Daily Mail

[MostlyOk]

Much to my shame, I do occasionally look at the Daily Mail app and quite often I see stories on there, that are lifted from threads on Mumsnet. They look a good 'bridezilla' story or something like that and they often also post screenshots of replies etc.

Do they actually get permission before doing this? I know we're all using pseudonyms but some people post information which could make them identifiable (especially if picked up by the Mail). It worries me a bit that something I post could end up in a national newspaper.

Thoughts?

No, they don’t need permission.

I’ve had threads lifted and it’s annoying, but ultimately people have to understand that once you post something on a website you don’t own, you have no control over where it goes.

Oh Christ on a bucket. Yes the newspapers (not just DM) can and do lift from here freely.
No, what you say is not protected.
Yes mnhq are aware and sometimes encourage it as it drives traffic to the site.
Yes there are 100,900,000,89930 other threads on this topic.

Ffs

Ah I'm sorry, didn't realise there were so many other threads! Very annoying because while it obviously drives traffic, it means people are not comfortable in sharing their private thoughts. But oh well, business is business, I guess! 😬

I really dislike the presence of tabloid journalists on MN. I know it's a public site, but in my opinion there is a difference between posting on a website and plastering it all over the national press, which has a much bigger audience.

@MostlyOk

Ah I'm sorry, didn't realise there were so many other threads! Very annoying because while it obviously drives traffic, it means people are not comfortable in sharing their private thoughts. But oh well, business is business, I guess! 😬

What’s private about sharing something on a public website visited by thousands?!

The point of usernames (and being able to regularly change them) is that you’re anonymous - very few situations are so unique as to be outing and if someone is worried then of course change one or two of the details. Make it sister instead of friend, call your DP your DH, say you’ve been together 10 years instead of 15 etc. The specifics of a post don’t usually change the advice given.

@IglesiasPiggl

I really dislike the presence of tabloid journalists on MN. I know it's a public site, but in my opinion there is a difference between posting on a website and plastering it all over the national press, which has a much bigger audience.

About 7,000,000 different people read Mumsnet every month. While that’s not as big as most of the daily papers who have a big online presence, it’s not exactly like an intimate conversation with three of your closest friends over coffee.