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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

All these bloody 'user443268643' names, I have a Cunning Plan.

104 replies

Stratter5 · 18/08/2016 19:55

They're SO annoying. And it's difficult to differentiate between them. Could we possibly make some sort of auto random word generating thing instead? Like the bot Captcha thingy that generates two random words to confirm you're not a bot. NerveLeaf or CatMacaron would be so much easier than all the user names.

OP posts:
StrattersHasACunningPlan · 19/08/2016 18:00

They may have been terrible, but they can't possibly be worse than 'user4665438'

SoupDragon · 19/08/2016 17:58

It's on this thread

KatherineMumsnet (MNHQ) Tue 14-Jun-16 12:57:45
Right, here goes

Tech are hyper-aware that this is a huge annoyance to a lot of you, and we really do apologise for the irritation. They did try the two name combo system, and it kept throwing up the most appalling combinations, that it was decided the best thing to do was go with numbers.

What we've now done is add a big fat REMINDER! in the auto-responses to remind people to change their given usernames. It's not that simple to sort, but they are working very hard to improve it.

And

poster KatherineMumsnet (MNHQ) Thu 30-Jun-16 09:40:54
Morning folks!

LATEST: We hear you loud and clear and we're going to get rid of them in favour of a different approach but it's going to take us time because we are going to need to rebuild some of the way we handle registration. Please bear with for a while, it's not going to be speedy but we are changing it.

IvyWall · 19/08/2016 17:53

Clarks shoes must use one of those random name generators

SoupDragon · 19/08/2016 17:50

I'm sure MN said they had tried this, but the auto generated names were terrible in someway

I agree. I'm sure this is what they said.

StrattersHasACunningPlan · 19/08/2016 17:39
FeralBeryl · 19/08/2016 11:24

It's awful if you want to quote someone then find out its 'user0978967897886787688' I tend not to bother anymore.
Agree Stratters Baldeick Grin that would far preferable.

TheChippendenSpook · 18/08/2016 23:33

I think I should have the name I want, for helping you to potentially get stratters back Grin

Original poster
Stratter5 · 18/08/2016 22:50

I really think I deserve Stratters back for thinking of this, frankly genius, idea.

OP posts:
Wigeon · 18/08/2016 22:16

The idea of a random MNet name generator is reminding me of the excellent Daily Mail headline generator

Wigeon · 18/08/2016 22:14

CBBC does this - if you use their website you can scroll through three randomly generated names to choose your user name for the site, all the online games etc, and then when they read out messages on the telly from the children, they refer to them as "red Angel dinosaur" or "zinc teddy sunflower" or "sonic silly badger" etc.

Agree it's quite annoying seeing "user3853859349" here now.

Missymoomoo1979 · 18/08/2016 22:12

I think Stratter5 should now be called Baldrick Grin

Queenbean · 18/08/2016 22:12

I like this idea

I'd be tempted to ditch my name though and just go with the auto generated one instead

TheChippendenSpook · 18/08/2016 22:10

Ooh we have a new gin bar where I live! I could get them to send you some recipes?? They even put a lolly in one of their drinks!

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 18/08/2016 22:10

I'm sure MN said they had tried this, but the auto generated names were terrible in someway (they would never specify or give examples Sad)

I think the auto name feature is great,.and I'd people don't like being automated "wankbadger" they can always change it...

usual · 18/08/2016 22:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MNHQ
PresidentOliviaMumsnet · 18/08/2016 22:02

@usual

I'd like usualsuspect back without the sidebollocks.

Cash for Nicknames anyone? [innocent face]

Original poster
Stratter5 · 18/08/2016 21:37

Oooh really? Thanks OliviaMN

OP posts:
TheChippendenSpook · 18/08/2016 21:20

If I could be TheCountySpook I would be very happy.

I agree about the word generating thing.. All the numbers make it seem impersonal somehow.

usual · 18/08/2016 21:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MNHQ
PresidentOliviaMumsnet · 18/08/2016 21:13

YY thanks for this - will also pass this suggestion to the TechPowersThatBe

Original poster
Stratter5 · 18/08/2016 20:48

YY I think unused names should be reused. I want Stratters back :(

OP posts:
TheChippendenSpook · 18/08/2016 20:25

I would like a feature that regenerates usernames back into the system if somebody doesn't post for a long time. (Purely for selfish reasons)

I wanted to be The Spook, The county spook or Grimalkin but I couldn't have any of those as they were already taken.

I have never seen anyone posting under those names in the few years that I have been here.

YorkieDorkie · 18/08/2016 20:21

Or at least make you choose a NN before you can post!

Original poster
Stratter5 · 18/08/2016 20:18

Someone has already said on the other thread that they've been on a site that did this, so it is possible.

OP posts:
usual · 18/08/2016 20:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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