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Thoughts on tweaking MN

192 replies

MsAmerica · 19/11/2021 02:09

Since the mods very cordially expressed a willingness to read suggestions, I put something together for you. I tried to think this through to cover as much as possible, although I admit I'm not an experienced poster here. So these are things I've noticed that you might want to re-think, but overall the main suggestion is just to tidy up the layout for clarity, and re-organize and re-name some forums, to make the posting process more user-friendly. Please excuse a bit of repetition, as the categories overlap. (Also, some small additions since my original failed attempt to post, with apologies to mods who were already kind enough to read the initial version.)

I haven’t been able to post this, possibly because it’s so long, but I’m now going to try it in sections, as suggested, and see if that works.

OP posts:
saraclara · 20/11/2021 00:49

Just sort the search out and get an edit button (even if the latter only works for a limited time, as happens in my other forum). I do understand that pale could edit to cause trouble or deny that they lied, etc. But just a minute or two would allow for those annoying typos to be fixed.

My other site allows five minutes of edit time and I've never seen it abused. But even one minute would do. As another poster said, you see those typos and autocorrects a split second after you press submit.

Yes, this site is hideously clunky, unreliable and old fashioned. But in the absence of an entirely new site, these two things would make an enormous difference.

DramaAlpaca · 20/11/2021 00:54

The OP was too long, I wasn't going to read all that.

I'm happy with MN as it is, I like its simplicity and its quirks.

I don't want a Like button. I don't want an Edit function - preview does just fine.

I'm sure there must be sites that would suit OP better, since she clearly doesn't like this one.

MsAmerica · 20/11/2021 01:00

@FelicityBeedle

Bloody hell you don’t want much do you Grin I think a lot of MN’s quirks come from how it’s developed over the years, section names have come from people requesting it in those terms, the ux is old fashioned because people still enjoy it
Jeez, I can't believe so many replies.

Well, I thought if I were going to make a few suggestions, it made more sense to let it percolate as the list got longer. I'm guessing you're absolutely right, that it's a matter of how it developed over time, but I just thought I'd provide my suggestions for when people sit down to think about changes, and maybe they'd pick up on a few things.

OP posts:
Heruka · 20/11/2021 01:02

@toastofthetown (going to tag you rather than quote long post!) Totally agree with improving quote function in the way you’ve described. It’s a ballache if you’ve made a point you want to check for responses for and have to scroll through lots to find, when it could be alerted.

I disagree about archiving though!! I will be that only poster. Sometimes there are threads where people come back more than a year later to update. Or people call on the OP to ask how they got on, and occasionally they come back. I think the lovely one in classics with the lovely Y chromosome grandad who loves his grandson, could conceivably be updated more than annually. Recently a poster came back to an old thread asking for help for her sister experiencing domestic abuse, to update that she had left and advice had helped.

Op I apologise but I didn’t feel able to read through your whole post but can see the thought and work and that’s to be commended. I am another against the like button.

MsAmerica · 20/11/2021 01:05

@Plotato

I think many (most?) people use mumsnet on a phone but it sounds like you use a desktop/laptop? A lot of the problems you describe don't seem to exist on a phone, and one of the reasons it actually works well is that it's very simple. Can you not just change your login details so you're always logged in?
You're right, I use a "real" computer - but some of my suggestions have to do with general forum divisions, too. I'm not sure I necessarily agree with people who are saying it's simpler as it is. For instance, it's a lot simpler to click on an emoticon instead of copy-pasting. It's a lot simpler to follow a thread if replies are indented/nested.
OP posts:
JaneJeffer · 20/11/2021 01:07

It's a lot simpler to follow a thread if replies are indented/nested.
I disagree.

Lockdownbear · 20/11/2021 01:36

I'd love an edit function to fix my dodgy spelling.

I have no objections to people who take the time to politely say BTW the spelling of x is y. Or the correct grammar is.....
But people who just try to moan about spelling or grammar in a superior look down there nose sort of way should get posts deleted!

CiaoForDiNiaoSaur · 20/11/2021 01:47

Can you not click on the smileys to insert them on a computer like you do a phone?

I think the ability to quote already quoted posts looks crap, and just takes a long time to scroll to read the new bit. I much prefer the old way of copy and pasting. Although no one seems do the quoted user name in bold and then quote in italics (as was the custom when I joined) anymore.

And as is always said on these threads. No to a "like" function. It leads to less debate imo. I've also found it negatively affects my MH and can lead to "well known" posters getting likes just because they are known.

Topseyt · 20/11/2021 02:25

Crikey, that must have taken you hours to write.

Sadly, it is waaaay too long and waffly so I barely skimmed it.

I don't see the need for these subdivisions you seem to want. Far too complicated and it wouldn't be an improvement.

NO to a like button. I've seen these in other places too. They are a cause of unpleasantness and bad feeling.

JUST GIVE US AN EDIT BUTTON. That is all. Do not make it a feature only available in premium.

endofagain · 20/11/2021 03:11

You can preview what you have written befire posting.
I like the comfortable, conversational style of MN. The standard of discussion on many of the boards is extremely high. Like buttons and emoticons of the type seen elsewhere would spoil that I think. The MN emoticons have class IMO.
I get the feeling the OP hasn't been on MN very long.
There are loads of other chat places. MN is unique. It would be a shame to change it.

