Should Mumsnet be going to Baby Show ? We need your views

[carriemumsnet]

Hi all

Reposting this here from the Baby Show volunteers thread to make sure we get widest response....

Basically we've had a great response to our appeal for help running a stall at the Baby Show. But now something has come up and, as usual, we want you to contribute to our decision. We've had an email from a mumsnetter saying that Clarion, the Baby Show organisers, also organise arms fairs and questioning whether, in that case, Mumsnet should be associated with them.

I don't think any of us are pro arms, but you could argue that Clarion aren't manufacturing or selling arms, they're just the organisers of a fair.

If we attend the Baby Show we have the chance to introduce Mumsnet (a good thing we hope you'll agree ) to several thousand mums-to-be who will then find out, for example, why lots of Mumsnetters boycott Nestle as well as the truth about fruit shoots and Greggs sausage rolls.

Or we pull out now. It's another one of those 'where do you draw the line?' discussions and we're torn. What do you think?

MNHQ

[Bubbaluv]

It could make a difference actually...
If they advertise the Baby Show on this site and people here create posts pointing out The Baby Show/Clarion's involvement with Arms shows, then you can bet Clarion's PR dept will pick up on it.

[Swedes]

Wasn't it the Dalai Lama who said: If you think you are too small to have an impact, try sharing a room with a mosquito.

[vonsudenfed]

Sooo, babyshow very soon, but nothing on here.

Does this mean they are going, or that they aren't?

[JustineMumsnet]

Hello all,
Sorry for delay in getting back on this, it's been a busy few days.

Well we've cogitated, ruminated and whatever else that annoying Canadian bloke does, and we've decided not to go.

In truth we are still a bit in two minds about this - as it seems the Mumsnet community is - but we feel we need to do a bit more research/ thinking on it and generally think that it's best to err on the side of caution.

Obviously we think nasty weapons sales to evil regimes is bad - that's an easy one. Whether Clarion (the events organiser) and by extension the Baby Show should be held responsible for organising a legal event however is slightly more tricky in our minds at least. And something we'd like to think about a little more before we start banging a campaign drum about it.

Thanks to all for your input - please do continue to add your thoughts/perspective as it's very helpful for us and sorry to all those who offered to represent us at the Baby Show and who will be disappointed not to go there. We appreciate the offer of your time and hopefully they'll be other events.

Best,
MNHQ

[nickytwoooohtimes]

Well, as me old Mum used to say "If you're not sure, don't do it." A sentiment which has served me well with regards to housework anyway.

[SimpleAsABC]

what's wrong with greggs sausage rolls?