Let's talk about sex toys (well, ads for them on Mumsnet), please

[HelenMumsnet]

Hello.

We'd like your opinions, please, on Mumsnet taking ads for stores/sites that sell sex toys.

We accepted a campaign for one site like this earlier in the week - and then removed it after receiving a fair number of complaints.

So, what we need to know now is...

Do you mind ads for stores/sites that sell sex toys - generally speaking?

Does it matter which stores/sites these are? And what kind of stuff they're selling?

And, if you wouldn't run a mile from these kinds of ads, would you be happy to see them all over Mumsnet (with the obvious exception of our more sensitive topics such as Bereavement, Special Needs, Relationships, Miscarriage etc)? Or would you prefer them only to be in Chat?

Do please post and let us know your thoughts.

Thanks MNHQ

Having said that the alternative would be to have a specific adult thread and not let these threads appear in active conversations... And that way if anyone felt inclined to enter that topic they see the adverts... And the rest of us can MN innocently.

the only problem with that is that if there was a topic called 'adult' people might think it was the place to post when they were concerned about their dp's porn use, and those are the posters who should definitely not be made to see the ads.

"I would love to know how someone could look at this (straight jacket) and NOT see the misogyny tbh.
Special rose-coloured glasses perhaps?"

Or, perhaps, because the L/XL size is advertised by a man in the same make and pose?

Tacky
Tasteless
Sleazy
Definite no from me, for all the reasons already stated by SGM and Hully.
What sites would I be happy to see? Coco De Mer or Myla. That's it.

The man is wearing clothes. And has no doll. It is a very different image, not sexualised in anything like the same way.

Advertising aside, I think theree is a need for a Sex topic.
No need to fanny (arf) about (or pussy foot about - double arf) wit clef names, just call it Sex.

wit clef names = with clever names. obviously.

You don't need those ads, full stop.

I don't think advertsiers have remotely caught up with what a fantastic market MN is yet. If you look at the unbelievably stupid ads on the telly "That's Why Mums go to Iceland" (What, while dad plays with the 3 prong anal speculum over a beer?), or that stupid Mum feeding sweetcorn to the stupid children or or or or, the stereotypes are years out of date.

Here you have a captive (because we are addicts oh yes) audience of well-educated, bright, socially interested, politically aware, multi-faceted and talented women (who mostly happen to be mothers), why aren't advertisers trying to appeal to our intelligence and humour when selling their products? There's a huge gap here. They could try and flog cars, mobile phones and computers rather than speculums, washing-up liquid and nappies. We buy them, you know, we even MN on them. Well, not the cars.

Someone is missing a big opportunity.

@MadameOvary

Tacky Tasteless Sleazy Definite no from me, for all the reasons already stated by SGM and Hully. What sites would I be happy to see? Coco De Mer or Myla. That's it.

Anyone else think Coco De Mer or Myla would be OK?

No problem with Myla - it sjust lingerie, isnt it?
Coco de mer falls into the same category as lovehoney for me. A butt plug is still a butt plug even if its organic ceramic and designer.

All coco de Mer's cuffs and gags are modelled by women [shrug] Hw is that
OK?

How long has Mumsnet signed up for the adverts with LoveHoney? I'll have to remember to watch out for them every time I go on Chat

Not nice

I think a fairly reasonable rule of thumb for Mumsnet advertising, if misogyny isn't going to be seen as a problem, is whether what is being advertised would be safe for work, or for children to see.

Boden, The White Company and Mark Warner would be fine. Coco de Mer and LoveHoney, not so much.

Thanks for all your replies so far. They're all really helpful and we are taking them all on board.

I agree with others about having the laptop open while the dc are around, I don't want them reading/seeing anything even vaguely 'adult' over my shoulder.

@KatharineClifton

How long has Mumsnet signed up for the adverts with LoveHoney? I'll have to remember to watch out for them every time I go on Chat

We're aren't running any LoveHoney ads right now, KatharineClifton.

Coco have a lovely human hair whip: blonde or redhead!

FFS.

cloudsandwind - Justine said on the other thread that Mumsnet is a site for adults. Same stupid bloody thing R4 says when it's afternoon plays are full of swearing in the first minute meaning I have to run around like stupid to turn off all radios. Adults rule ok

Another no vote here.

Thanks Helen.

And they have a glass dildo.

GLASS!