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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

McDonalds Ads - tell us how do you feel about them folks?

609 replies

JustineMumsnet · 01/03/2011 16:22

Good day MNetters,
We've been asked if we'd host ads for McDonalds, so we thought we'd ask what you think. Would you object to banner ads (ie like the one at the top of the page) on Mumsnet?
Let us know.

OP posts:
nannynick · 07/03/2011 18:09

What exactly would McD's be advertising? Have they provided any samples of advertising copy?

Adverts on Mumsnet may be seen by a child. So my view is that no advert by McD's should be targeted to a child audience... so no mention of Happy Meals or anything else that is not aimed at adults.

As adults we can choose to ignore the adverts if we so wish to do so. If we have an opinion about the company, their adverts are unlikely in my view to change that opinion.

If Mumsnet does decide to run McD's adverts, how quickly can they be removed if you change your mind? Would the contract in place enable you to change your mind at a moments notice for any reason you so desire?

glasnost · 07/03/2011 18:25

I've been teaching English for 15 years so know my apostrophes. I take ad as an abbreviation not as a word in itself.

Ta for the answer Justine but I must say I don't quite understand it. You can take 'em or leave 'em. Apostrophes in place.

glasnost · 07/03/2011 18:26

Take the ad's or leave the ad's I meant.

Maryz · 07/03/2011 18:30

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Chandon · 07/03/2011 18:35

Agree with Maryz 100%

Avantia · 07/03/2011 18:48

Here here Maryz !

TotorosOcarina · 07/03/2011 18:53

Agree with Maryz!

I mean Boden is all over the place here and I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole Grin

MilaMae · 07/03/2011 18:58

But you can say the same re Nestle Mary and not minding is a valid positionHmm

The fact is not running the ad doesn't mean you'll have to pay so why the need?

DwayneDibley · 07/03/2011 19:05

some serious up thine own arse snobbery going on here.

I like a McDs - therefore according to some I dont think and am not the right fit for MN.

MNHQ - if running the ad will help keep MN free for uneducated dross like me then go for it. I think business-wise it would be daft not to.

Ohforfoxsake · 07/03/2011 20:05

My arguement on here has always been a 'no' to advertising fast-food generally. Not Macdonalds, not KFC - none of them. I don't think it's responsible.

I disagree with you Justine about MN not telling people how to parent. I think there is a very real need for positive role models now that we no longer live in communities where we have parents, grandparents, extended family. Often we turn to strangers on the internet for advice and support. It has become an important part of our lives. Just because a lot of people say Macds is fine doesn't make it fine. You have a much bigger audience now, and good for you, but with that comes a greater responsibility.

You can't raise awareness of eating disorders, obesity in children, health dangers of poor diet and take the money of fast food companies. If it takes a 'celebrity' chef to make us think twice about what is OK for our children to eat at school, who is going to do that at home? Nutrition is vital to our children being healthy and active, their bodies and brains functioning properly - paying attention in school and sleeping well at night. Its fundamental to their well-being.

A lot of people are savvy, and will give their families a balanced diet. But a lot aren't. And as this site grows, so will their contribution, and good for you for listening to their voices as they will be louder than the one's say 'I don't think that's right'.

Parents choose to formula feed, but MN has a loud Breast is best voice. But if you aren't going to tell parents that, let them find their own way. If they to use formula, pipe down with the breastfeeding stuff. And what's the deal with Nestle? They clean up their act, all is good. Get them on board, will be good for the coffers.

I've invested a lot of time in MN over the last four years. It's given me a lot of knowledge, a heck of a lot of really emotional support when I was on my knees, a place to go. I feel very sentimental about it. But this has shown me that its moved on. The 'NO!'s turned into 'maybe's, and turned into 'I couldn't give a shit's.

So Justine, go ahead with advertising fast-food, but you'll be letting me down, you'll be letting Mumsnetters down, you'll be letting your other investors down, but most of all, you'll be letting yourself down.

(I have been dying to say that! Wink)

Ohforfoxsake · 07/03/2011 20:08

Oh, I also meant to say that if you are considering a radical policy change, as this is, you should have this as a 'sticky' and not let it slip down Active Convos.

Avantia · 07/03/2011 20:26

So Macdonalds = childhood obesity

Don't computer games and inactive children also = childhood obesity ?

Why have I just seen an advert for Wii on MN then ? - any objections to that ?

Advertising on MN doesn't reflect us MN - I hate Boden , I cannot afford a Mark Warner holiday whether in the sun or skiing .

get some dog food adverts , cheap campsites in UK and we'll be sorted .

MistyB · 07/03/2011 20:27

Hear! Hear! Ohforfoxsake Well said!

MilaMae · 07/03/2011 20:36

OFFS,great post.

Ohforfoxsake · 07/03/2011 20:39

By the same token, MacDs doesn't reflect MN. Everyone is saying it won't make them buy it.

But I agree that UK Campsites probably is more MN than MW. Perhaps there's a way forward there. Maybe it's time to review without selling out?

aimingforthesky · 07/03/2011 20:42

I agree with Maryz

PaperView · 07/03/2011 20:42

That's a great post OFFS.

Panzee · 07/03/2011 20:59

I agree with Maryz.

Ohforfoxsake · 07/03/2011 21:01

I agree with a lot of what Maryz says, I'm not arguing against the existence of MacDs, I'm saying fast food should not be advertised on here.

TheShriekingHarpy · 07/03/2011 21:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

NotaMopsa · 07/03/2011 21:08

hear hear offs

solo · 07/03/2011 22:04

OFFS, good post!

BaroqueAroundTheClock · 07/03/2011 23:25

"If it takes a 'celebrity' chef to make us think twice about what is OK for our children to eat at school, "

Would that be the same "celebrity" chef who praised McDonald's last year for it's progress in using better quality beef, free range eggs, and improving other standards too - pointing out that the UK franchise is very much different to the US one??

I have to say that if we were in the US - and it was the US McDonald's wanting to advertise my answer would be a big fat no. - But I'm still on the "don't care".

glasnost · 07/03/2011 23:25

As I posted what seems now like AEONS ago now MN have already made their dollar signed minds up. It's a sad, sorry, well trodden path this one. MN has become bigger and wanto see their returns growing exponentially. What's wrong with that? Nothing as long as they don't expect intelligent posters to make up their demographic (yukky term) any longer.

I'm out of here for one. (Hoorah I hear you cry!)

TheShriekingHarpy · 08/03/2011 00:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.