To think MN posts should show the age bracket of the poster?

[WhiteNoiseBlur]

I think it would be really useful if the age bracket of each poster was included next to their username, e.g. WhiteNoiseBlur (35-45). Just so people’s opinions could be put slightly into context! What do you think?

Although I can see the difficulties, I often would like to know the age of the poster.
This is especially true for LTB posts and other pile-ons.
I think people saying LTB over a minor incident are often equating it with leaving a relatively recent boyfriend, leading to the absurdity of the suggestion when a husband has committed a minor misdemeanour in an otherwise happy, longstanding marriage, with a home and children involved.
It also applies to MIL bashing.

I think not.

Exactly this.

No, if someone wants to know they can ask.

My opinion is neither more nor less valid than someone either side of me in age.

I might be a different generation but that doesn’t mean I have no experience. Or all the experience.

It also leads to some ridiculous statements regarding parental behaviour as being about ‘people of their generation’ when in reality for some posters that will mean parents in their 40s and 50s.

Often posters seem to ascribing the morals of the 1940s to people who are parents and grandparents purely because of role not actual age.

Someone in their 60s came of age in the late 70s/early 80s. The time of progress, permissiveness, the expansion of rights, and often their attitudes reflect that more than the prejudices of the pre and post war years.

Spot on, thank you
I hope OP isn't in a leadership /management role /involved in recruitment

Yes. But it was a reasonably light hearted suggestion?! Blimey

How nasty!

It would be ageist if she suggested, for example, that only >55 or <55 postered their age bracket.

Suggesting that everyone posts their age bracket isn’t in itself ageist.

I’m a bit taken aback by the responses here. I don’t post that often. It was meant to be a lighthearted thought - I did not write to Mumsnet HQ and insist it become mandatory. Mumsnet is supposed to be a place to share thoughts and opinions..I think the answers here are very “strong” in their wording, quite unkind, and with little thought to the person behind the post. Whatever age you are, if you’ve told me I’ve got shit ideas, that I’m ageist, horrible, that you hope I don’t have a certain type of job because of what I’ve said - then I hope you take a minute to reflect. Good job this site is as anonymous as it is - you can all carry on being malicious and thoughtless with no consequences.

I agree with you! I understood the point you meant, that different generations do look at things very differently, and often had very different experiences (and finances)

Eg.. Everyone I know doing my exact job who is even a decade older than me and therefore got on the housing ladder before it went stupid and as a result has a vastly different financial situation

Never underestimate how many stupid people there are on MN.

The use of the word “frumpy” in those age brackets tells me all i need to know about OP’s casual ageism.

No. Horrible idea.

Suggesting that everyone posts their age bracket isn’t in itself ageist.

It's like shouting into a void though! Any mention of age is ageist on MNs.

@WhiteNoiseBlur unfortunately I'm not but sorry posters have been horrible to you.

Maybe have a think about the people you’re calling frumpy and how that makes them feel?

I see your point, but people can just lie about their age anyway.

She didn’t call anyone frumpy. Why are you making crap up?

And there’s nothing wrong with frumpy. I have a few pairs of frumpy shoes, they’re comfortable and breathable and prairie chic.

I usually say my age if I think it's particularly relevant and to be fair I actually think it is sometimes. But I wouldn't like to see it included as standard.

68 by the way!

IQ would be useful. Or the person’s ability to see things from another person’s viewpoint, regardless of age. That really is a sign of maturity and wisdom. Is there a number for that?

But if you’re really, really interested in the age of anyone posting on your threads, just say so in your OP. I’m sure you will get responses from the niche you are clearly looking for

Or it could be the advice of an older person who has been there, done that and made the mistakes telling another woman not to waste their life.

Agree or quite often the minor thing is the straw that broke the camels back. The more the Op posts the bigger the nasty picture is revealed.

It's not always about how recent the experience is, though. E.g. you could be a first time mum at the age of 20, 30 or 40+. Your age might affect some parts of that experience but others will be universal.