Should "Mumsnet" be renamed?

[Lorrymum]

Just wondering if Im the only one who feels "Mumsnet" should be renamed. It is such a cosy, comforting title which eludes to a safe space. Sadly it really isn't!
Some contributors offer wonderful, kind advice but others are simply looking to pick an argument. It's impossible to start a thread without knowing if you will be the victim of the latter.
Or is it just me?

It's just you.
Oher websites are available if you don't like this one.

Mums don't have to be cosy.
But also, don't start a thread in AIBU. Generally there is a lot of support in sub forums.

Why should it be renamed?

I'm a mum but I don't feel it's my job or place to be forever warm and comforting.
Mums are complex, complicated people just like everyone else. It's not all kites and kittens you know

Maybe Vipersnet

I don’t think anyone thinks Mums are more or less likely to pick arguments than anyone else.

People say this slot but this site is a mixed bag like anywhere else

Oh the irony 😂

This!
Everyone knows it as Mumsnet.
I hate the idea some people seem to have that the word mum throws up a nice, cosy "we're just little old mummies talking about prams and knitting!".
Mums /women can swear, and talk about stuff lol

Dunno, but I would never ask for advice from here, it's ok for general posting and threads like the telly ones

Mumsnet is fine for me.

It's up to you how you use it. You can avoid the arguments if you want to do that and just seek advice in specific forums if that's your bag.

Also agree that being a mother (or not) has no bearing on whether someone likes a bit of a dicussion.

Or are you making the sexist suggestion that all 'mums' (and other women) should only ever exist as an ongoing empathetic support service for others.

@Lorrymum the name of this forum may allude to comforting cosiness, but in reality it manages to elude that stereotyped impression.

Which is a great thing. And probably the reason why thousands of people who aren’t mothers also enjoy spending time here.

Like this you mean? 😂

I agree that there's a lot of meanness for the sake of it. It might just be a rushed response or joy taken in hurting others. Who knows.

Out of interest, what would you change the name to?

Renaming it would change nothing. The manifestation you speak of is a product of society and of social media in general these days. I've been reading mumsnet more or less since the beginning, and along with the rest of the internet, it has developed some aspects that are unpalatable.

The good news is that you don't have to internalise any of it, so just ignore it and move on. I choose to read the nice parts, and ignore the rest. Some people just use this as an outlet for whatever is going on in their lives, and some are just plain horrible. Some, on the other hand, are lovely, empathetic, supportive, knowledgeable and have some really good perspective. Just focus on those.

Vipersnet is a very good suggestion. It’s a nasty place half the time. Perhaps more.

Years ago we used to refer to this vipers' nest as 'love and knuckles', just sayin'.

Why would anyone think it’s a safe space, surely everyone who registers knows there is no check into the individual and that it’s anonymous, even if they don’t know there is about 10 million on here.

I'm not a mum and never will be, but I'm comfortable with the name Mumsnet. I imagine if a census were done, the majority here would be mums or intending to become mums. The site has grown beyond its name to include other things; like many brand names have, such as 'Carphone Warehouse' or 'Scottish Widows'.

It's not just for mums; it's not all about parenting; and there's a lot of blokes on it. So "Mumsnet" is somewhat misleading - and not just because of any impressions it may give about cosiness.

I don't think I've said anything nasty at all. I'm telling the truth. Mumsnet is not a compulsory part of life. There are loads of 'softer' websites the op could use. Most people who have responded have agreed that the name doesn't need changing.

The idea that mums should be ' cosy' is quite dodgy really!

Yes, agree with all of this.. It's the internet! I don't know what people are expecting 🤷🏻‍♀️

But doesn't everyone have a mum? (at some point)

https://grimut-gerbils.teemill.com/product/nest-of-vipers-gerbil-suffragettes/

There's already a Tote bag if you want it.

And some rather tasty Grimbut Gerbil Merch.

1: it is cosy
2: it is a safe space
3: newbie, are you?
4: ffs

Why do you stay?

People can be helpful on the many threads that are about particular issues. But a lot of posters on AIBU seem shocked that other people have different points of view or think that, actually, yes, you're being incredibly unreasonable. And then start accusing others of being biased or bullies. If you're posting on AIBU, accept that you might be!

Well you could start your own cuddly site if you want. maybe call it "MumsBe KindNet". It will probably be the most boring site ever, but you never know.