More and more thread deletions.

[SneezedToothOut]

Is it just me? There seems to be a growing willingness by Mumsnet HQ to delete threads when posters ask.

Myself and others have spent significant time today trying to help a poster get into a better position for her children and poof, it’s disappeared because the “OP felt it was too identifying”. Ironically we were needing more than the scant info posted to properly help.

Feels really disrespectful to other posters to just wipe out a thread like that, and I thought Mumsnet was pretty tough on when threads could and couldn’t be deleted.

It’s happening more and more.

I read a thread last week, and it wasn't going the way the OP wanted. Deletion message said too identifying. There was nothing identifying in it at all. YANBU

I’ve just seen the “what’s the view from your window” thread has been deleted for breaking talk guidelines, and I’d LOVE to know what went wrong there.

The what was the last thing you bought from Amazon thread was deleted for breaking talk guidelines anyone know why? 🤔

If the OP felt that way (felt identfied), credit to MNHQ for not just listening but acting!!

We couldn’t even advise her on the most basic question due to lack of detail. There was nothing identifying whatsoever.

Tbh I think the fact MNHQ has to approve a thread deletion is pretty strict control enough. I don't know any other platform that doesn't allow people to delete a post they start whenever they want (I.e. reddit allows you to delete your post but the comments remain) What does it matter if your advice was purely to help the OP and not for the attention and thanks? They may have taken on board your words before deletion so surely that's enough?

Yes I’ve noticed lots being deleted for “not being in the spirit of the site”

Is there a new moderator?

I tend to post stuff that would help others, not just the OP.

But if others wanted help they'd ask for it. So it is for the thanks and attention then.

Tons of people come to mumsnet through Google. I know in the past when I've googled things mumsnet threads have come up. It's like a wee library of parenting information. It's a bit off to think that that poster is looking for thanks and attention rather than thinking the information might help others in the future.

I agree - although I am here for the deletion message…

For goodness sake, most people (clearly not you) post for the greater audience, not just the op

Yep happens lots

To indentifing

Ffs

Identifying

Yanbu, it’s really frustrating. Especially when it’s ‘too identifying’ but really it’s because the thread isn’t going their way. People should have to stand by their threads or not post at all.

Not sure how you can think that actually that's a bit nasty.

And yes I agree "too identifying"....I get there may well be occasional examples where someone may be recognised but I dont believe it's that common. Especially when there are no "identifying" details in the posts!!

So yes, for attention and thanks. A thread like guilty pleasures is a whole different ball game to a personal problem, and having the hump because people choose to delete their personal problem, is bizarre, just because you want your thoughts on their issue to garner views.

I think people should be able to delete their posts themselves, for a number of reasons.

I don't think it's disrespectful at all if someone decides they no longer want to keep their post up.

The reasons I have previously asked for posts to be deleted are because people on here can be vile. The amount of people who pile on to your post and be horrible. I've had to 'hide' my posts because I get more and more upset reading the comments. I've also asked for it to be removed before it can be identifying.

People are within their rights to remove a post.

Imo posters should be allowed to delete their own threads, it is allowed on others forums. If they can't though I think it's fine if mnhq delete when requested.
Just shrug it off op, its a chat forum people posting are not your responsibility.

I asked for a thread to be deleted. I had written it with lots of details plus I was very low at the time and kept re reading things people had said about me/ my situation and spiralling back to that place.

I hand wrote out all the useful and supportive comments in a notebook and still look at it now. I am very appreciative of the support and advice I got, but I was really keen for the whole story to not remain on the internet while I tried to move forwards and go through formal procedures in court.

I appreciated MNHQ taking it down after they asked me some questions regarding it.

Thank you anyone who wrote on that thread, it helped me take some steps forward.

People would soon stop posting lengthy and helpful replies of the ability to delete your own threads was granted

So what! They changed their mind and wanted it deleted. It is no biggie.

Moral of the story is don't get over invested or too personally involved and remember that MN or any other social media isn't real life & posts are often not the full story anyway.

I also think people should be allowed to delete threads like pretty much every other forum