Eeek, glad everyone has semi-kissed and made up. Privacy has been a subject close to my heart over the last few days. Here is my perspective...
MNV really took off about 15 months ago and over that period of time, regular posters have developed trusting relationships with each other and it's a lovely happy thread. It's very easy to forget that there are other people reading. Chanelgate made it very clear that others are reading, noting and judging and made it a rather uncomfortable time for MNV regulars. There was some other weird stuff going on as well, increased the level of discomfort. We just chose not to talk about it on here. I have seen time and time again that when people are incensed about something or just plain dislike you, boundaries go out of the window. For some of us, that would threated our livelihoods, so no, sometimes it's not just words on a screen.
Lots of new people joined the thread since Chanelgate, which was lovely, but it's somewhat natural to focus on negative things (everyone thinks that we are vacous people who look down their noses at everyone) rather than the positive things (new potential friends!). Sadly, Chanelgate it's made pre-Chanel posters less brave and more cautious, which obviously has a detrimental impact on new posters on the thread.
Anni is right when she says that we have personal pictures on her Pin board. Some of us have also used it to discuss personal problems and dilemmas which after Chanel gate, we just wouldn't feel comfortable opening up to lurkers (I mean proper lurkers not those who post on the thread) and those proficient with advance search and excel spreadsheets. However, I echo what QueenC says....it is a tad impolite to refer to Pin when it is not open to all. I do think that we have been lovely and inclusive in the past, and we can't say that we are inclusive if we keep referring to Pin. I think it right that we all stop referring to secret boards on Pin because I would like everyone to stay and for the thread to remain a happy one!
While I have the floor 
, one of the things I like about the thread is the variety of stuff. I know very few people who gad about exclusively in designer togs. I could afford to, if i wanted to, but variety is the spice of life. My find of the year from last year was the 15 warehouse top that either QueenC or Dry linked here, and my current favourite are the me&em dresses that Amber recommended. They cost 34 in the sale and look and feel amazing. Anyone pointing me towards stuff like that will have my undying gratitude . As you were....