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

A discussion on another forum made me realise I am gender critical. So arrived in the Feminism boards looking for answers and have stated lurking around and occasionally posting comments ever since. I wander around the rest of the site too but stay for the sound feminist education.

Tips and advice
Gossips TV etc
Health advise

To pass the time generally
To widen my cries in a broad range of issues

*stayed not stated

I first found mumsnet about 6 years ago. I can't remember how I came to find it. The relationships board helped me work through and realise a few things about me/family dynamics. I stay because it's interesting and I like to hear people's views on a wide range if topics. I have more awareness of the transgender issues I wouldn't have had. I also like the woo threads. I lurk more than i post. I'm very grateful to have found mumsnet, it's helped me a lot.

First started reading when pregnant with dc1, stayed for FWR. I enjoy the occasional parking thread, but you can get those anywhere. There's only one FWR.

The feminism boards and the inspirational women on them.

Joined as found MN when looking for anything to help with hyperemesis- stayed for FWR!

I came some 10 years ago for the feminist stuff. Then alongside that MN helped me through pregnancy, birth, babies etc.

It is the only place where women's voices dominate. Funny, clever, wonderful women. And it is the only place that has allowed (albeit with ups and downs) proper discussions about women's rights, and the current threat to them. Such articulate, intelligent, incisive discussion. FWR is totally what keeps me here.

I found MN about 10 years ago, helped enormously to read what other new mothers had to say, their advice when I had my first child.

You don't get a manual when you have kids, but I found one in MN!

Started to post more in relationships when things went a bit tits up (pun intended)

The feminist boards though, have been a lifeline. Actual women telling me no, I didn't have to accept manipulative domestic control. That my husband's cross dressing fetish, and his sexual behaviour wasn't something I had to appease.

Thank you for allowing me (isn't it mental that this isn't a given?) to speak to adult human females without (male) censorship.

Came for the relationships and AIBU, got banned, came back after politely explaining myself (I didn't know what a reverse was or that they were frowned up, and yes of course I changed details, you know, to protect me from being outed) but anyway, I'm here now mainly for the feminism chat board. Very proud of my Ocado thread and the solidarity women have shown. I'm new to feminism but feel I have found my people. As someone with no close real life friends it's great that I can chat on here to like-minded women and obtain knowledge, experience, advice, support, sympathy and that feeling of solidarity when our rights are threatened.

Pretty sure all us feminists are going on a hit list

Came via Rebecca Reilly Cooper posting on Twitter about the Spartacus thread IIRC.

Come here primarily for FWR, and it's been amazing to talk to other Trans Widows.

But I'm now completely addicted to all the other trivia- in fact these days I hardly get on twitter as a result!

Also because Mumsnetters are bloody funny.

Penis beaker/that old lady who came up watch the shed being dismantled etc.

This is the site (some) men fear, because they worry we are laughing at them!

Came for advice on baby related stuff. Stayed for the feminist boards.

Joined when DS1 was tiny and I was miserable and a bit lonely. Saved my sanity, it did, just by showing what other people might be thinking when their words and actions didn't match up. I'd even go so far as to say that it has vastly improved my social functioning skills too, for the same reason.

I'm on here all day, every day, when I can be spared from work all of life is here. Very keen on the feminism boards but also in it for a bit of CFery, rogue justice and ongoing emotional support for women going through horrible times in their lives. I love that MN lets me help and be helped in a way that wouldn't always work in RL.

Lurked for baby and pregnancy stuff, joined and stayed for fwr.

Came after someone told me to read about penis beaker, then I got hooked reading through the Classics section and laughing my arse off. Since then I have had two children and have found the support invaluable.

Now, I almost exclusively lurk on FWB and credit the wonderful mners on there with moulding my very naive feminism into gender critical feminism and though I don't contribute I feel like on those boards I have found my people. FWB is the single best and most important thing about Mumsnet.

Oh god I just realised I didn’t mention Stately Homes. I’ve lurked there for 6 years and it empowered me to go NC with my hideous abusive family. Life is so much better now.

The fantastic Feminism board.

I like to say that all human (or female) life is here. From the fluffiest trivia to the most profound philosophy. We are women and we are many, many different things.

Over many years and usernames (but mostly not on MN and not a regular poster); can't remember why I joined, but later joined low carb bootcamp, have enjoyed gawping at CF AIBU's, been horrified and depressed by the absolute shithouses women will give houseroom to in the name of love.

More recently and by far the most importantly, I have learned, discussed and got a bit more involved in FWR. Women are being silenced all over the internet and in real life. This space that allows us free speech is incredibly important at this point in time.

What’s FWR?

I've lurked on mums net for about 10 years.

I discovered mumsnet when my youngest was born.....lurking on relationships, AIBU and Style - but I finally joined up l about 18 months ago when I found the FWR board.

I use Mumsnet because -initially I love chatting about names , that’s what drew me here.

I carry on using it because of the support I have had (under my previous name) during the most difficult times of my life. There are usernames I will remember always, because of their kindness

eel
Feminism and Wimens Rights - or feminism chat as it is these days.

*womens!

That’s not a woke/weird spelling, just a typo. 🍷

I loved the style and beauty but serious got pulled in with the details of sexual assaults. I had never really thought about or acknowledged my experience but as having a DD I'm scared for her.

Also the reassurance there is a feminist movement alive and well.