Frequently Asked Questions
or Everything You Wanted To Know About kumb.com But Were Afraid To Ask.
What is KUMB?
KUMB.com is an independent website run by supporters of West Ham United which offers a fans perspective on current affairs at the club. As an independent organisation we remain free to speak openly and honestly about the club and its business.
KUMB.com is also the longest-running independent West Ham site on the web. In our first year online (1997-98) we generated just a few thousand page views - we now serve several million pages each month (to as many as 100,000 unique visitors).
Our news archive is the most comprehensive store of daily Hammers news available on the web (going back even further than the Club's own archive); you can search our archive here.
What does KUMB stand for - and why is it so-called?
KUMB is short for Knees up Mother Brown. Why call the site Knees up Mother Brown? Because it was a song popular with West Ham United's away support between the early 1960s and late 80s and often heard following a good win on the road - so it represents happier days!
If you want to know more about the background to the song click here.
How long has KUMB been running?
KUMB first went online at the beginning of the 1997-98 season and has been ploughing on - through good times and bad (and even worse) - ever since. The site you are viewing now is our seventh version, KUMB having changed appearance in 1998, 2000, September 2003, September 2005, November 2006 and July 2008.
So who runs this site?
Running the site since its inception is editor Graeme Howlett, whilst Gordon Thrower joined the editorial team in 2005 after five years as a contributor/moderator. The other forum moderators are Chalks, Romford, Northern Paulo, Rio, Goes2Eleven, Bonehead and Lost Hammer - whilst scores of fellow Hammers have contributed match reports and articles over the years.
Our entire moderating team have been with us since 2000 bar Goes2Eleven, who replaced Amsterhammer in 2005 after the latter moved on following five years' service.
All of those who contribute to the site do so on a part-time basis (sadly we all have bills to pay and these days, several mouths to feed).
Where can I find more information on KUMB's Premium Membership scheme?
Right here.
How do I submit match reports/articles for submission on KUMB?
Simply send your work to editor @ kumb.com (remove the spaces) with a brief covering note.
Why are there so many non-West Ham fans on KUMB's forums?
KUMB has an active policy of encouraging (sensible) supporters of other football teams to join us Hammers on the forums. Fans from clubs such as Everton, Reading, Sunderland, Birmingham and Bolton all regularly join in the banter.
These occasional pop-unders are annoying. Why do we have to have them?
Quite simply to pay the rent. We incur hosting fees which need to be paid for - and that's why you have to put up with the odd (non-intrusive) pop-under. If however you find these too annoying there is plenty of free software available which will disable such advertisements. A search for 'pop up killer' in Google should give you plenty of associated links.
I've ordered something from KUMB's store. How long will it take to arrive?
All goods usually arrive between 7-14 days from point of order.
What songs did you feature on KUMB.com's front page?
Our audio splash pages included 'Just The Way I'm Feeling' by Feeder (with relegation looming, 2003), 'It's The End Of The World As We Know It' by REM (following relegation in 2003), 'Rip It Up' by Orange Juice (following Terry Brown's 'no fire sale' speech, Summer 2003) and 'What A Waster' by the Libertines (following the sale of Cole/Johnson in August 2003).
Can you put a link to my website on KUMB?
Unfortunately we no longer accept link submissions. However you are welcome to request permission to plug your site on our forums by contacting editor @ kumb.com (removing the spaces).
Can you get my mate a trial at West Ham United?
Unfortunately not. Contact the club for further details.
Where can I find the Club's website?
Right here - www.whufc.com.
I've read all this and you haven't mentioned the forum rules.
You can find the KUMB forum terms and conditions here.
