We're merging some sections into the Travel advice area

[MichaelMumsnet]

Hi all,
We’re doing some work on making the Talk boards more useful and user-friendly for both regular and new users. After looking at some stats for the site, we think we could boost activity on the whole by merging some of the lesser used sections.

We’re proposing to fold the topics in this section into the general Travel advice area.

This should increase the number of topics in the section - and hopefully lead to more posts and responses to members.

No. Camping is a completly different type of holiday and does not belong with hotels etc. A camping thread would be disorganised as there are many different topics within the camping forum.

What?
No.
Keep camping separate.

It's just as much about equipment reviews as it is about holidays.

So, that's a unanimous vote for keeping camping separate then.

It makes no more sense to merge camping with long-haul, than it would to merge camping with show jumping.

One long camping thread would not work at all, especially given how poor the functionality of Advanced Search is on MN. If I see camping threads that are relevant to me pop up in Active I will read and post. If I keep seeing one long camping thread popping up I'm not going to keep reading through it in case it is interesting/relevant. Genuine questions will just be lost.

It would be much less 'useful and user friendly'

I've always liked the specificity of topics.
I don't like forums where there are 5 topics then endless threads you have to sort through before you find something relevant

A Camping Mega Thread would be pointless.

It’s odd really, I am surprised MN doesn’t do more to make advertising links with camping suppliers. (And lets not pretend all this merging isn’t about your advertising revenue v site overheads) .

The Facebook Camping Groups are HUGE. Thousands and thousands of families, all taking about camping.

Camping has become Guardian-reader central territory. Cool Camping is right up MN’s street.

I am sure the success of companies like CoolBoxes UK is down to the MN passion for the Icey Tek.

MN used to be the only place Julia did discount codes. So MN: a cooler in a choice of fabulous colours.

There could be the same relationship with the Camping Travel Store, award winning sole importers of the wonderful Karsten tents, and other canvas tents.

Or... more contempt for your users.

I agree with all other posters. Please leave camping as it is. We are just starting out with regular family camping and this topic has been so helpful with all campjng threads in one place.

Please listen to this feedback MichaelMumsnet. The camping threads offer so much advice that couldn't be offered on a general camping chat thread.

Agree, please don’t do it. What I love about mumsnet is feeling part of a community - be that skiing, camping, pregnancy, etc. If you merge topics then you completely lose that.

When you say “we’re merging...” in the OP does that mean you’ve made the decision already??

I’ve only just found the camping area - I’m new to camping. Please don’t get rid of it.

Please dont merge camping with other travel. It's totally different to a hotel or cruise. I love perusing this section for advice and ideas for sites and kit. I can't afford any other type of holiday and don't want to read posts about all inclusive. There are loads of other redundant topics that can be got rid of.

Agree it should remain its own section, if we start talking about SIM's in a travel oriented section people will recommend phone providers.

Camping, as previously mentioned isn't just about "travel" it's the kit, the tents, cooking and more. Having a section to ask for tips or equipment advice is invaluable to people.

You'll lose traffic if you merge it.

Nooo, just seen this. Please don’t!

It was a google search that first brought me to MN and the camping threads and they are great and not to be mixed with recommendations on hotels in the Canaries or similar.

Please don't!!

DH has slowly brought me round to the idea of camping and the information I'm getting off this board in invaluable!

Oh I'd be sad too. It's one of three sections I specifically come on to Mumsnet to browse through.

Please do not do this. Travel is only a small aspect of camping.

I agree with most others, don't merge it.

Please don’t merge it. I often pop on to read the camping threads. I wouldn’t bother if it were merged.

Any further thoughts in the fate of the Camping board @MichaelMumsnet?

Looks like the Camping section has earned itself a reprieve - thank you to all who contributed ideas and comments in the thread.

We're super-keen for any ideas to increase activity here in Camping and to promote the section - so please do continue to let us know your thoughts.

THANK YOU MUMSNET!!!!

Excellent news in troubled times. Delighted we get to keep camping as it is. Thank you so much for listening 👏😃😃

Hooray, good idea to keep camping as it's own section. Would love more traffic on here too, but no idea on how to increase, sorry!