accommodate you, you are behind the times on this one, I’m afraid.

Original poster
annoyedinipswich · 03/04/2020 08:54

I have tried to install it, many times. I do understand that I am behind the times.

OP posts:
PineappleDanish · 03/04/2020 08:55

You can get Whatsapp. Did you even try to install it?

appwhats.com/whatsapp-for-galaxy-j1

Original poster
annoyedinipswich · 03/04/2020 08:56

Yes I have, the phone will not support the app. Tried many times, also asked a few teens to do it.

OP posts:
HugeAckmansWife · 03/04/2020 08:56

Can you ask if anyone in the group has an old phone lying around you could put on a PAYG sim? I set my son up with an old android phone of mine, £4 for the sim and top up credit as needed. As he's almost exclusively using it on the home WiFi on WhatsApp, it's essentially free. Most people do have at least one or two old phones kicking about.. Just factory reset it, very simple, done through 'settings' and get a sim for the same network it was on.

Original poster
annoyedinipswich · 03/04/2020 08:57

I will see if someone in the group has one and can post it to me. (If they are happy to go out)

OP posts:
Appuskidu · 03/04/2020 09:07

I know I am the only one but AIBU in thinking that this is a little unfair (or am I being difficult)?

I actually don’t know anyone with a phone who doesn’t have WhatsApp so I would probably roll my eyes and think you were being difficult for whatever reason.

Definitely try to get hold of an old iPhone 5 or something and use that-I bet someone’s got one in a drawer.

SharonasCorona · 03/04/2020 09:08

I think you can get a used iPhone for about £30 on eBay. I realise you may not want to buy in though.

I’ve had the same phone since 2012 (iPhone 5), I’ll probably use it until it dies.

Original poster
annoyedinipswich · 03/04/2020 09:10

The phone is brilliant in every other way. I love it. I was hoping to hold on to it for a while but will have to change in nov, I can see.

OP posts:
marchez · 03/04/2020 09:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.