The founder of a mothers’ Facebook group has defended her controversial decision to charge her 24,000 members a one-off $10 joining fee.
Mother-of-one Carly Abrahams, from Sydney, launched Mums the Word-Aus five years ago after she struggled to find a safe space online to seek advice.
The private support group allows parents to converse safely about anything, including tips on motherhood and recommendations on contractors.
But the social media page has divided the internet after the administrator called on fellow mothers to cover the costs of running the page, monitoring comments and replying to messages.
However, Ms Abrahams told FEMAIL the decision was made after months of speaking with members on their thoughts about whether the rule should be applied.
Founder of Mums the Word-Aus, Carly Abrahams has defended her decision after sparking controversy for asking her 24,000 Facebook members to pay a one-off $10 joining fee
The private group has divided the internet after the administrator called on fellow mothers to cover the costs of running the page, monitoring comments and replying to messages
‘It wasn’t a decision made overnight,’ she said.
‘I contacted the mothers in the groups and met with business mentors. The consensus in the group fully supported the decision.
‘People don’t know this but it’s a lot of work for me. There are a lot of rules I need to keep track of and legal issues so the workload falls back on me.
‘I have no downtime because I’m constantly checking the page. I check every single post to make sure they don’t breach the guidelines. It’s a 24/7 job for me.’
Ms Abrahams said the money will go into a ‘business account’, in which it would distribute a ‘small weekly salary to keep the group running’.
‘I am not going to run away on holiday with it,’ she said.
‘I don’t think everyone’s going to pay but I totally understand. It’s fine if people don’t pay. I can’t make everyone happy 100 per cent of the time.
‘There are Facebook groups out there that charge members to pay a fee. So I’m not inventing the wheel here. I just think it’s unfair for trolls to attack me.
‘This group is like joining a club, you pay a membership fee. You’re not in it if you don’t pay.’
Ms Abrahams said the money will go into a ‘business account’, in which it would distribute a ‘small weekly salary to keep the group running’
The Sydney mother launched Mums the Word-Aus five years ago after she struggled to find a safe space online to seek advice
Angry parents have calculated the fees, and if every existing members were to pay, Ms Abrahams would pocket at least $240,000
Angry parents have calculated the fees, and if every existing members were to pay, Ms Abrahams would pocket at least $240,000.
‘I don’t see it generating a huge amount. At the moment, we’re talking a few hundred dollars,’ she said.
‘I know I won’t get all the members paying so a lot of people will leave. And that’s fine. The group has just been hard to manage since it got bigger.
‘Other groups earn their money from ads, businesses and brands – but unfortunately brands won’t work with groups like ours because they are closed.
‘I have not been able to generate advertising income or get the voluntary help that’s required.’
The mother said she spends a lot of her time making sure inappropriate posts are removed from the page.
She explained parents posting any medical questions can land the group in hot water or anyone ranting about a business can defame the owners.
Many have jumped to Ms Abrahams’ defence by throwing their support behind the decision
The private support group allows parents to converse safely about anything, including tips on motherhood and recommendations on contractors (stock image)
‘We have two pages of guidelines members need to follow which protect them as well as us,’ Ms Abrahams said.
‘But as most members fail to read the guidelines, the group has to be constantly moderated to keep it safe and supportive and also not spammed.
‘I check every post that goes up on the group feed. In addition to this, members message or email me numerous times a day, every day and on weekends and nights with questions.’
As for current members who choose not to make the payment, Ms Abrahams said she hasn’t made a decision on what to do yet.
‘At the moment we’re going to have a grace period, I haven’t set a date yet or whether will be removing people,’ she said.
New members can join the group once they pay the fee.
‘We’re also looking at setting up a trial period for new members because they don’t know what they’re paying for,’ she said.
Her comments comes after she posted a lengthy post in the group asking her members to pay a $10 so she can continue running the group.
The new rule has been met with a mixed reaction, with many supporting her decision while others were far from impressed with the request
‘I also have to spend a lot of time moderating the group so it’s fair for everyone and a safe, supportive group for all members,’ she said.
‘This includes; vetting every new member, checking posts and comments, making sure it’s safe, non-defamatory, non-life threatening and generally supportive, constantly removing spam and promotions and MLMs, answering private messages and emails, providing anonymous questions, fundraising help and more.’
The new rule has been met with a mixed reaction, with many supporting her decision while others were far from impressed with the request.
‘This actually laughable!! $10,’ one woman said.
‘I’ll pay it when I see an invoice with a ABN – you are setting yourself up for a massive tax bill. You’ve clearly done no research. Good luck to you lady but I’m out.’
‘Just wondering if you can point me towards the terms and conditions, refund policies, complaints policies and membership guidelines? Thanks,’ one woman sarcastically added.
Members have been asked to make a $10 payment as part of the group’s new membership fee
Others said the advice they had received over the past few years had been ‘invaluable’, and they would be happy to pay a ‘bargain’ price of $10.
‘Best-spent $10 – I have massively benefited from what you have created,’ one woman wrote.
‘Done. This page has been the best resource ever. I know how much hard work you have put into it and you deserve to get something back. I’m backing you all the way. Let the haters leave, no problem,’ another posted.
While another mother said: ‘When I saw the post about the fee I thought fair enough I have found all the advice helpful and comforting in my first year of motherhood.’
And another wrote: ‘This was the first Mum’s fb group I ever joined! Come to think of it, you might have started the whole trend here in Australia! Love your work and transferred.’