MeanderingGently · 20/11/2021 03:25

I'm not very computer savvy at all, seldom use social media and don't go on other forums. I've tried but they're too complicated.
I love MumsNet, it's fine as it is. I love it because it's easy to use, not technical and diverse in its topics. I like it just as it is. I stay logged in so don't have all the problems cited in the OP....in fact, I've tried reading through it and have no idea what the OP is talking about.....!

Immaculatemisconception · 20/11/2021 03:26

Definitely an edit, would be great. That’s all for me.

AlbusDumbledore2234 · 20/11/2021 03:56

I would hate to be the executor of your estate! 🤣

Sparklingbrook · 20/11/2021 04:09

I have noticed that it’s very often the inexperienced posters and newbies who want to make loads of changes to MN. Saying how very difficult is to navigate. Confused
Wailing that it needs to be exactly the same as this or that other site they use for some reason.

ThirdElephant · 20/11/2021 04:37

Your own handle is highlighted in red for you, so if you've posted within a thread, you instantly see where you've posted, and whether someone has replied to you.

On my phone, my comments are highlighted pink and the OP's are all green. I think it's an option you can turn on in the desktop version too- maybe look into it?

Also, There's a relatively easy way to include an image in the post.

  • MN's way is very simple. What's tripping you up?

It gives you a brief window of time to amend your post, to make a correction or an addition.

This would be good, as would: Some of the forums allow you to hide your handle, for an extra layer of privacy if you're posting something extremely personal which would save on name-changing (a massive PITA).

Things I very much disagree with:

-A like button. When I was new to Mumsnet, I, too thought this would be a good idea. Then, I spent time on Reddit and realised that I was actually trying to post for approval as a result of the like function. If you want MN with a like function, Reddit is basically it (lots of it is American, but there are plenty of decent boards and you just subscribe to the ones you like).

-Replacing all the witty board names with uninspired generic ones, like 'books'. Also, as a pedant, I'd like to point out that there is a distinction between a pedant and an expert. Leave our corner alone.

-Being able to view someone's entire posting history with a button click. It's annoying enough when someone uses advanced search to point out that on the 13th January, 2004, you said XYZ, which contradicts your position on this current thread- I wouldn't want to make it easier for them to search posting histories, the weirdos.

BIWI · 20/11/2021 08:02

I don't know why you say you're not an experienced poster - AS shows you've been here since 2013.

saraclara · 20/11/2021 08:04

@Sparklingbrook

I have noticed that it’s very often the inexperienced posters and newbies who want to make loads of changes to MN. Saying how very difficult is to navigate. Confused Wailing that it needs to be exactly the same as this or that other site they use for some reason.
If you design a website, you should be ensuring that people who come to it for the first time CAN navigate it. It should be intuitive, not quirky to use. Otherwise they lose interest and leave.

It shouldn't be like a secret handshake to prove that you've been a poster for years. It should work properly.

The be honest, though I only focused on two things, it's an appalling forum platform. It's ancient, clunky, frequently breaks, and is far from intuitive. It's ridiculous that we have to use code to insert an emoticon (from a tiny range) and the millions of branches are hard to find. You can only quote a whole post, ffs. I've been using forums for 15 years, and being unable to trim a quote is laughable.

'But I like it that way' is short sighted.

I imagine that mumsnet technology is regarded as a joke in the business.

Waahingwashingwashing · 20/11/2021 08:06

I use my phone and insert emoticons just from the keyboard. I imagine a lot of posters are the same.

friedeggandsauce · 20/11/2021 08:08

I just want a search function that works 🙄

lostmymarblesbutfoundthewine · 20/11/2021 08:09

Not sure if this has been said but I know use the app and I can't find a button to go to the last reply on a thread which you can on the website. Is its a long post especially it's a lot of scrolling through every time. Unless someone can point me to it and its really obvious 🙈

Thurlow · 20/11/2021 08:21

I hate indented conversations on other forums. It makes it feel like you can only reply to one poster or point - MN is a conversation amongst many posters, so the indents would just ruin it

choosername1234 · 20/11/2021 08:22

@lostmymarblesbutfoundthewine

Not sure if this has been said but I know use the app and I can't find a button to go to the last reply on a thread which you can on the website. Is its a long post especially it's a lot of scrolling through every time. Unless someone can point me to it and its really obvious 🙈
Use the up/down arrows to invert the conversation. You will see most recent posts first
Waahingwashingwashing · 20/11/2021 08:25

I don’t like the indents either. I tried Reddit but it annoyed me. I prefer the way it is here.

SoupDragon · 20/11/2021 08:34

If you design a website, you should be ensuring that people who come to it for the first time CAN navigate it. It should be intuitive, not quirky to use. Otherwise they lose interest and leave.

And yet MN has lots and lots of members who didn't leave... 🤷🏻‍♀️

SoupDragon · 20/11/2021 08:37

A like button. When I was new to Mumsnet, I, too thought this would be a good idea. Then, I spent time on Reddit and realised that I was actually trying to post for approval as a result of the like function

I found Reddit was a very good example of how "like" type buttons can be used for bullying.

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