to be concerned about how easy it is to change names here?

[loiner45]

I've only been on here a few weeks - and I LOVE it! but one thing that seems to come up again and again is how easy it is to change names, and how often people accuse other posters of being "the OP" with a different name - this makes it really easy to just dismiss opinions someone doesn't agree with. Have just posted on one thread agreeing with someone that is thought to be the OP under a different name - those arguing against the OP will undoubtedly think I am the OP, but I'm not.

I have namechanged once on here, when I thought too much information under one name was giving away my RL ID, so I really do understand there are very good reasons to do it, but it still worries me that it seems to be so common. I've been online for years (I'm very very old!) and have seen the whole 'sock puppet' phenomenon, with different IDs and email addresses used to show false support for something - but this has traditionally been frowned upon, it almost seems to be encouraged here. Just wondering if the benefits outweigh the costs?

[nooka]

I don't think that sockpuppets are in practice very common here, it's just one of the ways that people sometimes dismiss other posters, like calling them a troll. Of course sometimes it is true, but I really don't think very often.

Mostly people name change for fun (all the Christmas and other occasion variants of names) and because they don't want to leave too much of an identifiable trail. Mumsnet being such a popular place every now and then people get anxious about being outed by RL acquaintances, and the usual advice is to name change every few months or so.

[sweatybrawearer]

I use this name for most of my MN'ing (I mostly hang out on the C25K threads, so this name suits me well).

But I've been a MN'er for many years, but lurk more than I post. When I do post it's usually on threads where I have direct experience or expertise, so I have different names for that part of my life (e.g. I have a SN child, but when I post about DC I use a different name, because that's a different part of the "me" I choose to share on here. if I want to post about that part of my life i want to do that separately to posting about my running progress/foot injuries/pelvic floor issues).

I like the fact that I can be as anonymous or as prolific a poster as I choose (and i'd post less if I could only be one person).

[LolaRennt]

I change every few months because I find it easier than remebering all the details I have shared so as not to overshare. Some posters will change certain details of their lives (for example: 25 year old poster with 3 kids lives in Essex) but is actually (29 year old with 4 kids lives in suffolk) they do it to avoid being outed in RL but often forget and then called out for being a troll.

I happily admit my age sex children etc on mumsnet as and when it is makes sense and the name change frequently. On that basis I will never become MN Royalty... but I'm a bit too common to want to become royalty anyway

[MrsKardashian]

Name changing is fun. That's why I do it anyway. I think the sinister are a tiny minority.

[Primalscream]

It's never a good idea to get too well known on here (ime) and that's inevitable if you only ever post under one name. I have 4 names ( 2 main ones ) to avoid getting 'known' - unfortunately, I'm mind numbingly boring with each name so instantly forgettable anyway -

[loiner45]

I have to say I've enjoyed some of the spoof threads :-) but I have also seen people take them seriously and appear to get pissed off when they realise they've been 'fooled'.

The diffent names for different parts of your life idea is an interesting one - I've done that on different forums, but never been on one where you can name change within one thread or topic before (not without logging in and out repeatedly!) - and the name change every few months makes sense to preserve RL ID too - I would never remember what details I'd changed (how many dcs do I have again!)

Im going to have to think about this one a bit more:-) I've made some long lasting RL friends online (one set of friends from an online group I joined 16 yrs ago - yes the Internet has been around a long time!) so I see real value in having a persistent 'identity' - but would like to be able to contribute based on my real experience without outing myself, the ex, the dcs etc etc.

On top of all that this is dangerously addictive, I've not been this keen to check online threads since my last online addiction ended about 5 yrs ago ... I thought mumsnet was all about nappies :-)))) not sure I can devote the time to it that I know it would take... Oh god I'm being sucked in, I can feel it.......

[GypsyMoth]

umsnet is what it is!! fgs,yes,many of us have been on the internet and other forums,'for years' also!

you've been here a few weeks only and are suggesting changes? you wont g et very far

some of us like it as it is,i.e the namechanging for easter,biscuit-gate,etc etc

[thighslapper]

wouldnt let it bother you tbh, we all do it, its not hurting any one, it creates a sense of anonimity thats all.

[usualsuspect]

We all know the internet has been around for a long time ..many of us use other forums ,believe it or not

This is MN though ,its not going to change because you don't like some aspects of it

you have to get used to it ,the same as any other forum

[exoticfruits]

I don't see why it matters-it is anonymous anyway.

[VelvetSnow]

yet another [yawn] thread complaining about the working of this site..

what would life be like without trolls/nethuns/text speak/namechangers/fed-up threads....

probably as dull as this thread...

post and let post

[miniwedge]

I can't see the issue with name changing. I don't feel that I have a responsibility to make myself identifiable to others on a forum.

I name change fairly regularly, I like to be anonymous for privacy reasons.

Im not sure why some are so cross about you asking the question though, it's a public forum, you can ask what you like.

[MrsKardashian]

Hello Primalscream, I remember your name from some of your recent posts. Not as forgettable as you think

[Primalscream]

>

((I'm usually to be found on any thread slightly political - I really am extremely boring )

[UrsulaBuffay]

Folk do it on every site, they just sign up more than once & keep all those logons for talking to themselves, the daft twats.

The pros outweigh the negs.

[TotemPole]

UrsulaBuffay, that can be amusing when they forget which ID they are signed in on and start agreeing with themselves.

[UrsulaBuffay]

Yes cos they can have multiple screens open, must get confusing.

I have only done it as comedy characters, honest.

[LynetteScavo]

YABU.

I like it.

Unless, I think I have name changed, but haven't and end up looking stupid.

[thegruffalosma]

I always thought that the posters name was highlighted if they contributed to the thread under a different name.