I know this is early but are we going to have an MN Christmas Appeal this year?

[NormaStanleyFletchachacha]

Just thought I would ask as the last one was launched on 1st Oct last year.

I suppose I am saying that if no-one more competent and organised than me comes forward, I am prepared to do it. But would like to speak to Soapbox, LL or StG for pointers before launch iyswim.

I find myself quite time rich over the next few weeks while my security clearance is processed for my new job.

So Wadda we think?

at you receiving an anonymous threat through the post StG

Bloody hell, StG, I am so sorry you got that sort of 'thanks'.

There may well have been people who weren't able to post thanks, due to ill health or whatever - but I would guess that the Chief Elf and MNHQ see a lot of backstage action and could make sure that serial ingrate greedy guts' do not get such rich pickings.

omg StG that is so awful

I am so sorry

can't believe someone would do that stg.

does sound v much like sour grapes thou.

I'm still not sure mine arrived - althou I sent it late it went recorded, and was cash in the envelope was suppost to be a gift but i'd left it far far too late and had only just started working etc. not that I was after recognition but jsut to know it had arrived.

I have been out all day (and a very very lovely day it was) so ave only just come back to this.

StG I am so so sorry that all that happened to you. Discusted. I have emailed you back.

I am going to have a mull and a think and another mull.

I will be back later once my DCs are in bed

I'm in. Spread a leetle happiness and all that. What do i do?

Saintgeorge, I only knew the half of it obviously. I cannot believe someone, a woman with chidlren, would behave like that to you too

I am so shocked at how StG was treated That is appalling! So many people were made so happy by your actions. It's so unfair that you were left feeling crap

Normastanley no one would blame you for changing your mind after hearing StG's experience. Don't feel obliged to do it having got the ball rolling. But it is a fantastic part of MN, and it's a tradition worth keeping

Norma, I wouldn't mind helping out if needs be.

StG - have only just got home and seen your post.

Words fail me.

You so didn't deserve that. I can't believe someone would be as despicable as that. Not surprised you're not here as often.

I just don't know what to say. I suppose I was naive that the appeal was just a good thing that helped people. It never crossed my mind to think that people would behave in such a horrible way.

Oh StG - . You did do a fab job last year and I am sorry that someone was despicable enough to do that to you.

I am bushed after mingling with proud parents of passing out recruits.

I think I am still up for this, and despite all of the negatives I think it is still worth doing. Thank you all who have offered to help.

I will post some thoughts on rules if tomorow if that is OK

Good on ya, Norma.

Norma good on ya
Def take advice from SG and hopefully LL and Soapy will be around too ?
Rules a very good idea , as others have said mn is getting very big now so the appeal as it was will have to change!

Brilliant, Norma. But having reflected on StG's post, perhaps it would be worth talking to MNHQ about how to set some ground rules, and especially how you can protect yourself?

Well as a minimum I think members should have been registered and posting since Jun 09

BIWI - I was saying to McDreamy today that there are 4 MNers who know my address, a few more than that know my RL id, so if I get any hassle then I am not sure how they would find me in RL.

I don't want to hve to give out my address, and not sure why I would have to, but I will think about safety at all times

If I got anything abusive or threatening like StG did then I would go straight to the police, and the Military Police (not sure if they would cover it but it would give them something to do )

Good plan.

But how awful that you have to think about it

well = tbh - we have to think about it anyway on here. As has been pointed out recently

(I have had to be careful for other reasons - my mum was here ffs )

Now that is worrying ... !

Ha - she even posted as me (I had used her laptop when visiting and didn't log out)

I gave great advice on keeping pheasants off your allotment

Can't believe you received that StG how awful I'm sorry it influenced you off MN.

Soapbox is still around isn't she?
(wonders who I have been talking too thinking they're soapbox!)

Norma, have got your emails. Knackered now and going to bed, will mail again you in the morning

Norma - you are mad but I would love to be your helper elf!

StG - bloody outrageous, really for you