Username Policing....

If they start policing our usernames it will all turn pink/fluffy/sparkly

Who wants that??

If you're offended by AnyFucker's username, you should probably leave MN. You're probably going to find the contents of most posts offensive.

The name in the other thread was complained about, and requires explanation to prevent it being offensive. It's also advertising, which the OP of that thread has admitted.

Two different scenarios. We don't need to ban usernames with cunt or fuck in. Usernames that are getting complaints should be looked into.

Similarly to you not needing a list of acceptable behaviour for everyday life, but you can be damn sure the police will investigate what you've been up too if people complain. It self polices.

I am not offended by them - just a little bored and disappointed. It is easy to try and be shocking using swear or trigger words in usernames. Would "rape" be allowed or "paedophile"? I hope not but it is always a tricky area where judgements of taste come into play. I do think if you have to explain why your name is ok and not offensive, it is probably not appropriate.

Some people being offended isn't a good enough reason to censor.

Because on every issue some people will be offended. But it might be 0.001% of the population offended with 95% being very pleased to see the topic talked about in the open.

Do the people who benefit from the username (ie the topic being talked about) not also matter?

HQ don't need to introduce guidelines.

They respond to reports from other Mumsnetters. System works fine just as it is.

I think a hide user button would be more helpful

One person's hilarious is another's offensive though. And vice versa.

To be fair on the thread people are saying about swear words as usernames. They have requested she change the name but she has not been forced to. Some on the thread would like to change that. If MNHQ acted upon that then they would have to do the same with names like anyfucker. I can't see the justification. Posters are suggesting a rule change by wanting the name withdrawn. I disagree

I'm not offended by usernames. I've seen the other thread and knowing the back story changes things.

I thought it was already clear? Swearing is fine, personal attacks or offensive/upsetting names aren't. If you see anything that upsets you report and hq will take a look. Seems simple enough to me?

MN have responded to users' reports that they found it distressing. It would seem odd to be able to post fuck but not have it in a username.
There are many combinations of words that individually aren't offensive but when combined and popping up in the wrong context can be emotive.

Fanjango - the point is they already do monitor usernames.

Their rules, as always, are random, unpredictable and hurtful to the affected person. But also, crucially, have a political (?) / judgemental slant to them which they shouldn't.

In the linked thread MNHQ are making a judgement call on abortions. Which they shouldn't.

This is a site for adults. If you find something unpleasant when it is not aimed at you ignore it. I would hate MN to start moderating names and swearing. There's netmums for that.

It seems to me that there are post guidelines that also applies to names.

No spam, advertising, no personally offensive posts/nns.

I'm sure Lwejiisacunt (unless it was me name changing) wouldn't be allowed.

As for swear words, MN is full of them and it's allowed, so they shouldn't be banned from NN either.

Agree that offensive nn should not be allowed.

They wouldn't enforce it with anyfucker so don't rate your chances!