NOW CLOSED Sign up to the panel now and you could win a signed Nigella book or five Cadbury's Treasure Boxes

[AnnMumsnet]

Have a read of our thank you thread and you could win a signed copy of Kitchen by Nigella Lawson or 5 Cadbury's Treasure Boxes worth £50 in total......

Did you know that in the last year the Insight Team (Ann, NewGirlHelen and Carrie) have given away prizes for taking part in surveys, product tests, events, threads, focus groups etc, worth a staggering £25K? Loads of you have taken part in product tests - from the £1800 Samsung American-style fridge freezer to Walkers Sunbites (and many many things in between - so many we couldn't even begin to calculate the value of goods tested ). We are very grateful to everyone who applied to take part in a product test, took part and/or read the feedback. It's all about reviewing products on behalf of your community and sharing the love (hopefully!) with MN and with the company behind the product.

We've also asked you to complete a number of surveys - so thank you if you've taken the time to tell MNHQ or various clients what you think about a myriad of topics, from kids shoes to your experiences of miscarriage.

Many of these projects have been conducted on Mumsnet, but an increasing number of interesting market research projects are happening off site, via our research panel. If you are part of the panel, many and if you need to change any details we have on the database please email [email protected].

Now for the plea for help...we're always on the look out for new folks to join the panel - click here for more info or to sign up. Everyone who signs up using this link will be entered into a prize draw to win a signed copy of Kitchen by Nigella Lawson or five Cadbury's Treasure Boxes worth a total of £50

You can also enter the prize draws by adding your thoughts to this thread regarding...

a) suggested companies or products you'd like to see put to the MN test next year (no promises mind)
b) what you have enjoyed reading about, taking part in on MN (relating to product tests, surveys, discussions etc)
c) any suggestions for NewGirlHelenMumsnet's new nickname...she has been here a year now and is no longer NewGirl, but there is already HelenMumsnet so we are stumped.....(her surname starts with an R)

We'll do the draw at the end of January so you have plenty of time to have a think!

Coming up in 2012 alongside lots of new projects we are having a new page all about the market research we do, so watch out for that.

Merry Christmas to you all and best wishes for a Happy (and prize winning) New Year

Ann, NewGirlHelen and Carrie at MNHQ

Here's the link to sign up for the panel again

[PigeonStreet]

Ooh I meant to ask if I am on the panel, I am pretty sure I am as I keep getting emails...

[goingtoofast]

I've had great fun this year being on the panel. Loved the Allplay tennis product test!

Would also love to test out camping gear and kitchen gadgets.

[norriscoleforpm]

a) suggested companies or products you'd like to see put to the MN test next year childrens mags, yes, also new womens' mags? coffee machines another fab suggestion, holidays ? b) what you have enjoyed reading about, taking part in on MN (relating to product tests, surveys, discussions etc) love entering the competitions!
c) any suggestions for NewGirlHelenMumsnet's new nickname...she has been here a year now and is no longer NewGirl, but there is already HelenMumsnet so we are stumped.....(her surname starts with an R) nearlynewHelen

[PosiesofPoinsettia]

a) suggested companies or products you'd like to see put to the MN test next year (no promises mind)
LG products....they're quite new and could use the marketing!!
Renault
Skoda
Roll Royce, I would like to do the school run in style
Comparison of cleaning products
Vacuums please!!


b) what you have enjoyed reading about, taking part in on MN (relating to product tests, surveys, discussions etc)
Tennis has been my highlight....although plagued with illness and injury.
And I've enjoyed the car tests.

c) any suggestions for NewGirlHelenMumsnet's new nickname...she has been here a year now and is no longer NewGirl, but there is already HelenMumsnet so we are stumped.....(her surname starts with an R)
FormallyNewHelenMumsnet.

[SantaffetaClaus]

I enjoyed testing the Pearson books and the Dettol handwash. I also got some books and joined in the webchats about them as a result. I posted a fair bit about miscarriage and helped a little with the campaign, and would be happy to do more of this.

Moving forward, I'd be pleased to test children's sports equipment, more books, unusual or new food/drink products, kitchen gadgets, gardening equipment or online services.

Helen - PartoftheFurnitureHelenMumsnet

HTH

[WannabeMegMarch]

I would love to see a section reviewing apps for children? Especially ones that have an educational/therapeutic value? I am happy to be the guinea pig to try them out and feedback.....
On that note, reviews of new portable technology e.g. i-pads, i-phones, android enabled phones etc.
Like others here, would love to see more reviews of cosmetics for (cough) maturing ladies e.g face wash, night moisturiser, sensitive skin stuff.

