Why do mumsnetters inform of “name change”

[jamanbutter]

I’ve seen so many threads where the OP says they've changed their username to avoid being "outed."
Ironically, I worked out who one of them was because she mentioned it — if she hadn’t said anything, I would have just assumed she was still using her old username.
What’s the reason in announcing to everyone that you've changed it? Genuine question by the way.

Drama and intrigue init

It's for when you post something people in real life will recognise you about eg "my parrot shat on the king". If people recognise you and you're using your normal username they can then read all your previous posts where you've talked about fantasising about hagrid etc

It's because sometimes if it's your first post you might be accused of not being genuine etc
Saying 'new name for this' says that you're not brand new etc.

So that other posters don't say 'Interesting first post, OP', a not-so-subtle way of trollhunting while not actually accusing the op of being a troll.

Because loads of idiots will say things like hmmmmm interesting first post

I was going to say this. I've had " interesting first post" when actually I've been posting on here about 9 years.

😂, ah, did not know you can read previous posts

Yeah usually followed with “screaming at the Sistine chapel” etc to show that they’re a long time user not a new troll or similar.

As others have said, it's basically announcing that you've been posting for years and that you aren't a troll. This will hopefully inform posters to take you seriously. It's also to protect your identity when posting about a really sensitive subject. Someone might know you by your usual user name or somehow work out who you are.

Ahhhhhh okay

I’ve been around since 2012 and clearly missed the Sistine Chapel thread! I will investigate …

Oh you’re in for a treat!
www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/3178898-DH-embarrassed-by-my-sensitivity

Because if they don’t announce it it can look like a first post and then they’ll be subject to people accusing them of being a troll. I NC all the time but sometimes will mention that I’ve NC but am a long term poster. shouldn’t really be necessary but people get so overly invested in the motives and politics of MN.

Because if they don’t announce it it can look like a first post and then they’ll be subject to people accusing them of being a troll.

Even though this is true, I've never understood it.

Like a troll would never start with "Name changed for this" 😳

@jamanbutter , you can do an advanced search on username.
If you are posting about something that would out (identify) you, you name change so that your other posts aren't also identifiable.

I could post something about my occupation, my children's names, a photo of my dog etc, and I might not want my relationship/money problem to be linked to it.

People obviously change their names so they’re not outed. Too many connected posts can easily add up. But with all the trolls and rather strange new posters it’s just to assure that the OP isn’t one of them.
And you’ve NC for this? Or never posted before so surely you know this?

I'd forgotten all about that!

Goodness, was the Sistine Chapel really seven years ago? I'd have said a couple of years if asked.

I hope all those cardinals meeting there in conclave will be able to contain themselves.

"Interesting first post OP"

People actually seem to have stopped doing quite this so much lately, imo.

It used to be that every ‘Namechanged for a ticklish topic” post was headed by ‘Penis beaker, naice ham, Mexican house thief’ etc.

God same.

Now you come to think of it, I feel like it’s been ages since I saw anything starting with ‘naice ham, penis beaker, Pom bears…’

X post @HarpSnail !

😀 Yes, it feels weirdly historical all of a suddenly, like those slightly self-conscious props they use in tv series set in the recent past!

This.

Ridiculous isn’t it? There was a thread the other day where OP was justifying her name change, reeling off loads of old well known Mumsnet threads. Just why? No need anymore - just makes me think they’re suspect 😄