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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Flip

Original poster

Can we have an edit/delete function

23 replies

NC4now · 07/07/2017 16:44

We've all done it. Posted and regretted it.
It would be really helpful to have an edit/delete option, like other sites. Surely it would reduce the workload for MNHQ too.

Is there a reason we don't have one?

OP posts:

Onhold · 07/07/2017 16:46

We can't be trusted to use it properly apparently.

I think MN badly needs a timed edit option.

Riversleep · 07/07/2017 16:47

Agree. All other sites I use have a few minutes to edit or delete posts.

klip · 07/07/2017 16:48

I don't see why there can't be an edit button like Facebook (where you can see the edit history) - that would stop the "but they said something horrible and changed it to cover it up" accusation, but would allow people to correct mistakes.

Original poster

NC4now · 07/07/2017 17:47

What's the worst that can happen? Someone posts something mean, thinks better of it and deletes?

OP posts:

MeanAger · 07/07/2017 17:49

It would stop a lot of bunfights that's for sure.

DonkeyOaty · 07/07/2017 18:00

Yup we can't be trusted. Which is kinda true.

Original poster

NC4now · 07/07/2017 18:24

Surely it's the posting of inappropriate stuff in the first place that's the issue, not removing it!?

What a strange stance...

MNHQ?

OP posts:

MNHQ

CarolineMumsnet · 07/07/2017 20:51

Hi everyone

Reduce the workload you say?

It’s always been our view that not being able to edit/delete posts ensures that those who toy with the idea of being a tad troublesome think twice before posting. Also, it tends to mean that those goadsters who don’t care who they upset appear on our radar much quicker than if they could hop on, wind everyone up, then nip back on a couple of minutes later and zap or edit their post.

To date our users have, on the whole, been with us on this stance but we’re always interested to hear what you think.

Hope this helps clarify things a little.

OlennasWimple · 07/07/2017 21:02

I'd love to be able to correct random typos and fractions of sentences that make no sense. And I reckon about threads would be about 20% shorter if we were able to edit, rather than correct or explain ourselves in subsequent posts

Onhold · 07/07/2017 21:09

See, we can't be trusted.

BIWI · 07/07/2017 21:11

No. It would only be mis-used.

There is a preview function which we should all use if we're worried about saying the wrong thing!

Onhold · 07/07/2017 21:14

I'm all grown up BIWI and use loads of forums that trust me to use an edit function. It's hardly my fault that MN is full of trolls and GF.

Maybe MNHQ should address that issue?

00100001 · 07/07/2017 21:16

I am a member of a lot of message boards. This is the only one that doesn't allow editing.ost others will keep a record of what was written earlier.

Editing but no deleting?

MNHQ, could a edit (with history visibly retained) button be trialled for certain long time trusted users?

No power to delete given.

MarklahMarklah · 07/07/2017 21:17

I'd prefer a 'like' button! :)

PhilODox · 07/07/2017 21:18

I agree with BIWI- that's what preview is for.
Tbh I often preview my posts then close the tab. Stops me being so acerbic.

Onhold · 07/07/2017 21:22

Ain't nobody got time for preview,

Sparklingbrook · 07/07/2017 21:30

No thanks. Don't want a 'Rewrite history' button. Maybe a really quick timed one for thread titles that make no sense but that's it.

Oh and no 'Like' button although I can't help but think it's not far off.

WorraLiberty · 09/07/2017 14:42

What's wrong with making it the same as the Facebook edit function?

When you click it, you can see what they wrote before they edited, so no-one can misuse it.

TheCrowFromBelow · 09/07/2017 14:45

There's already a preview function, which I fail to remember to use!
A timed edit would be great, to correct mad iPhone autocorrect, but only if you could see what the original text was.
Or I should start to use preview properly...

Gingernaut · 09/07/2017 14:57

There will be posters who will post something inflammatory aimed at someone (another poster/other posters), then delete it later and act innocent when others ask what's up?

Another scenario, a poster corrects punctuation, grammar or facts in a post and a bully then takes him/her to task, acting outraged and demanding justice for the deleted section (when perhaps all that's been deleted is a stray apostrophe), lies about what the post contained and other posters (AEs, perhaps) jump on the bandwagon hounding the poster off the boards.

Seen both scenarios and it can get ugly.

insancerre · 09/07/2017 14:59

I would like an edit button
I feel it would be a useful addition
I would also like to be able to delete comments or threads I have made

OlennasWimple · 09/07/2017 14:59

Ginger - but on other places, like Facebook, the edit history is available for everyone to see, so there's no point claiming that you didn't post something hideous because it will be visible to anyone who wants to look for it.

TurquoiseOwl · 14/07/2017 20:06

I agree with the edit button. Make it like Facebook's, so everyone can see what you wrote before.

Flip