And like many others, I find myself dithering when purchasing and wondering WWMND (what would mumsnet do?)

[jimswifein1964]

Loved the Pearson books (and was the Disney clubhouse website this yr or last?!).

Ideas for the future: kids clothing (we rarely fluctuate form our usual haunts), mystery shops to test family friendliness in shops/cafes etc, food!!

HabituatedHelenMumsnet?
HomogeneousHelenMumsnet?

[Liska]

Couldn't she just change her name, round a mouthful of Christmas pud, to Heren Mumsnet?

Seconding Stocking's comment about websites - it feels so good to actually let them know what makes a site good to use.

And for other testing - kids' clothes. I am so sick of buying things (not cheap things) that just fall apart. Especially tights - how can it be that some manufacturers' tights just come apart at the crotch with a couple of wears, whereas cheaper versions last months? And don't get me started on vests, or t shirts, or jeans with silly skinny legs, or horrid scratchy labels.

I'd love to be able to test some, or just to access some feedback.

[DingDongFruitShootsMakeYouHigh]

a) suggested companies or products you'd like to see put to the MN test next year (no promises mind)

Household appliance tests are always good. I'm always interested to read 'real' peoples recommendations and experiences rather than relying on all the glowing reports on the company / product websites.
Products for older children or games reviews etc. The Wii give aways /games etc are a good idea but a product tests for older children's games to discuss the ratings, suitability etc would be great. esp if i got one

b) what you have enjoyed reading about, taking part in on MN (relating to product tests, surveys, discussions etc)

I like the surveys, but my children are all older (youngest is 10) so sometimes i feel it is not as relevant to us.
DS has really loved the Pearson books. Thank you so much for those. Have never known him so enthusiastic about reading!
I enjoyed looking at some of the car reviews but I was too jealous to read the fridge freezer ones sorry!

c) any suggestions for NewGirlHelenMumsnet's new nickname...she has been here a year now and is no longer NewGirl, but there is already HelenMumsnet so we are stumped.....(her surname starts with an R)

err

ToomanyHelensworkatMumsnet

I'mHelenTooMumsnet

HellsBellsMumsnet

[aristocat]

gotta dash to school, will return later

[munstersmum]

a) Products. Its Olympics year so more sports especially in light of b) below? Something like family orienteering/ that fast frisbee.
Food is always good.
Have you done lipsticks? I still haven't found one out there that lasts more than a couple of hours.

b) The best test for us was the Allplay Tennis. This was brilliant for the whole family & we're still involved. The tomato seeds revealed a sad lack of green fingers.

c) Helen obviously needs to become T'OtherHelen to ensure MN does not only communicate in RP.

[aristocat]

a) suggested companies or products you'd like to see put to the MN test next year (no promises mind)

well food items are always good, cosmetics, toiletries and houshold equipment. i would love to be a secret shopper and report back on service/ standards if that is ever needed

b) what you have enjoyed reading about, taking part in on MN (relating to product tests, surveys, discussions etc)

i was fortunate enough to be chosen for the CMax test and we had the best 3 weeks with the car.

c) any suggestions for NewGirlHelenMumsnet's new nickname...she has been here a year now and is no longer NewGirl, but there is already HelenMumsnet so we are stumped.....(her surname starts with an R)

there have been lots of good suggestions already. how about ....
Helen2Mumsnet
MumsnetHelen
HelenRmumsnet
HelenIImumsnet

[gazzalw]

Thank you - have very much enjoyed joining Mumsnet this year (can't think what stopped me before!) and meeting fellow Mumsnetters at that lovely goats cheese and wine tasting event last month! We have enjoyed doing the Pearson's Book Review as a family and munching our way through Cheds and Sunbites! DS, his friend and I also very much enjoyed our chill time at the Spyro Skylander Event! They were envied by all their classmates

As for review items/subjects for 2012, possibly:
a) some sort of family holiday type of experience - YHA/Butlins (don't snigger!) or something similar
b) other family oriented sports classes (similar to the tennis one) - maybe swimming?
c) Possibly some of the up-to-date or soon to be released state of the art Tablet type devices (some of us are curious and don't necessarily have these gizmos) - would be good to see if indeed they are life-revolutionising!
d) More wholesome children's foodstuffs
e) something similar to the potato recipes challenge - very envious that we weren't chosen - an apple one maybe????
f) A day/week/month National Trust membership type collaboration to fully demonstrate

As for a new nickname for NewGirlHelenMumsnet what about ReliableHelenMumsnet or HelenReliableMumsnet?

[ChippyMinton]

HelenaMumsnet as in Helen R.Mumsnet?

