In response to a question from agy about why we are reluctant to delete threads (unless, of course they are personally attacking someone or racist)...
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A lot of people put effort into their postings and it can be frustrating if you've given it some thought for it to be removed.
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Deleting posts is disruptive to threads - the odd deletion of course not - but were it to happen a lot, it would be hard to follow some otherwise very useful threads.
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It is time consuming and, as you know, we are not over blessed with resources at mumsnet hq so we don't have a lot of spare time!
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We don't believe in censorship - now as has been pointed out that may sound a bit "up our own arses" but, we believe in freedom of speech - even if your views are controversial or unpopular. And what's more on a pragmatic note if you start deleting things on the grounds of heatedness, ill-manners or poor taste, where on earth do you draw the line?
Having said all that the whole point of mumsnet is to help parents - by pooling knowledge etc - so we do and would certainly help out if someone has got into difficulties by posting too much information etc.
We urge you, though, to think carefully before posting stuff you don't want others who could identify you to read - as we've said before this is a public forum. If you haven't already, you should check out the copyright notice at the foot of every page.
Hope that answers your question,
Justine, Carrie and Rachel