In light of MNHQ's recent statement that the feminism section is in fact not a feminism section but a section 'about' feminism, perhaps we need to be warning people about this up front?

[Beachcomber]

I'm of the opinion that it needs to made clear that whilst the title may be 'feminism/women's rights', this section is quite different to other boards that deal with feminism/women's rights.

It isn't fair to mislead - lots of posters expect the section to be a place where feminist views can be freely explored without fear of posters' mental health being questioned, and a zone where misogyny is unwelcome. In reality, pretty much anything goes here and whilst it is, of course, MNHQ's prerogative to run their site as they see fit, some sort of disclaimer about the section seems only fair in order to forewarn posters (especially posters looking for support or exploration of sensitive issues).

Perhaps it would be an idea for there to be a header at the top of the section stating MNHQ's position?

All suggestions welcomed .

I know Helen's off for the night ... but I'd like to know that too custardo. IMO I'd rather people who didn't call themselves feminists were happy to post here. But I think maybe if someone identifies as anti-feminist, they should be told they're not really in the spirit of the section?

But you can call any opposing viewpoint "anti-feminist." Doesn't mean it is

Big difference between "I wouldn't call myself a feminist" and "I think feminism is wrong/I am against it"

Custardo, LRD - from the 'When you engage with the trolls' thread:

"Mumsnet is an open forum, which welcomes discussion from those with a variety of opinions and perspective - and the Feminism section of Mumsnet is no exception to that. It is not a closed forum. Nor is a forum in which only feminists can post."

Should mention that was HelenMumsnet, sorry.

Eh?

eccle, a bit further back HelenMN mentions a spectrum of feminists/agnostics, hence the discussion of whether what you quote is still in force.

OK, my mistake.

No worries - long thread!

I think I misunderstood Helen's initial post anyway - I thought it was her final answer and didn't realize they still saw this issue as a work-in-progress.

hmm. i think LindsayWagner has made some really, really interesting points here. as someone who uses active convos, i guess i miss the more generalist situations where a thread would end off being discussed from a feminist perspective by dint of the presence of feminists on the thread, and to me not only do the threads on the feminist board seem rather cardigan sleeve-chewing nowadays but even when you do click on them they seem to be populated by derailers anyway.

so, much as i really thought that this board would be a great addition to MN when it started, and i was here every day, i haven't been on here for ages and now would personally prefer it to disappear and give the trolls nothing to leap on, which means we could get back to having a feminist conversation right across MN again. however, i can TOTALLY see why that would not be a good result in that it rather gives in to the bullies... it's just that it fits with what i would like first and foremost [selfish] because so many of you are such great posters.

nightmare situation for you all. who would have thought it'd be this place and the doghouse that would go so Col Kurtz?

i know. i think more and more people are getting behind you on the hide poster thing, len.

btw, mras are what, male rights activists? surely not?

Helen - I don't know if it helps you with the issue SGM raised, about quoting posts that belong to MN, but for what it's worth, this one seems to be quoting HQ (no idea how the legal stuff works, but it maybe makes sense of why I thought you'd given up on us):

s4.zetaboards.com/Misandry_101/topic/9058039/1/

Manky Rectal Abcesses, Aitch. I think that's what we decided.

oh, I am beyond

I know this a public forum and my posts can be c+p'ed anywhere

but I really fucking hate to see my username and my words pasted elsewhere

and not just a direct quote, but a complete fucking put down

the arses can't even do it to my face, on here

I think I am done with the Feminism Topic on MN. I don't need this fucking shit.

Sorry AF. But, better you know, I think? I find it quite creepy they're doing this. Really nasty.

Yes, better we know, so we can make an informed decision to remove ourselves from being targeted

I recommend you all do the same

I expect this will be reported elsewhere as some kind of "victory" but I couldn't give a shit any more

As far as I know, no other sections are consistently trolled, twisted and recounted elsewhere on t'internet in the way this one is to bolster some dickless pillock's chip on his/her shoulder

it's beyond creepy, and not something I need in my life