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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

MNHQ

Update on the Gina Ford legal situation

732 replies

JustineMumsnet · 25/02/2007 19:58

Hello all,
Some of you may have seen a Gina Ford interview in the Mail on Sunday today, in which she refers to the Mumsnet legal situation, so we thought it was only right to update you as to where we are.

We are due to go to mediation on March 7th. Our position with regard to this hasn't changed - since very early on in the dispute we have suggested mediation as a sensible way forward and so we are pleased to be meeting with Ms Ford and her lawyers on March 7th.

In the meantime GF has issued a claim form, which means that the court clock is now running and we have to put in our defence within 28 days.

Obviously, as Ms Ford has made clear by this action and by her statements in the Mail on Sunday if mediation fails, she intends to sue.

We're sorry that we are still having to ask you not to discuss Gina Ford or her methods but given the potential for something that may be used against Mumsnet to slip through, this probably remains the safest course of action.

We will, of course, keep you fully updated.

Thanks for all your support.
Mumsnet HQ

OP posts:
littlelapin · 04/03/2007 15:56

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Tamum · 04/03/2007 15:58

Oh, I saw that too. Grrr. I didn't see any remotely inappropriate on there (not that I had time to even see your post), just faintly critical. Hmm.

fryalot · 04/03/2007 16:04

They'll be frightened of being sued though.....

Tamum · 04/03/2007 16:06

Yes, but that's what's so depressing.

Carmenere · 04/03/2007 16:07

Freedom of speech is very close to the hearts of the British media, this will not go unnoticed.

Furball · 04/03/2007 16:15

AFAIK -SWMNBN refused to contirbute to the programme it is just about the methods used

littlelapin · 04/03/2007 16:20

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fryalot · 04/03/2007 16:21

don't think so, but we'll have to wait till after tomorrow night to find out what was said.

littlelapin · 04/03/2007 16:31

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Freckle · 04/03/2007 16:33

Why would she not want to be involved in a programme which merely discusses her methods? I thought she said that she welcomed healthy debate over her methods; it was the personal attacks which she was against. So, a programme on her methods is right up her street. Or not....

Judy1234 · 04/03/2007 16:50

A similar debate is that between some working mothers who think children do better if both parents work and some stay at home parents who think a child is psychologically damaged if not looked after by a parent from 1 - 3 years. So if someone said to me I had damaged my children by returning to work full time when they were 2 weeks old I would just laugh because I know they're fine but I suppose if I were making a living from that I might want to defend my position. But even then I would have to weigh and pros and cons of saying anything and what and what action to take.

The issue of whether bulletin board operators who don't check posts in advance are liable even if they remove them immediately they have a complaint it would be great to have some decision on but it is virtually never worth being a guinea pig in new areas.

hunkermunker · 04/03/2007 17:00

IIRC, there were offers of support from other sites, not just the lovely BMC - can anyone remember which ones they were? Some totally un-parent-related - because the story had been linked on The Register and reddit and places?

It's a big one - affects freedom of speech in all sorts of places - wonder what myspace and youtube would make of it, for instance, if they were suddenly liable for everything uploaded to their sites?

jofeb04 · 04/03/2007 17:02

When's the program on? Have I missed it? And what is it called?

hunkermunker · 04/03/2007 17:03

Tomorrow night, Five Life, 9pm. It's called Who Are You To Tell Us, I think.

jofeb04 · 04/03/2007 17:04

Thanks for that HM, could be good TV

Mercy · 04/03/2007 17:05

Hunker, I seem to remember looking at one called Handbag or something like that??

essbee · 04/03/2007 17:07

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bearsmom · 04/03/2007 17:11

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littlelapin · 04/03/2007 17:14

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aragon · 04/03/2007 17:26

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fryalot · 04/03/2007 17:27

yeah, aragon, but how do you really feel?

bearsmom · 04/03/2007 17:30

Nobody particular in mind really, just wondered if anyone knew someone like that. Definitely NOT you (also might be worth telling your lawyer I have nothing but a few well-chewed teething rings and some worn out baby-gros to offer as compensation, just so he doesn't go to too much trouble )

aragon · 04/03/2007 17:37

MPs comment was mentioned in the Times - have to say I cheered out loud. Good on ya girl.

Now I really must leave this thread before I say something more....

aragon · 04/03/2007 17:38

Oh bugger - my first message has gone.

Sorry MN - will leave this thread NOW - am so angry on your behalf though.

hunkermunker · 04/03/2007 17:42

I am afraid I reported it, Aragon - not because I didn't agree with you, you understand And glad to hear it too