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MNHQ

Has Mumsnet changed your life? Women's glossy mag would like to know...

80 replies

HelenMumsnet · 11/08/2009 12:41

Hello. We've been asked by Andreina, who writes for a well-known women's glossy, to put up the following media request.

Do feel free to wax lyrical about the wonders of Mumsnet...

"Hi, I am putting together an article for a women's glossy magazine about how more and more women are choosing to share their lives online ? whether it?s venting their frustrations, confessing something they can?t even tell their friends, or just showing a side to themselves which they feel they can?t show in their everyday lives.

"I'd really like to talk to Mumsnet users about how sharing their lives with online friends has made a difference to their lives, about why you post, what you post, and what you get out of it.

"If you'd like to talk to me - you won't have to identify yourself if you don't want to ? or if you have any questions at all about the feature, please don't hesitate to contact me on [email protected], or call 020 8144 0244.

"Look forward to hearing from you! Andreina Cordani"

OP posts:
WinkyWinkola · 12/08/2009 09:05

MN has helped me so much with a big spectrum of parenting issues.

I've been amazed and so touched that there are people out there who have so much knowledge, advice and empathy and who take the time to post and support. It's made a real difference - I can only imagine how isolating it must have been to parent alone in earlier decades.

I've also been staggered by the amount of vicious attacks that have gone on MN. It's less so now (I think) but there was a time when some posters were gleefully unkind and malicious.

LtEveDallas · 12/08/2009 10:28

MN has made me more tolerant of others - I was quick to judge what I thought of other peoples 'bad parenting' and made me realise what a stuck up snot I was being (esp after my PFB started acting JUST the same as those children whose parents I had judged!)

It taught me the phrase "This too shall pass"

It made me rather proud of the rod I made for my own back - doing things my way, and not to please others.

It made me realise that the ease with which I BF'd was not universal. Before MN I always thought that mums who didn't were lazy or [insert insult of choice]. Within weeks I heard so many stories where mums were struggling that it made me ashamed of myself. I regard TikTok as some kind of Goddess and cannot wait until I am in a position to be like her.

It introduced me to BLW and the dangers of early weaning - and as my HV at that stage was telling me to wean my 5 week premmie DD at 4 months, and to start with Petit Filous it was a bloody important introduction - (hunkermunker - another Goddess). I didnt start till 7 months and at 8 months DD was getting an amazingly varied diet - all by herself!

The downside to MN is the amount of time I spend here when I should be working - and the looks I get from RL friends when all my new conversations start....."Last night on Mumsnet....."

Granny23 · 12/08/2009 11:37

I would not say that Mumsnet changed my life - it was becoming a Granny that did that. However, I was a lurker throughout my DD's pregnancy, eventually plucking up the courage to join in. It has been absolutely invaluable for me in learning all the modern ethos of parenting and the new 'norms'. Definately, has helped me be a better grandmother through reading about all the mistakes and annoyances perpetrated by GPs.

DidEinsteinsMum · 12/08/2009 11:52

It was mumsnet that provided answers and support when years of hitting my head against the brick wall that is the medical system when seaking help with ds' behaviour and sleep problems. It helps to know that 1. its not just you going through this

  1. there are tricks and techniques that can be used to help
  2. There is sometimes a solution but you have to suggest it
Thanks to Mnetting I am have a much better view of life again and now (due to phone call this morning) have a chance for a good night sleep. All thanks to Mnetters.

The wise words of the Mnetters is invaluble -especially at stupid o'clock when you a lying awake worrying. Login, ask, make a berw, get answer and crash. Or for those with early risers; just the chance to get some chat with equally bleary eyed individuals.

Plus there is always fun for those who are house tied over the weekend

Andiewrites · 12/08/2009 12:09

Thanks to everyone for posting, you've all been brilliant.

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you - I've been having a few technical problems at my end: I could start a new thread but not add to this one.

Are you OK for me to quote you using your usernames? I hope that's all right, but let me know if it's not. I'm now sifting through all the stories that came through on the thread and on email. Glad to hear that Mumsnet has made such a difference to all of you. I've been on some of the other parenting sites too and this one is pretty unique!

