Mumsnet Christmas Appeal - suggestions please

[JustineMumsnet]

Following on from a couple of threads discussing the Christmas appeal over the weekend, I thought we should post our thoughts on things.

First we're really sorry if not being nominated for this year's appeal has made anyone feel bad or left out. Obviously it's the opposite of why we do it but the truth is there will always be deserving people who, for whatever reason - frequent namechanges or pure and simple oversight - will be overlooked.

Over the years the Xmas appeal really has brought a lot of joy both to the givers and receivers of gifts - this is a typical post/mail from a giver:

"It is a wonderful thing this Santa business. It totally dispels the idea that Mumsnet is no more than words on a screen and shatters the notion of the pit of vipers. Since being matched with you, not a day has passed when I haven't thought of you and your family. Your posts shine with warmth, humour and love for your family. You are a remarkable woman. For me, it has been more than sending a little something: you have made me really think about what Christmas should be.
So I thank you too, and will raise a glass to you and yours on Christmas Day. Much love to you all"

As Christmas becomes every more about consumption we think the appeal for many is a reminder of what it is really all about. It certainly is for us at MNHQ and consequently we are very happy to put a lot of MNHQ resource into the operation; SandyMumsnet pretty much devotes a month of time to it.

Clearly it doesn't operate optimally for everyone, but net net, it really is a good thing I believe. That said we'd value suggestions about how you think we could do it better. We took over the operation of the appeal only because it was becoming too big a job for any individual - but it was conceived by Mumsnetters for Mumsnetters and exists pretty much in the same form as that original idea.

Do let us know your thoughts and suggestions here.

Rowan is being unreasonable

The slug is in the post.

The lucky recipient is not to thank me. The Giving Glow is thanks enough for me.

Not for the first time, I find myself agreeing with everything BOF, HoneyDragon and Maryz have said.

Especially about lovely MN Christmas loveliness, Deserving v Undeserving Poor and those with very, very clear agendas.

I would now offer to sing 'Joy To The World' if it wasn't for the fact that it's only October.

It should stay as it is.

This is my first year of knowing about it. I think its a fab idea for those who are struggling financially/emotionally/physically.

Someone could be a millionaire but not have anyone who thinks about them.

I think its great that its not just based on financial needs. It will cheer some people up like myself and helps people realise that actually someone is thinking of them so they aren't as lonely as they think like it did me

MN for me some is the only interaction with someone who isn't a child. Somewhere I they can spend the lonely nights.

MN means I have something to laugh at when in RL I just have things to cry about.

I have been close to giving up at times but having the toddler and MN means I haven't.

You lot don't actually know what you have done for me.

I think typing NetMums wrong that night in Feb 2012 was one of the beat things I've done

Give nominees the opportunity to say their award should be donated on their behalf to a (or their selection of) charity. That way, those who are in need can get a nice Christmas present, and those who aren't don't need to feel awkward about accepting a gift.

See, I disagree with that bit. I think it's about the nominator having felt that the nominee 'deserved' a treat, for whatever reason.
If the nominee felt awkward about accepting a bit of anonymous largesse then surely they can pass it on to the charity of their choice?

It's an internal MN process. Of course we can all donate whatever we want to other causes.

I really wanted to nominate scottishmummy. But she's still MIA.

Nice name. Go with it

I was very upset on Saturday. Reading 'that' thread just knocked the stuffing out of me. But to be fair, it came on top of a bunch of other stuff that I am very stressed about as it is.

I recognise that now, and recognise that I had a knee jerk reaction to a troll/Goady fucker. I think it was the accusations of regulars nominating each other at the expense of those more 'deserving' that did it for me. The last couple of months, with the bullying/de-railing threads. The piling-on and the nastiness of some higher profile threads, all of which I have become too embroiled in for my own good, just finally did it for me.

I think the Christmas Appeal is a wonderful thing, however I too thought it was more for MNers having a shit time, than as thanks etc for great friends/posters/threads. My initial reaction to my nomination was "Shit!" because I thought I had been 'outed', then "Aww shucks" because I felt so warm, so pleased to have received it. I don't DO emotion, not in front of people, but Christ, it knocked me for six that someone would think of me.

...and then it was spoilt .

BUT. I don't think it should change. I don't think there is anything wrong with the way it is run. Maybe a namechange if only to stop the ambiguity that has been suggested - Christmas Kindness is striking and more open ended with regards to what type of donation and to whom.

I think MNHQ deserve for agreeing to organise this. It would be a damn sight easier to just say 'Fuckit' and do nothing after all the hassle this year (some of which I have probably caused and for which I apologise).

I've had some nice PMs, thank you, it made me feel much better and I really appreciate it.

I'm glad you feel a bit better, LtEve- it's so easy to let this stuff needle you, as I know myself. For the most part though, people here are lovely, and the persistent whinger(s) shouldn't be allowed to obscure that.

You deserved that nomination Lt Eve. You are one of the good guys around here.

Christmas Kindness smacks rather of charity. Christmas Cheer isn't much better.

Surely, the most sensible thing to do would be to make posters more aware of The Appeal. Cross board posts advertising it, and explaining very clearly exactly what it is, and how it works.

It ain't broke, it doesn't need fixing, just a little more clarity.

I like Christmas Slug - nice and not-sentimental

Yes, totally agree with that, Stratters.

The Christmas Cliff

You would say that, SP.

And, NO.

Noooooo

He was in the paper this morning.

but, but we have it all sorted

I don't think the mechanics of it should change at all. MNHQ taking it over was a really good idea and it also ensures impartiality - we can all trust them to match people well/fairly.

Please don't allow people to self-nominate - that would be a troll magnet. We've had enough of that over the years.

I do think that changing the name is probably a good idea as lots of people have said that they haven't taken any notice of it as they thought it was 'only' a charity thing. (Although that says a lot about them )

Whilst I love the idea of a Christmas Kevin, it is a serious thing that we do, so a light-hearted name probably isn't appropriate.

How about we call it The Christmas Giving?

....oh and please don't try and put a restriction on how much people can give. It's lovely, if you're in a position to do so, to send someone something significant.

You know, when people start saying they agree with Bof, Honeydragon and Maryz. That's a sign that there is something very fucked up about Mumsnet, right there. HQ should really take note and follow some sort of emergency procedure.

We're not the Mnetters for agreeing with FFS. We're the ones you look at quizzically whilst backing away slowly.