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Original poster

Addiction to mumsnet - can it be controlled?

47 replies

mears · 20/04/2002 10:59

My ds and offspring are fed up of seeing me on mumsnet. I find myself drawn to it frequently on a daily basis! Should I be worried? Does anyone else have the same problem? Will it get better?!?

OP posts:
Azzie · 22/04/2002 12:17

I hate dh reading over my shoulder.

He also reckons you're all men masquerading online as women!

Rosy · 22/04/2002 14:14

I went home one day last week with a splitting headache due to excessive internet (ie mumsnet) use, which I take as a sign of addiction.

Also, it's not helped by the fact that it's a really easy site to get around & find new messages on. It's only after looking at other sites that I appreciate this.

jodee · 22/04/2002 18:24

I'm another one who can't say no! And if I've posted something I have to keep checking to see if anyone has responded, and I also get defensive and annoyed if dh looks over my shoulder!

Oh well, better than taking drugs, I say!

leese · 22/04/2002 18:29

Isn't it great when you realise you're not the only one - visions of each of us in various nightwear (in my case floral jim-jams!) creeping to the computer after a night feed, hoping the connection noise doesn't wake dd/ds!
I've given up explaining to dh what I find so irresistible about mumsnet - instead just say I'm off to check my e-mails!

IDismyname · 22/04/2002 19:36

Yes, me too!

"Oh, just off to check my e mails" I say to dh. Takes all of about 15 seconds to check those, sad person that I am (fms-no-mates), then spend at least 20 mins catching up with the discussion boards here on Mumsnet.

I'm also VERY protective of Mumsnet site. Hate it when he's peering over my shoulder, and it's normally when I've just posted a message on something like contraception!

Any news on this Mumsnet book that was going to be produced full of our views on motherhood? We could then read it on the loo, in bed, during feeds - no PC needed!

SueDonim · 22/04/2002 19:58

Sorry, no time to consider whether I'm a Mumsnet addict or not - there's a load more threads need checking out!

bayleaf · 22/04/2002 20:26

Isn't it wierd the way our dh's react to it - mine is convinced that every post I make must be criticising him for something. If he comes to look for me and I'm on Mumsnet he'll mutter 'oh, slagging me off again I see'' and disappear with a hang dog expression!
It has to me said tho' that mumsnet is in a class of its own with this board - the combination of quality 'clientele' and the excellent easy to use system are just not matched anywhere!

Art · 22/04/2002 20:28

Ive been thinking for weeks that I should post this exact question, but thought everyone else would think I was sad old Billy-no-mates!

My problem is that dh works evenings so as soon as ds is in bed and everything's done I just have to have a quick peek to see whats new. I do try and limit myself to evry other night though.

ChanelNo5 · 22/04/2002 20:35

Bayleaf - Your comments cracked me up. That's just what my dh says to me. But I think he gets more offended when I reply that I've got better things to talk about than HIM!!!

Marina · 23/04/2002 09:05

And I thought I was the only one who used the sad old "checking my e-mails" excuse. I've been on Mumsnet for nearly 2 years now, and I check it at least once most days...unless I am actually on holiday. Oh dear. Dh also believes this site exists only to enable women to publicly humiliate their partners...until some minor crisis erupts at home, then it's, "can't you find out from Mumsnet?" It has to be my top site ever - I am not a huge user of bulletin boards, discussion lists etc. All I can say is Tech, please do NOT introduce a WAP version.

tigermoth · 23/04/2002 10:20

To me, mumsnet is a pub minus the alcohol. My dh has a local, I have mumsnet. He spends an hour or so in the pub most days, I spend an hour or so on here. Of an evening, he will stay in and look after the children if I am getting stir crazy. But mostly I'd rather join the select comapany on mumsnet than sit with a group of men staring into their pints. Also mumsnet never closes!

Lindy · 23/04/2002 16:34

I am quite worried about the amount of time I used to spend on Mumsnet (and if it was after 6pm it was ALWAYS with a glass or two of wine!!) - especially when I read the thread about someone having few friends but felt her 'real' friends was Mumsnet. Since then I have made a big effort to cut down and only contribute if I have something new & positive to add to a thread.

I think Mumsnet is great and I have learned a lot of useful pieces of information, and saved money following other people's advice BUT I do think it can be addictive and made me realise that I was not bothering to keep in touch with real friends etc. Sometimes it can be a bit ironic - I have just spent the last 20 mins reading the thread on 'leaving your child to cry' - whilst my son was crying his head off upstairs, I was more interested in reading the comments than going to see him! (Don't worry - he's OK now!).

Anyway, a long ramble just to say that I am making a real effort to 'cut down on Mumsnet' !!

jodee · 23/04/2002 19:37

Lindy, don't take this the wrong way, but I feel like you are talking about me here! If so, I think you have taken it slightly out of context ... sorry to go on the defensive.

Bron · 23/04/2002 20:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mindy · 23/04/2002 22:02

I have been reading mumsnet for a couple of months now and think its great - so I have finally taken the plunge and registered...

I must confess at work it is very tempting to keep logging on to see what is happening.
Much more interesting than work!

Original poster
mears · 23/04/2002 23:02

That's me having another quick look for the 4th time today! I am going to have to go cold turkey.

OP posts:
Tinker · 23/04/2002 23:11

Lindy - know what you mean about ironic usage. Many a time I have been reading or posting about "communicate with your child....gives lots of attention....marvellous mother, me" blah blah blah whilst telling my daughter to "Hush...in a minute." whilst she's drowning in the bath.

Original poster
mears · 23/04/2002 23:13

Couldn't do it. Had to see if anything else had been added since I posted that
I am off to bed.

OP posts:
Demented · 23/04/2002 23:20

Mears, this is my fourth time here today as well, my excuse is DH put the computer on and I could hear it calling to me!!! Will try harder tomorrow, perhaps I should ask DH to take the plug off and hide it somewhere. No can't do that, that would mean admitting I have been here four times today!

SueDonim · 23/04/2002 23:28

The decorators are in and my bedroom is unusable atm, which means I'll have to sleep in this room tonight, next to my beloved computer!! How's that for addiction??

WideWebWitch · 23/04/2002 23:41

Oh you lot are making me laugh! Love and understand the irony of reading about positive parenting while your child is screaming/drowning/killing his sister*

  • delete as applicable. right, I really am off to bed now....
Tinker · 24/04/2002 22:33

May be cured (ish). The Guardian site is back up!!!!!! Anyone else read that one?

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