How do I write an article on MN?

[LukeNewcUni]

Hi everyone,

I am pretty new to mums net, but was hoping that some of my expertise could be of use to you all. I am a scientist from the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University. My work focuses on providing the health care professionals of pregnant women with information about how medicines that they take whilst pregnant may affect the developing baby.

I contacted MN a while ago to talk to them about providing MN with an article about this important topic, but they told me that they "do not carry editorial content". I didnt really understand what this meant, I presumed it meant the available articles must therefore be submitted bt MNers. So.... I was wondering if any of you could point me in the right direction about where I could post such an article?

Thanks

Start a blog?

Or participate on the site as a part of the community?

There are plenty of people who do that, share their expertise on the boards, on topics that they find interesting, or related to their work. You have some employment lawyers spending their free time advising people on matters of law, for example. Breast feeding counsellors might hang out in the Feeding topic, etc.

Articles aren't submitted by MNers, they're a composite of what's found on the site usually. Just hang around the boards and answer questions as and when you see them. I'm sure people will be very grateful for advice from someone who knows what they're talking about.

'do not carry editorial content' means just that. MN has no editorial content. Other than that which is linked to as part of a forum post or perhaps a campaign they are backing.

You could put your article on a blog and link to it here (although I think there are rules about being an 'official' MN blogger. Just ask them.)

Or you could write your article in the body of a thread post, but I wouldn't recommend that as it can just read as soapboxing.

As others have said, you are very welcome to share your expertise in response to what is posted here. It is nice to read people who know their stuff. But if you look around the boards a little you will see there are no 'articles'.

(It's like the age old advice for getting published. Have a look at the publisher's list before you submit.)

Hi everyone thanks for your advice!

Hi Luke,

Thanks for your post.

We do not carry editorial content in that way that other websites might, the vast majority of our content comes from the Talk boards.

Please do feel free to post but do be aware of our Talk guidelines with regards to spamming the boards and also be aware that while we welcome everyone to Mumsnet, we are a discussion forum, so please be prepared to engage rather than lecture.

We do not endorse 'experts' who post on the boards, as we are a site for peer-to-peer support and advice.

If you would like any further info, then please do email us. contactus @ mumsnet .com