To ask why the need to say you have namechanged?

[SpottyLadyBug]

I've noticed quite a lot on mumsnet that often when people are discussing slightly personal or otherwise "outey" stuff, they will say they have namechanged and also sometimes say stuff like "yeah I was here for pombears..." etc to prove this.

I understand why someone might want to name change i.e. people in real life may know their usernames or whatever, but why the need to make a point that you are a regular. What difference does it make to the answers you get?

[Justforlaughs]

No idea, YANBU!

[CottonWoolCandy]

Well it saves someone further down the thread saying 'interesting first post'

[LeoTheLateBloomer]

Because if people search their history and see that it's their first post they might be accused of trolling. Saying they're a regular avoids this. I assume.

[filee777]

What's with pombears?

[fluffyraggies]

No idea. But i've done it myself!

Maybe it's a feeling of wanting to be recognised as a serious poster. One that is going to actually reply to carefully thought out answers. I find ''one post wonders'' really annoying. Regulars tend not to just start threads and leave.

[JudithOfThePiece]

I think it's because you are less likely to be called a troll. Also, perhaps if someone recognises you - either in RL or your 'other' online persona - they are hopefully less likely to call you on it.

[CheeseFondueRocks]

Exactly what Leo said.

[RunRabbit]

YANBU.

I think it's because they want to avoid being accused of being a troll.

I wouldn't care TBH. I regularly NC. And if I was accused I'd just report the posts.

[SpottyLadyBug]

Ok, that makes sense. Its never occurred to me to look up someone's previous posts so I did'nt think that someone might be considered a troll for a first post. But I've seen people say they have name changed for quite innocuous threads too, stuff that you would'nt bat an eyelid at or think that it is trolly..

[phantomnamechanger]

spotty - may never have occurred to YOU to check up on past posting history, but some MNers keep speadsheets with every minute detail logged dontcha know

[phantomnamechanger]

even a very innocuous thread, eg about hideous dress MIL was wearing at BBQ -might be very revealing to anyone who knows you in real life, then they could look up other things you have said on here, maybe about them or someone else they know, and cause trouble for the OP in real life.

It has happened. Peoples Xs have found them, toxic family members have found them. It's not nice when it happens.

[SpottyLadyBug]

I understand why people name change phantom, they can be outed etc. What I did'nt understand was the need to say that they have name changed or make some big point about being a regular. I did'nt get why these posters could'nt just do a new thread, with a new name etc and not point out that you have name changed and people would think you are just a new user.

[TheCatIsUpTheDuff]

People who look new often get hassled/criticised/raised eyebrows if their first post is contentious.