The two emails I've had from MNHQ today for anyone interested, reposted with permission:
First:
Hello, BarbaraHoward,
Thank you for your continued engagement with us on this issue and your patience while we discussed it further. We understand how frustrating it can be when a situation feels unresolved or unclear, especially when it concerns language that has been the subject of past discussions.
We want to reassure you that there has been no change in our moderation policy. Our approach has always been to review language in context, weighing intent and potential harm. While we’ve removed the term “throwing a paddy” in the past after reviewing it in context, we don’t have a blanket rule that automatically removes terms based on their historical origins alone. Instead, we try to approach each case with an open mind, ensuring that the intent behind the language is considered. As we mentioned before, many people using this phrase likely do so without understanding its background, and we see this as an opportunity to educate, rather than simply moderate by deletion.
We recognise that this is a difficult and sensitive issue, especially for Irish users who might be particularly impacted by the term, but we believe that providing a chance for users to engage with the topic and explain why certain phrases can be harmful is often more productive than enforcing a strict "delete and move on" policy.
We understand your concern about having to explain this to others and the emotional toll it takes. Please know that we do not take this lightly, and we genuinely appreciate the input of users like you who have helped us navigate these difficult conversations in the past. We do want the boards to be a place where people can discuss sensitive topics with respect, and we are grateful for your contributions to that goal.
In response to your question about other terms, we do not have a blanket policy of removing specific slurs or words. Each case is assessed individually, based on the context in which they are used and the potential for harm. We understand that this can sometimes be frustrating.
We hope this clarifies where we’re coming from and why we continue to take this nuanced approach to moderation. We are committed to ensuring that Mumsnet remains a respectful and welcoming space for everyone, and your feedback is vital in helping us improve that process.
Best wishes,
Becky
MNHQ
Second:
Hello again,
You're welcome to post on the boards.
As we said previously, we take everything in context. If posters took the time to explain why they didn't like the term and it continued and then threatened to derail a thread, then we may step in and delete or edit where necessary. We look at everything on a case-by-case basis.
We obviously would prefer if posters used a different term if one causes upset, but rightly or wrongly, it is a commonly used term and we have always avoided having proscribed speech on Mumsnet. Banning certain phrases outright risks shutting down discussions entirely, as it can create an environment where people are reluctant to engage for fear of saying something unintentionally wrong - and in our many years of doing this, we recognise that it doesn't actually help matters as people continue to use the words unwittingly.
Best wishes,
Becky
MNHQ
I still don't feel like we've had any acknowledgement that the policy has changed but we clearly won't be getting one. I guess all we can do is challenge on the boards when we find it. I've rarely had a positive experience with that, but who knows.
Thanks to all who've posted.