Anyone seen the MN microsite?

[hunkermunker]

here

I've a couple of comments about it - especially the bf section (surprise, surprise!).

And the weaning section.

OK - I know that MN needs money

But it should be clear that this is an infomercial, and that really is what it seems like to me

ahhhh

It does say promotion at the top of the page

and yet people are posting real questions..?
i think this represents a really worrying sea-change in MNHQ's business plan... i know it is a business, i know it is... but the great thing about MN was that it felt like community first, business second. things have changed a lot round here.

Aitch,what other changes do yuo detect?
I'm not jhere so often these days...

well, i'm about to say dumbing-down, which always makes the person who says it sound like a prick, but there it is... [prick]

Just want to add my voice to those who feel this is not quite right...

And really at the question "how can I make it more feasible"...Poorly phrased at best.

Is this person only going to be recommending Avent products? Because her advice is going to be of limited use if so.

I also don't like how the thread has been put directly onto the Breast & Bottle topic rather than the usual MN Events as 1. see above about impartiality of advice and 2. it could stop people with problems starting their own threads and getting far more immediate advice.

I dunno, I would appreciate some clarification from MN on what's going on here.

precisely, bookthief, what's the point of emailing her when a 'shit, bfing's going really badly please help' post will have 30 heartfelt and useful replies by the time the poster's nipples have seen fresh air. it's actually a bit insulting, this...

Blimey,does it really only appear on breast/bottle feeding section??
This is bad shit.

You don't sound like a prick at all Aitch. How is it dumbed down do you think?

It doesn't sit well does it?

At least if Miriam StopIt/AnnabelCaramel came on they wouldn't be pushing a brand would they? (well, except their own but ykwim)

I didn't realise mn were that desperate for the money so much these days. Maybe I'm very naive.

They would be passing a brand.
They are the brand.

You don't really believe that dear ole Miriam herself writes that stuff do you??

Furthermore,she was only ever a GP, not even a paediatrician (not that they seem much cop either).

'and importantly, the major milestone of returning to work ...'

So we need a guru to tell us how to feed them, get them to sleep, and for employment advice.

It's funny that, because I thought I already had a job. Being a mother.

Load of shite.

well, i'd say the fact that 90% of the people on that new thread haven't questioned the ethical issues thrown up by its existence but have instead complied in the most sheep-like of manner goes some way to answering that, moony.

Well, I did say I accept she's the brand

No-one has mentioned the real worries about bisphenol A leaching from polycarbonate Avent bottles yet - some studies in the USA are giving cause for concern
I am so sad they have done this, I really am. That microsite is full of Emma's Diary stagey banality

Aitch,only four people have posed questions though.

Amazing how every question on her advertisement forum is answered with reference to one of Avent's marvellous products. They don't even have the nows to pretend they are not flogging summat!

Nous.

Ya reckon??
As dialect,that one is debatable.

is it only four? i suppose i looked at it and thought that the minute someone raised an objection the thread would take that turn but instead people kept posting dumbass questions...

Yep, I reckon!

That Linguistics degree has left its indelible mark!!
(Your way looks more feasible it has to be said...)

Then I shall bestow upon you a very sloppy kiss

Oh, and how about this for weaning advice:

"I always begin weaning with baby rice, mixed with baby?s usual milk, so expressed breast milk or formula milk. Mix the rice to a soft, dropping consistency and then offer to baby mid-morning just after he has taken most of his milk feed. Give him the rest of the milk feed at the end."

So you ALWAYS do the same thing, regardless of the child?

If someone like this is going to appear, why not as an online chat like all the others?

I completely understand that MN is a business, and they need to raise money somehow, but this does seem to cut to the heart of what the boards are all about. Will we be having a sponsored parenting coach too?

Yuk.

Disappointed.

Disheartened.

Disillusioned.

It feels like any other parenting website.

Hi all,
We're interested to hear what you don't like about this particular campaign - sorry it's late I know and many of you will be long gone but have only just got in so hopefully you'll pick up on this tomorrow. Is it because of the actual text of the ad or because of the way it's been presented to you, or a bit of both? Sorry if it appears an obtuse question but we don't like to offend so we'd be grateful if you'd expand a bit on exactly what it is that you object to and we promise to give it some thought/get back to you. Thanks.

Yes and yes.

And it's not really going along with the "by parents for parents" thing at all.

In fact, its patronising, and belittling, and feels like I could be on any other parenting site.

AND some of the information is incorrect and certainly doesnt reflect Government guidelines.