Part 2: MN misrepresentation in recommendations: a depressing blend of abject amateurism and outright greed

[Wondermoomin]

Welcome to part 2. The quote I’ve added in the title is actually a generic quote about MNHQ not specifically about product recommendations, but it’s very eloquent and quotable.

Here is part one: https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5326652-mn-have-used-my-quote-to-promote-a-product-ive-never-bought

And here’s a brief summary so far:

• MN were caught out, allegedly acting in breach of ASA guidelines among other things
• The thread was temporarily hidden
• MN then provided a few explanation posts saying that this was a one-off cock-up and sorry that we MNers were confused
• Then we were told that in 99% of cases, the quotes refer to the specific products being featured; in a tiny minority, they are referring to a generic product category and will make that clearer
• Several users easily discovered multiple other examples, suggesting that it wasn’t just 1% of cases, or a one-off cock-up
• MN went on an editing spree of their swears by/recommendations sections (editing about 64 out of 75 things), also suggesting it’s not just 1% or an isolated cock-up
• The thread largely disappeared from active and trending, suggesting it’s been suppressed
• MN says it hasn’t been suppressed, threads appear in active based on popularity and how new they are
• Another MN source shows that they do sometimes remove threads from active to give them a chance to “calm down”

Please feel free to use this thread to capture any other examples you find, to update on anything you hear back from ASA, to provide your own professional or common sense input.

If you don’t agree, it’s probably not the thread for you so please feel free to pass on by! An issue doesn’t have to be the most pressing matter of our times to be important, and I think it’s important that trusted brands don’t mislead consumers.

Can someone explain the big problem? Mumsnet couldn't exist without advertising, we get a free service to chat and problem solve. I wouldn't want Mumsnet not to be here. If anyone had time to, I'd be pleased to be enlightened or more informed.

You haven’t read the thread have you? Start at the first one and you’ll end up like the rest of us…. WTAF

I've read some but not all of it ...

Yes, that is evident

Well they've done a big splash with Monsoon, giving away children's clothes in exchange for feedback. Attempting to get actual genuine recommendations!

Any service that provides advertisements is bound to adhere to certain rules. Mumsnet has broken those rules, which it has to follow by law.

I now seeing something mumsnet recommends and actively avoid buying it!

Same! I keep getting various promotional emails from them so now I just have a nosey to see if they're still misleading but even if they weren't I wouldn't buy anything recommended my MN.

i haven’t been opening them since this kicked off. Same with those sponsored post things that hang around in active.

I saw the very first thread before it was hidden but it has actually taken until now for me to see any of the follow up (which is strange seeing how frequently I visit the page).

Anyone else taking this with a pinch of salt?
www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5369556-prime-day-2025-has-landed-here-are-the-bargains-you-dont-want-to-miss?reply=145544938

Not even hitting the link to take a look 😆

I don't click on any threads that are posted by MN now.

Did anyone receive further updates from ASA or is it likely to take months and months?

Months and months I think. I read their reports of recent complaints every week.

It’s good that people are periodically adding something to this threads. It serves as a reminder to be looking out for any comments from the ASA or others.