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Original poster

Why aren’t we allowed to post plain text links any more?

7 replies

Slothtoes · 23/03/2023 13:11

Why can’t I just post a plain text link any more without a massive preview image?
I really value Mumsnet for its clear, plain text, and clean looking posted links. It’s not Facebook or Twitter and I really appreciate that.

MN threads will get way too long, way too quickly when they’re full of links with images and for me it really breaks up the conversation flow. Much harder to reply to specific posts anything more than one or two posts back if you have to scroll way back. It just creates visual clutter. The new feature is even mandatory when just posting an internal MN link onto another MN thread. And I wonder what happens if anyone has the gall to post two or more links into the same post, as references?

This new feature will really negatively impact the quality of discussion on factual and resource type threads where posters share information. Off the top of my head- FWR, politics, health topics, parenting topics, recipes, F&B, Telly addicts….. or any support or discussion thread with a factual, informing, or evolving/updated evidence type of basis.

Decreased quality of discussion can equal decreased quality of support for parents which is the aim of the site. Please MN- stop trying to shape our conversations. Please could you remove this new feature.

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MNHQ

JanineMumsnet · 23/03/2023 13:15

Hello,

Thanks for the feedback - we really welcome any feedback (good or bad). You are able to remove link previews when posting a thread or reply. When you paste a link you should see the preview below the text editor, and you should see a rubbish bin icon which will allow you to remove link previews from your post.

But I understand your wider feedback on this, about it not being appropriate in certain circumstances and in certain topics. It's something we will be keeping an eye on.

Thanks

MNHQ

MNHQ

JanineMumsnet · 23/03/2023 15:04

SoupDragon · 23/03/2023 13:54

Are we meant to be psychic and know that then?

I'd wondered why there were awful pictures cluttering up the screen. I don't think it's an improved "feature" at all.

Show quote history

Hello,

I posted in site stuff on Tuesday when we released this feature here which included info about how to delete the preview, but appreciate this has gone unnoticed.

In general, if we release a new feature we will post in site stuff to communicate this, so it's always worth keeping an eye on this topic, but I'll feed back that we should also pin in active for a number of days.

New Feature - link previews | Mumsnet

Mumsnet makes parents' lives easier by pooling knowledge, advice and support on everything from conception to childbirth, from babies to teenagers.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/site_stuff/4767879-new-feature-link-previews

MNHQ

JanineMumsnet · 27/03/2023 10:20

LookItsMeAgain · 26/03/2023 13:10

@JanineMumsnet - when I click on the rubbish bin icon, it not only removes the preview, it removes the whole link from my post too (but it doesn't look like it's been removed from the "Message" box before I click on the Post button. Then when I do click to post my hyperlink suggestion, it makes me look idiotic as there is no link any longer in my message.

I've just tried to replicate this issue, but I don't get the same thing. Do you have a link to where you posted this so I can pass on to our developers so we can look into it?

Thanks

MNHQ

JanineMumsnet · 27/03/2023 17:10

LookItsMeAgain · 27/03/2023 17:01

Same thing has just happened here! I tried posting this link without the preview and clicked on the bin icon and it deleted not just the preview but the link as well.
Where can I find a nice dress for a wedding ? | Mumsnet

I'm not sure what you mean as both the link and the preview are there on the post for me. The linked text says "Where can I find a nice dress for a wedding ? | Mumsnet" immediately below your post and that links directly to the thread.

Are you saying you tried to link another part of the copy in your post, and when you deleted the preview the linked text was no longer a link?

MNHQ

JanineMumsnet · 28/03/2023 08:19

LookItsMeAgain · 27/03/2023 18:11

Ah here....you are messing with me now MN 😆😆😆

It appears to be working now...it really really wasn't working when I posted originally. It was stripping out the URL from the message box as well as the preview.

Don't worry, I believe you, and think I understand now. Can you just let me know what device and browser you were using to post?

MNHQ

JanineMumsnet · 30/03/2023 13:39

OhYouBadBadKitten · 29/03/2023 19:15

So its the person posting who gets to decide whether everyone has to see the preview or not? That seems a bit unfair.

Hello,

Yes, that's correct. The person posting the link chooses whether the link shows a preview or not.

MNHQ

HebeMumsnet · 03/04/2023 10:34

Morning, everyone!

@kittensinthekitchen in answer to your question, no, we don't have any plans currently to give viewers (rather than just posters) the ability to remove the preview links, we're afraid, but as always, we are keen to hear feedback on this so we've made a note of your thoughts.

@eleanorwish regarding skimlinks, just to be clear and set your mind at rest, no we never harvest individual data in this way. Skimlinks picks up affiliate commission on some products - so if someone posts a link to a product and someone buys it then Mumsnet may occasionally get a small commission from that sale, but there's no data collected by us as part of that.

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