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Original poster

Can we talk about a dropdown box for namechanging again?

60 replies

MmeLindor. · 21/03/2012 22:07

I brought this up a while ago and there were mumblings of looking into it but nothing has come of it.

I am going to namechange for normal chatter. I won't try to hide or disguise myself but would be grateful if you wouldn't say, "Is that you, MmeLindor?". I have realised since moving back to UK that I am rather easy to spot and would prefer a bit more anonymity.

I will however keep this name for my blog and the bloggers network and any campaigns etc.

It is such a faff to name change constantly, and I thought that a drop down box would be fab, so that I could choose when posting which name to use.

OP posts:
Original poster
MmeLindor. · 21/03/2012 23:14

Believe me, SEA, if I were called Sarah Smith then I would put my name on my blog but my name is unique.

I don't blog much about my private life anymore, but when I started blogging I talked about my family. I am not sure that it is fair for children of bloggers to be out there on the internet. What happens when they learn to google? Or their friends do?

OP posts:
Original poster
MmeLindor. · 21/03/2012 23:10

SEA
Since two well known MNetters have namechanged to avoid being outed in RL, it worries me that almost all of my posts are searchable.

I am not worried about other MNetters finding out who I am really, but it would be relatively easy to find out my name and other details if a person were so inclined to search through my posts. I have been using this, or a variation of this name for almost 4 years now.

I use the same name on other websites, and it makes me slightly nervous that someone could work out too much private details from here and there and piece it together.

OP posts:
southeastastra · 21/03/2012 23:07

i think people should post in their real life names on the internet for most of the time

don't agree with faceless blogs

Original poster
MmeLindor. · 21/03/2012 23:06

Exactly my thoughts, Chaos.

Making it easier to namechange would assist those who use MN for different purposes, such as the bloggers.

Do you really think that a person intent on trolling would be more or less likely to go ahead if it were easier?

More chance of accidental outings, I would think.

OP posts:
southeastastra · 21/03/2012 23:05

i would imagine it wouldn't be that hard to spot 60% of most long term mumsnetters, but why would it worry you? you post intelligent points

i sometimes think i give too much away but then again that's my point - i don't hide behind an online persona and would defend my point in real life Grin

ChaosTrulyReigns · 21/03/2012 22:44

uncomfortable.

Smile
ChaosTrulyReigns · 21/03/2012 22:43

I agree it someone is upto mischeief, they'll go to heroic efforts anywya.

Sad

I think in the light of events this week and posters feeling incomfortable with their names being "out there" as it were, that it should be certainly considered long and hard.

Some posters need to keep certain names for almost prfoessional reasons, iyswim, but want to be less obvious on otehr threads. Let's make that more efficient.

Smile
BusinessTrills · 21/03/2012 22:32

It would make it easier to be a troublemaker... Right now only people who either know how or can be bothered to figure it out can namechange.

Can you see who I am? This is my Apprentice name.

Original poster
MmeLindor. · 21/03/2012 22:19

Troublemakers will make mischief either way. It hasn't stopped them so far.

I almost just outed my new name there. I am not good at this covert stuff.

OP posts:
PamFerriswheel · 21/03/2012 22:13

I personally would like this as I name change regularly to preserve my privacy.

I wonder, though, if it would be an easy shortcut for trouble-makers making mischief?

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