Will post again when the feature is coming out so you can al look out for it

All the best
Andreina

Andiewrites · 12/08/2009 12:10

Thanks to everyone for posting, you've all been brilliant.

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you - I've been having a few technical problems at my end: I could start a new thread but not add to this one.

Are you OK for me to quote you using your usernames? I hope that's all right, but let me know if it's not. I'm now sifting through all the stories that came through on the thread and on email. Glad to hear that Mumsnet has made such a difference to all of you. I've been on some of the other parenting sites too and this one definitely has the strongest community spirit.

Will post again when the feature is coming out so you can all look out for it

All the best
Andreina

Swedes · 12/08/2009 13:20

I've made a lot of lovely new friends thanks to Mumsnet. I feel very certain I'll be friends with these intelligent, witty and gorgeous women for many years to come. I would never have found them in real life as they live all over the place and work in very different fields.

So thank you, Mumsnet.

Swedes · 12/08/2009 13:20

Absolutely fine about using user name for me.

LeninGrad · 12/08/2009 14:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

VinegarTits · 12/08/2009 14:22

MN hasn't changed my life but it has enhanced my vocabulary and improved my spelling/grammar because of all the pedants

DidEinsteinsMum · 12/08/2009 23:11

when i post on threads like this, which are open about who is wishing the information and why, I only post what i am comfortable to have quoted ( btw brwe was supposed to say brew). Therefore if you wish to quote what i wrote here you have permission to use my mnet name.

TrillianAstra · 12/08/2009 23:15

"I've been on some of the other parenting sites too and this one definitely has the strongest community spirit."

Sucking up much?

AbricotsSecs · 12/08/2009 23:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Swedes · 12/08/2009 23:57

I like Mumsnet very much indeed, though I've never won one of their competitions. Ever.

Merrylegs · 13/08/2009 14:18

Mumsnet hasn't changed my life, but I expect it has helped pay the mortgage for a lot of journalists.

quoteTHISyafuckers · 13/08/2009 18:49

I have now changed my name by deedpoll to this, in case I say anything which might be considered interesting to anyone in the media..

notwavingjustironing · 13/08/2009 18:52

Maybe the next article she writes could be "How did the Daily Mail printing your comments on Mumsnet change your life ?" Give it a couple of weeks and I'm sure there will be a cracking story or two to tell.

Swedes · 13/08/2009 20:41

Andreina Cordani
Sorry but I've changed my mind. I DO NOT want to be quoted nor do I want my Mumsnet name used. Thank you and good luck with your article.

hatwoman · 13/08/2009 20:52

tbh I don't think she needs our permission to quote us. nice of her to ask but it's a public forum. whatever we've written is already "published"

Andiewrites · 14/08/2009 08:03

No worries Swedes - I've got plenty of good comments here to choose from.

Yes legally speaking I could probably quote anyway, but I'm not that kind of journo

quoteTHISyafuckers · 14/08/2009 18:08

yes, thanks for asking us, Andie

Andiewrites · 15/08/2009 10:07

Just heard about the Daily Mail thing (I've been abroad for a bit) and now realise exactly where quotethis is coming from!

If you really don't want to be quoted please let me know. Am writing it this weekend and will let you know when it's finished.

StripeySuit · 15/08/2009 10:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Andiewrites · 16/08/2009 12:51

Actually if anyone would like to give me a quotable opinion on the DM thing that could be an interesting element to add to the article.

Part of the theme seems to be emerging is the dividing line between the online world and the real world. Is the threat of publication making you change what you post? Even though there are more members of MN than there are DM readers, does posting feel more public now?

Let me know (not too many swearwords please!)
A

battlehips · 16/08/2009 13:08

MN showed me how to be the parent I wanted to be. It taught me everything about weaning, bf and everyday I learn something new about how to raise my toddler. I have learnt about healthy eating, parenting techniques the list is endless.

I couldn't have learnt these things from my friends and family as they do things differently (early weaning, CIO, ff)

Without MN I wouldn't be the parent I am today, so my and I have a lot to be thankful to MN for

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