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Talk Guidelines

5 replies

Snowingtoday · 07/01/2026 16:42

As I understood it Threads about threads aren't allowed on MN.

I just reported a thread which is specifically a Thread about a Thread - the title even says it is. The reply I got back from MN is that they would investigate and if it was against Talk Guidelines they would delete it.

I've looked for the Talk Guidelines on the site and can't find them. Can anyone tell me where I can read them?

And also am I wrong in thinking Threads about Threads aren't allowed. There seem to be quite a few appearing recently.

OP posts:
LiveToTell · 07/01/2026 17:30

If you look under the box where you type a post/message, you’ll find a link to the Talk Guidelines. I can see it as I type!

Snowingtoday · 07/01/2026 17:34

LiveToTell · 07/01/2026 17:30

If you look under the box where you type a post/message, you’ll find a link to the Talk Guidelines. I can see it as I type!

Oh my goodness! How stupid of me
That must be about the one place I didn't think of looking.
Many thanks.

OP posts:
Snowingtoday · 07/01/2026 17:40

If a whole thread is deleted, please don't start a new one repeating and/or rehashing everything. Most Mumsnetters consider that to be very bad manners - and, of course, it's highly likely that the new thread will be deleted, too.

I presume this must be the bit in the guidelines which covers Threads about threads?

OP posts:
BeckyAMumsnet · 08/01/2026 09:51

Our guidelines around TAATs (thread about a thread) are aimed at situations where someone starts a new thread specifically to continue an argument from a previously deleted thread or to deliberately stir things back up again. We’ll also remove TAATs where the main purpose appears to be singling out or belittling another poster or group of posters from elsewhere on the site.

There is a bit of a grey area, though. Sometimes a thread is genuinely inspired by a topic or discussion that’s happened elsewhere, rather than being an attempt to restart a dispute or have a go at someone. Those kinds of threads are usually fine to stay, as long as they stand on their own and remain within Talk guidelines otherwise.

We can't find a recent TAAT report from you @Snowingtoday - could you please mail us again with details of the thread you refer to and we'll happily review. Thanks v much.

Snowingtoday · 08/01/2026 10:03

@BeckyAMumsnet
Thanks for clarifying things . I think I had picked up that it was a " black and white" rule so it's helpful to know it is more nuanced than that.

The thread I reported has been removed. The explanation given was that as the original thread had been removed at the request of the OP MN was therefore removing the thread about the original thread. Which is fair enough given what you have explained above about the guidelines on this issue.

OP posts:
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