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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Hello everyone - please can you tell us what you think of Mumsnet Local?

173 replies

JustineMumsnet · 23/04/2008 22:11

Do you use it? If you do - how do you find it? What works, what doesn't ? Is there anything (here we go, nice ham blah blah) you like us to add/ we could do to make it better?

Thanks,
MNHQ

ps if you haven't used it yet here are some tips on getting started

OP posts:
mumto2daughters · 28/04/2008 08:24

I use it if I'm going away and want to find things close to where I'm staying.

mistlethrush · 28/04/2008 11:25

I tried to get a local event 'listed' but didn't manage it - probably just me, but could this sort of thing be made easier - and an events section be made more 'up-to-date' with things dropping off once they are no longer valid?

havalina · 28/04/2008 21:25

Sorry Haven't used mumsnet local too much, but whenever I look there are no new posts, would love to discuss local things, but it's mostly about childcare. Which is obviosly niche/boring.

Would love a local community where we could discuss anything/meet up etc. Have no idea how this could be achieved mind lol.

Twinklemegan · 28/04/2008 23:15

IMO, Mumsnet is best off sticking with what it does best, and that is the talk boards. All of the rest is a bit disappointing I think (sorry Justine).

cupcakesinthesnow · 29/04/2008 10:53

As the threads do not show up in active convos, it's a bit of a miss for me tbh. If i wanted local advice I would probably just starta thred on Chat as it has more chance of being seen.

Buckets · 29/04/2008 14:23

I guess it's because you have to go looking for it that people just don't. Also the separate Meet-ups forum is counterproductive.
I think it's a great idea in principle, most of us know someone who could use the free advertising too. I don't want to see it go but would be nice if more people contributed to the shared local info eg I'm trying to get together a list of playgrounds in my town that have been modernised at some point in the last 15yrs and had some thought put into the design.

Buckets · 29/04/2008 14:26

The listings aren't very clear to browse (instead of search by category) and how do you delete old listings?

HonorMatopoeia · 29/04/2008 20:10

I agree that if the threads appeared in active convos then it would be more useful. I've posted in my local and received no replies at all.

CristinaTheAstonishing · 29/04/2008 21:01

Mine seems quiet as well. I think I replied a couple of times but never got any feedback so I'm less inclined to do so again...

juliax3 · 30/04/2008 00:57

I like the idea but live in Tokyo, so not enough people out here, i imagine. i couldn't even see if it's possible to create a listing outside of UK.

TeaDr1nker · 30/04/2008 09:03

My local board is rather quiet. I don't know if there are m/any mumnetters in my local area.

I have looked at the local board, but it seems a bit weak. Sorry.

rey · 30/04/2008 10:20

I tried your link last week but it jammed my pc. I've tried again today and the same thing possibly something in my system I don't know. Anyway, I don't seem to get the local board thing or it's very quiet not sure which.

prettybird · 30/04/2008 12:28

Don't really use it as it doesn't show on Active Conversations.

Also would really need to see a Scotland wide one, as especially for meet-ups we tend to thik more broadly.

piximon · 30/04/2008 13:21

Since moving to Exeter I rarely use it as there's very little on there. Shame really as I'm new to the area and could do with it for knowing which attractions are worth a visit, where to eat in town with my brood in tow, where to head for coffee and company etc.

Fennel · 30/04/2008 14:13

I don't use ours much, but I would have it it had been here when we first moved. But I post on it - Piximon I am in Exeter. all the places I meet up with other mumsnetters are on there.

numptysmummy · 30/04/2008 22:06

I'm just outside exeter but haven't seen much from anyone round here lately. Have to say i don't look at it often as never muhc on it.

carriemumsnet · 01/05/2008 18:13

Thanks so much for all the feedback - we've been compiling a list of "things to do with Local"and hope to talk to the techs soon about things like getting Local talk in active convos and some of the other top suggestions.

A few folks have asked specific questions, so here are a few answers - apologies if we miss anyone out, please shout if we do:

By theartfulsplodger on Wed 23-Apr-08 23:29:34
I posted my toddler group on there. I have been unable to make changes to my original listing and have ended up having to add more listings which make it look as if I am spamming. I have emailed mumsnet about this but had no response.