[Asnowflakeisforlife]

Just a note to say thanks or all the lovely products I have tried and tested this year. It is great to get a confirmation email. :)

I would love to test gardening, cooking or reading things in the future.

[PrettyCandlesAndTinselToo]

There was a survey recently about patenting courses. I would love to test a selection of courses and course styles. Such a varied and opinionated group as MNers would probably provide a stringent test for a patenting course!

HelenRaiserMumsnet? Though for all I know Helen might be a very naice, demure, young lady

[Lilyloo]

I have really enjoyed being part of the panel this year.
I liked the sunbites test as the whole family could be involved , also the innocent one. More food testing would be good.
Would love to get some camping things to test out ( or another fab fridge test after kissing out on the last one ) Also would like to test school shoes or restaraunt chains would be good.

[Lilyloo]

How about 'RotherHelen' as in 'r other Helen'

[Hulababy]

Like the idea of the camera testing whoever mentoned it.

[Nipple]

I can't believe I missed the cheese one.

Things I'd like to test:

Cheese
Diamonds
A landrover
Books
Magazines
A camera
Wine

And a name for NewGirlHelen?

Cna't she ust call herself Edna or something?

[Cankulzof]

Have just twigged that the Nige book on offer is autographed and not in fact lightly burned

And for Helen?

HelenPart2TheRevengeOfMumsnet has a ring, right?

[snice]

My children say thank you for the sunbites testthey couldn't get over free crisps beng delivered!

How about ReviewHelenMumsnet

[vincenta]

I would love to test tablets, phones, make up, books, magazines, family friendly days out, breadmakers, baking tools, stain removals, laundry detergents,tv, ebook reader, toys, fitness dvds, zumba, home gym equipment.
I tested sunbites and I really liked them, so tasty.
I read with envie about fridge test and man iron and thought that it would be so greta if my husband do all ironing, yeh, he told me that it's my duty and it doens't mater what kind of iron he will have:
Anyway I do it better, yeh by the way I need new iron, maybe we can test some "woman" irons?
c)
"Helen is a feminine given name derived from the Greek Ἑλένη Helene, meaning "torch" or "corposant."[1] Another possible derivation is the Greek σελήνη or Selene, meaning "moon."[2] Helen of Troy is a character in Greek mythology"
HelenOf Troy Mumsnet
HeleneMumsnet
SeleneMumsnet

[Takora]

Well, I think I'm on the panel as I did test the Aldi nappies, but signed up (possibly again) just in case - probably with more up to date information!

a) suggested companies or products you'd like to see put to the MN test next year

You might well have done some of these already, but here goes:

-books

• as already suggested, definitely educational electronic games, e.g. leappad.
  
• educational software / DVDs / music for toddlers/children. "Your baby can read" would be interesting.
  
• apps for iphone etc aimed at toddlers / children / parents, etc
  
• mystery shopping
  
• make-up
  
• educational / musical toys
  
• cleaning products
  
• training pants (such a poor variety for younger toddlers)
  
• baby / toddler / children's clothes - especially socks! i've been through some horrendous ones!
  
• booster seats
  

- trikes/scooters

• sunglasses for toddlers
  
• sandals / shoes
  
• bedding including waterproof sheets
  
• photobook and other photo design products
  
• websites
  
• cameras
  
• maternity wear (especially for washability / durability - have also had some disasters here)
  
• hotels - if this is ever a possibility!
  
• buggies and accessories
  
• travel accessories
  
• potty training products, toilet seats, travel potties, etc.
  

b) what you have enjoyed reading about, taking part in on MN (relating to product tests, surveys, discussions etc)

I always enjoy reading the feedback and discussions. I love testing products and giving my feedback though and the Aldi nappies and wipes trial was definitely interesting.

c) any suggestions for NewGirlHelenMumsnet's new nickname...she has been here a year now and is no longer NewGirl, but there is already HelenMumsnet so we are stumped.....(her surname starts with an R)

I am awful with things like that and hard to do without knowing her, but my somewhat boring two pence worth:

OldGirlHelenMumsnet!!! (I know!)
HelenRMumsnet
HelenRrrr
MumsnetRHelen (as in Mumsnetter Helen)

That's it!

[LaVitaBellsAreRinging]

Yes another big thank you here for the product testing. I was lucky enough to get one of the Samsung beasts, and I'm so excited about filling it up for Christmas!

I would love to test expensive jewellry , children's toys, clothes, shoes, winter boots/coats, coffee machines, a kitchen aid, morrocccon oil, downtown abbey on DVD. This is actually my xmas list!

I'll test anything really, and food always is good

HellsBellsMumsnet ?