I have an idea to radically change Christmas for all mumsnetters. NO blithering appeal.

[Northernlurker]

I've been here since 2007. In that time I've seen mnay happy appeal posts and a lot of unhappy ones. Last year we had the ungrateful issue with people not thanking and we had the organisational issue and we had the stressed donors with no time to shop and we had people getting stuff way after Christmas. The year before there were definately suggestions of people joinging mnet to profit from the appeal. Now this year in AUGUST we've had the who is or isn't popular enough to be allowed to do it - the threads concerning that have hit a new low tbh.

So how about NO appeal. Just keep your eyes open and if you're on a thread with somebody having a hard time give them your e-mail or get thm to CAT you and then you can send them something one to one. Or give a mum friend you know in RL a gift to cher thenm/help them out. No organisation, no fuss, no ego - just friends on and off line showing each other love at Christmas.

I am keeping out of it apart from to say I think the appeal is one of the nicer bits of mumsnet and I think it makes sense for a 'known' and trusted poster to run it.

what Belgo said.

What is happening in Pakistan is shocking. The sheer scale of it is simply incomprehensible.

Maybe we could sponsor someone to go over and help with the rebuilding work? A sponsored Mumsnet school?

How does the appeal normally work?

agree DF

Have lurked more than posted, haven't been around much for christmas but reading the thread earlier I did wonder if a back to basics approach wouldn't be best. Forget the companies and just make it a small thing for those in genuine need. We can't save the world without a bit of politics unfortunately.

MNHQ have said they are doing it centrally

Can I join in with scurryfunge and ask what the appeal is and how does it work, please?

I suspect I have asked a very daft question CheapHawaiian

I've been here 5yrs. And I've never really understood this royalty business.

Can I be royalty? I'm only really interested if I can have a castle. And an island. And lots of gingerbread.

Is there an audition? I can do hits from Annie or Oliver but not well and I don't dance.

Liberty I will be your hand maiden.

I'm bloody sick of MN Royalty - like that LibertyGibbet

Maybe we could have a clique, scurry.

Anyone who asks more than one question about MN traditions that remain unanswered can join?

I don't get 'royalty' either. Or bumsex.

Not asking for an audience with the Royalty, just an answer to my question

Scurry the appeal is where someone runs it, people post who need help with Christmas, and others post to say they will help. The organiser matches people up and they send stuff.

So for example last year, I volunteered to help and was given a person with DCs and their ages. I then bought some stuff, packed it up and sent it to them. It felt good and the person who got ths stuff was pleased. Simple.

From what I can remember there was a delay last year as I posted my stuff in January. But that wasn't too much of a problem.

I agree that MN Towers should coordinate.

Ok thanks. I wondered what it was. Sounds like a huge amount of coordination needed but a good idea.

Thanks. AddictedtoCrunchies.

I understand now why people are talking about it now, it must take quite a lot of organising. Glad I'm not the volunteering type.

Another vote for Pakistan and helping people out that you know in RL.

Lots of 'nows'.

I mean that now (after your explanation) I understand why people are talking about it now (in August).

Thanks.

Ooh a handmaiden. I shall call you Shirley.

The sun'll come out tomorrrroooooowwwwoooooo.

I'm frightening the cats. How's it going? Shall I choose a different song? Robbie Williams' Angels? I can ruin most things.

It's my dream. It's all I've ever wanted. My Mum was run over by a gorilla and my Dad fell in a hole. I'm all alone. I was teased at school on account of the third nipple. Please. Just give me a chance. I won't let you down.

Is it working?

shirly...I like that. I feel a name change coming on...

Liberty, I don't mean to rain on your parade, but exactly how do you think a person with a handmaiden called Shirley will make a convincing Annie?

How's this then mistress?

darn it spelt gibbet with an r

There now.