Tell MNHQ why you use Mumsnet

[EllieMumsnet]

Here at MNHQ we would really like to get to know our users better and would therefore love to know why you use Mumsnet and if Mumsnet has managed to help you in any way.

Is the main reason you use Mumsnet for the advice from other users? And if so, what advice do you look for in particular or is it on everything and anything? Do you use Mumsnet as a place to browse the funny threads and have a bit of ‘you’ time? Is it more the product/service reviews and recommendations that you use Mumsnet for? Has the support of fellow Mumsnet users helped you get through a tough time? Or maybe you have created long-term friendships with other users and come on to chat to them.

Whatever the reasons you use Mumsnet and any stories you have on how Mumsnet has helped you, we would love to hear them so please share them on the thread below.

Thanks
MNHQ

Join when pregnant with DC1 stayed because of FWR and S&B

I joined a long time ago when my children were small, for advice on anything and everything.

I have stayed for the feminist section.

I came for the feminist stuff and stayed (with a great deal of lurking because I felt after the FWR Wars that I wasn't welcome as someone who centered women ) because of the feminism.

The other stuff is a procrastination tool.

I came via AIBU. I like style and beauty. FWR is my go to though and I am on lurking everyday. The woman there are funny, tenacious, good humoured, challenging. I love it.

Here for the feminist boards :)

The topics I frequent have evolved over the last 13-14 years. I started to get advice on miscarriage, then on ttc, then various topics during the early years of dcs. Now I come on 99% of the time for the feminist chat - it is the one place GC can talk and remain sane (within the current constraints MN has imposed) and the rest of the time on whatever catches my eye. If we couldn't talk about self-id I would not bother coming here much.

Not a parent. Am a step parent so came to lurk (just to say, mostly had a good step-parenting experience, unlike many). Stayed because even though it's sometimes a bit, well, arsey - often it's magnificent. Especially the Feminists but elsewhere as well. And I've learned so much.

Feminist chat !! thank you to all the amazing, intelligent, articulate GC women who post.

Came when up all night with a newborn and feeling isolated. Started off talking about breastfeeding and early babyhood. Stayed for the feminism boards, and the amazing women there (some sadly now forced to leave ), particularly the insights and advice around safeguarding of children.

FWR. I come to Mumsnet to experience women centring women.
Occasionally visit the Education and Relationship boards but it is FWR that keeps me checking in.
I am delighted to read that this is the case for so many visitors.

I joined when I became practically housebound and isolated, just to have some human contact and chat. I'm now here mostly for FWR.

I lurked for years before I joined and don't post often still but what keeps me coming back is FWR.

Fwr and this being a gc ‘safe space’ to talk. Also style and beauty and the 5:2 chat where I lurk quietly.

Fwr, litter tray, book bit,

I use mumsnet because it's honest.

I joined 14 years ago, have used pretty much all of the boards at one time or another, beginning with pregnancy and birth.

Currently I mainly visit the FWR boards, occasionally Active/Trending or Property/DIY. Very rarely visit any other boards and I probably would have moved on if it wasn’t for FWR. Lots of excellent outspoken women.

FWR.

The solidarity I feel there has been crucial for my mental health.

For the feminism board. I love them. They're intelligent, empathetic and better investigators than most journalists. And when it all looks grim, they cheer you up, they're so bloody funny.

DH found a thread on MN about passports when we needed advice, as our DC passport had been 'lost' in the process of it's application. Thanks to the advice on the old thread, Passport arrived 4 days later and the day before it was needed.

I stuck around and enjoyed chat, AIBU for funny threads and different views, and the amazing support I saw been shown to others. I use to be on a long running thread too, but it's difficult as a constant name changer. In the last couple of years I've started visiting feminist chat as my first port of call now too.

But MN is more than one thing, it's everything! you have a question? ask MN there are so many posters you get really in-depth answers.

There is everything here to suit my mood at any given time.

I came here after another similar talkboard posted some links to AIBU.

I stayed after reading the amazing advice about how relationships should really be.

Now I mostly come to read the feminist threads. I have been following them for the past few years and can't believe how strong the urge to shut women up is.

It would be even better if some of the currently banned outspoken feminists were invited back.

I don't expect not to be offended, I think we should be adult enough to deal with different points of view with only rarely banning people.

I’ve used MN for advice, reviews and (mainly) for entertainment. The thing I like is the independence of thought. Even if you disagree with a poster it often gives a different perspective. It seems (usually) to avoid herd mentality, in part due to the wide range of boards. In terms of reviews, our recent replacement vacuum cleaner and washing machine were largely down to comments on threads and I’ve experimented with perfumes thanks to recommendations as well as trying new TV shows and books I may not have come across in other ways. In terms of advice, this has ranged from health, childcare, style and household tips. The diversity of views, and the space to air them, means that I tend to trust MN above other forums. It’s not perfect but it’s the only one I return to on a daily basis.

oh yes as someone's just mentioned, I also love a bit of Property porn

I found MN on a random search for a book series I loved,and I found people who had not only heard of the books but loved them,discussed them,and (in some cases!) had user names based on them.
Posters were clever,well informed,opinionated,and funny,and when I was recovering from my breast cancer ops it was a live saver to come here,make contact, and be amused and informed.Now I'm here because if you want to discuss anything or need information,someone on MN will be able to help.And people challenge - I'm on a Facebook group where the prevailing tone is "you are right,we are all here for you,hugs..." whatever the situation.
MN is the only forum I've been on where posters will tell you you are wrong,challenge your ideas and behaviour,and still be supportive.
And I'm so grateful for FWR,the space it provides,and the knowledge and passion of some of the regulars.
Yay,MN

I’ve been here since 2007 on and off. I’ve used MN for help and advice on the past and actually hid the feminism board a few years ago- now it’s virtually the only bit of MN I take seriously. It’s a vital arena for discussion and I’m so grateful to have access to many of the posters there.

Because it's the only place I can communicate about interesting and important things with a mostly woman environment. In correct English! I'm here because of the Feminism board. No other mother's group allows a critique of identity politics and "call out" culture.