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Original poster

Netiquette question: Is everyone on Mumsnet anonymous?

63 replies

mindthestep · 16/08/2012 11:03

Is it a kind of unwritten rule on Mumsnet that we are all anonymous? Does anyone either use or reveal their real name/identity?

I understand completely that many people wish to remain anonymous - there is no implied criticism in my question at all. I was just wondering if it would be regarded as inappropriate for someone to join/post as herself?

OP posts:
MNHQ
HelenMumsnet · 17/08/2012 10:55

@TheCunningStunt

This is my real name
Grin
TheCunningStunt · 17/08/2012 10:32

This is my real name

MNHQ
HelenMumsnet · 17/08/2012 10:28

Hello. In answer to your question, OP, most people choose a username/nickname that is not their real name. That's partly because Mumsnetters tend to value being able to post anonymously about personal/sensitive stuff and partly because it's a kinda MN thang to have an amusing/pun-nish username.

We don't have any problem with people using their real name as their username, unless they were doing so to advertise/promote (ie NaiceHamShopInHastingsHighStreet).

We would also echo Lougle's advice. Mumsnet is a public forum that is indexed by Google, so posting under your real name would mean anyone searching Google for your name would easily find all your posts.

We always caution anyone using Mumsnet to think carefully before posting real-life details - not just your name but, for example, detailed info about your children, location, job, your hideous MIL etc. Generally speaking, it's best to assume that anything you post on MN is readable by anyone else on t'interweb.

Sparklingbrook · 16/08/2012 16:07

I don't think people on here are interested who other people are TBH.

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 16/08/2012 16:05

I take care, but I know that if someone knew me in RL they might be able to put together the info as to who I was. There are certain key bits of info that I don't post, ie real names, birthdays, but equally I don't really say anything I wouldn't in real life.

I have identified 2 mums at my DCs school as MNers because they have put enough info (in both cases on one thread but not the same thread) for me to work out who they are, so it is easy to give yourself away.

Sparklingbrook · 16/08/2012 16:00

I have never put anything on here that I would care if my friends or family read, but am anonymous AFAIK.

I don't name change either.

OneOfMyTurnsComingOn · 16/08/2012 16:00

I think I'm anonymous.

OddBoots · 16/08/2012 15:58

It's personal choice as to what we reveal, I tend to work to the rule that I wouldn't say anything here that I wouldn't be happy to share with anyone and everyone and as such make no particular effort to hide my identity. I occasionally nc to ask specific questions but even then it wouldn't be the end of the world if I was 'outed'.

LRDtheFeministDragon · 16/08/2012 15:53

Mary Beard (Cambridge don with a column in the paper) posts as Mary Beard (not to be confused with the poster MarysBeard, who I asssume is someone else).

flowery · 16/08/2012 11:37

It would be a bit weird for someone to have their own name as their user name, but lots of people are perfectly identifiable through their profiles/what they post.

Blatantly obvious to anyone and his mother who I am by a quick squizz at my profile, and as a result I assume everyone I know is reading everything I post and am appropriately cautious.

Pinot · 16/08/2012 11:34

No.

Some of us are right FB slags and chat off-board too.

Lougle · 16/08/2012 11:08

Of course it is ok to join or post as oneself. Bear in mind though, two things:

  1. This site, bar one or two areas, is completely google accessible.
  2. Apart from chat threads, which disappear after 3 months, every other thread is permamently available to be searched both on google and through the search function.
ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged · 16/08/2012 11:08

No: some people are anonymous; some give a bit of information about themselves; some post photos and tell all. Each to their own.

If you run your mouse over the poster's name at the top of their post it will either be clickable (meaning they have a profile) or not (they don't). E.g. you are currently anonymous (no profile), I'm a bit anonymous (profile, but no name, pics etc).

Simples.