Hi theartfulsplodger

We're sorry noone's been in touch. If you - or anyone - has problems with wrong or multiple postings, or anything that you think needs amending do let us know or CAT your Tsarina, if you're signed up for CAT as they are the ones we'd then contact to fix this.

apologies again for lack of response

Mamazon on Wed 23-Apr-08 23:21:17
My only issue with it is that it always directs me to redhill, which is lovely but im not in redhill.

No idea why that would happen, but looks like WanderingTrolley has had a similar problem. If you could both email [email protected] with your postcode we'll test the system this end. Apologies for the inconvenience!

By elkiedee on Thu 24-Apr-08 00:46:28
Can you have more than one Local Tsarina? I don't want to tread on anyone's toes, but I live on the other side of the borough and a rather sharp east-west divide from my local Tsarina, and we have children of, I think, very different ages. It might bring a different perspective.

We can have as many Tsarinas for one site as you like - some sites have three or four and noone has yet complained about too much help . Just email Mumsnet HQ on [email protected] and we'll send you all the info.

By DisplacementActivity on Thu 24-Apr-08 01:20:46
It directs me to MN Brussels which is 200km away. There isn't one single thread on the topic...

Well we are a bit thin on the ground in mainland Europe and totally reliant on Local Mumsnetters to add stuff to the sites, but if you'd like to volunteer to be Tsarina for your area we'd be more than happy to set a site up for you.
If you - or anyone - would like some Mumsnet fliers to distribute to drum up more interest just send us your address and we'll be happy to send you some (sadly we can't offer them in languages other than English )

By callmeovercautious on Wed 23-Apr-08 22:34:38
Mine is quiet and aimed at our big City. We are 20 miles away and have a Thriving Mums and Toddlers community that is ignored. I am more than happy to post some listings as a Tsar if you want. Please contact me if you want.

callmeovercautious - We've contacted you via email - but basically the site names are meant as a guide to an area - we obviously can't cover every town /area in the UK. So it's quite likely that in somewhere like Leeds for example, you might have postings from outlying villages/ local towns/areas, which will also cross over to another nearby site and show up on both. The crucial thing is that wherever you live you can input your postcode on any site along with what activity you are looking for and it will bring things up closest to you.

If you think there's enough interest to warrant a new site, we are usually more than happy to create one (as long as you volunteer to be Tsarina for it!)

For all those worried about your anonymity - please don't let this put you off. You can add listings and add comments to listings anonymously and if you do want to join a meet up you can always change your name.

Another query was on the number of sites you can join. The truth is you can be a member of as many sites as you like (you should see my list!) so if you're going on hols, or just visiting friends and want to find out what's on, or want to review somewhere you've been outside your area, just click on other sites at the top of the page and join one you like the look of - or search using a postcode.

Some lazy busy folks moaned about having to fill in every minute detail on a new posting. You don't have to fill in everything (though it?s good if you do) - better to at least put the basics down and leave it to someone else to add info, than not put anything at all.

For those who've experienced technical glitches when posting, please accept our apologies (on Tech's behalf ) There's been a lot of work recently to try and fix the glitches so please give Local another chance and please please get back if you still have problems.

Phew.. apologies for epic post. Please keep the suggestions coming and if we haven't covered your query, just shout.

MNHQ

carriemumsnet · 01/05/2008 19:01

just seen this one
By juliax3 on Wed 30-Apr-08 00:57:34
I like the idea but live in Tokyo, so not enough people out here, i imagine. i couldn't even see if it's possible to create a listing outside of UK.

It's only really possible to post outside the UK if some Mumsnetter has offered to Tsarina a site. If you're willing we'd be more than happy to set up Mumsnet Tokyo!

CilC · 02/05/2008 08:52

i would also prefer a more local meet a mum board.

EvelynsDad · 02/05/2008 13:24

Currently it's a bit chicken and egg, nobody bothers posting because nobody else posts.

Maybe we could drum up some interest by having a set of standard topics to start people off. Things like local child/friendly places to eat. Local activities for children, etc.

If someone can get these posts created automatically across all the local boards, it might kickstart some of them?

LynetteScavo · 02/05/2008 13:26

Great places to change a baby would be good!

CilC · 03/05/2008 02:01

Have just gone back and had a look and my local section is entirely blank...or I am doing something very wrong....

Buckets · 03/05/2008 13:15

Nice places to breastfeed in public?

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