Do you think the limitless name changing facility on Mumsnet is a good or bad thing?

[A580Hojas]

And do you know of any other chat forums that have the same feature?

Many thanks, my memory is bad and I wondered how I would know who I was and when

I have never changed my name in all the years I have been on here.

If MN keep a record of all the names each person uses what happens if say you are a 60 year old with dgc, but then change your name and post as a 25 year old having mil issues. Can you do that; and if so, isn’t that a bit strange?

If MN keep a record of all the names each person uses what happens if say you are a 60 year old with dgc, but then change your name and post as a 25 year old having mil issues. Can you do that; and if so, isn’t that a bit strange?

They'll never know as there will be no reports, because of the NC nobody will realise it’s the same poster. So that probably goes on a lot.

Good.

Whereas I think the ability to NC at will is enabling those very people as well as the serial fantasists/trolls. They just name change and start the cycle again. Its much harder to switch position from sweetness and light to out and out racist when you can't hide behind a name change. We should all own our words, for better or worse.

There is a midway position - different username on different boards so eg one name on relationships or pregnancy but a different one on AIBU but NC on individual boards would be better as a moderated activity and by exception. Not a heavyweight process but at least a solid reason (and the DM nicked my story might be a reason).

I've only ever had three names on MN and then only because I've left and rejoined a couple of times and you can't reuse a name associated with a different account.

I change things all the time depending on what I'm writing about.

Under one name I might talk about my 12yo dd because it's relevant she's a girl, on another I might say 12yo ds because the sex is irrelevant, same with amount of kids, their ages, my age etc.

I never do it to troll or generally be a dick so MNHQ wouldn't be checking (I wouldn't think) even if they did and asked I would just say I change irrelevant details to remain anonymous.

You would think that, but actually I've seen 2 or 3 posts this morning from people with the same usernames who have come out with horrifically racist or ableist comments in the past who apparently don't mind being associated with that posting history

And the abusive, racist comments that abound on Facebook under people's real names is horrific on some posts so I'm not sure it would stop everyone. You are probably right that it would cut down on some though.

Which is pretty sensible IMO, as long as it’s not out and out trolling

I can never believe the number of people who drop across different threads bits of personal info where put together they’d be instantly recognisable if someone knew them. There was that poster who did an AMA im a swinger thread but then had also posted about her marriage troubles separately and an actual photo of her with her new haircut on another. Duh.

Which is pretty sensible IMO, as long as it’s not out and out trolling

Agreed but it does make you wonder whether with the free and easy NC function people can have as many multiple personalities as they wish.
So you’re getting advice from someone saying they have a teen with behavioural issues but they actually have a newborn baby. 😂

And that’s why you never trust anyone or anything 100% you read on the internet 😉

And that’s why you never trust anyone or anything 100% you read on the internet

Yes exactly. It’s what we tell our children after all!

Here to bash you over the head boink

Good. Obviously. Means you can post about lots of things without them all being linked up.

It's good, the anonymity is essential for people to ask/say what they think

I understand the asking bit but not the saying bit!!

😳 I can’t believe someone would be so stupid! Did someone point it out to her so she could name change?

Yep, she’d had a few drinks and didn’t care!!

It was later deleted by MNHQ after I think people pointed out she’d also written what school her kids went to / area / something identifiable

Good thing. I’ve nc’d a few times since I joined over 10 years ago. People with genuine personal problems would worry about posting stuff if there wasn’t an option to name change.

Well I approve. I'm a regular name changer. I don't care about forum "status" or being recognised. It's one of the many benefits of mumsnet.

Good for privacy. In fact essential.

Good, definitely.

They really need to do something about trolls, zombie threads, and unpaid Night Watch with fewer 'powers' though.

I name change several times a year, as I use MN a lot and am wary of being stalked on here by my ex.
Other posters on here use the advanced search a lot to use against you so that's another reason to name change.
I often change details in my posts if I'm asking for advice too so I can't be identified by my ex.

Good.

I don't care about forum "status" or being recognised

Neither do I, and I don't NC as I have no need to. I think the forum has got too big for anyone to think they'll be recognised or have any status on here. Maybe a few years ago that may have been the case, but it's every man for himself now.

TBF my feelings on that subject don't come from mumsnet but another forum I used to be on where it was like a competition to be most popular. It's clearly left a mark on me 🤣