Something that has me a bit baffled about Mumsnet.

[whitesandstorm]

I see many posts on MN, particularly in AIBU where people do a name change when it's a sensitive subject, They imply that they don't want to be outed. But I don't understand why, aren't all posts anonymous anyway, so why would name changing make any difference. Also is there a particular reason why people tell you they've name changed, I mean why bother telling anyone. That's it, thanks.

So posters don't link it with their previous posts.

Sorry pressed send too soon!

So people in RL can't search their usual nickname and find out everything else they have posted.

This type of thread seems to be popping up often lately.

Because if you recognise the situation but search their temporary name nothing will come up (not much anyway) but you search their normal name you can put the pieces together and that's them outed

When it's a sensitive subject people are keen not to come across as a troll. Saying they're a regular poster might reassure some that they're not.

And whilst you might have your neighbour read the NC'd post and recognise you from it, that's far less embarrassing than them then searching that name and finding all the other shit you've posted about gynae probs and how you hate your MiL

And they mention it so people don't think they are trolling, particularly if it's far fetched or mentions poo.

They might not want previous issues they've had being brought up on the thread, or comments from previous threads taken out of context.

Also, they may have changed a few details to make sure they aren't outed, and may have posted different details elsewhere on the forum.

I think partly because people in RL already know who they are. Or, because the thread has details that may out them.

Or because they are virtual friends on here and don't want them knowing this particular story?

I assume they don't want thier regular user name being linked to that particular problem.

Stating a name change clears any doubts when a search on that name reveals no other posts.

Say you post about something that happened in your child's school today - any one else with a child at the same school who knows of the situation will think "omg that's Jill from school!".

If you used the same username as normal, they can search your previous posts and read all about your husband's sexual fetish that you posted about 6 months ago.

You tell people you've name changed so they know you're not a brand new poster/troll.

Your normal username gathers an identity from all your posts. So stalkers people might know approx where you live, what your interests are etc, what sort of character you are. So name changing avoids something embarrassing being forever associated with you.

Oh right thank you, and do they usually go back to their old name for future posts?

Another question.....how would you search someone's previous posts?

Click the search button, type in the nickname and everything they have posted or commented on is shown

Never trust anyone who posts 'namechanged for this'

I name change every do often for much the same reasons. I don't want anyone who recognises to be able to do too much back checking from previous posts and it stops anyone being able to know what my opinions are on lots and lots of different subjects over a period of time.

I understand why posters feel the need to NC.

I don't know why they feel the need to announce it though.

I think most announce it so people
Don't think they are a troll but once I see it I think troll

So 'name changed, river of Poo, penis beaker etc' reads to me as

'I'm a troll trying to fit in and this is how I fool you'

I personally find the 'I usually lurk / regular poster / Pom bear blah blah' introduction to a thread tedious. Who cares?

I mean why

Bless you. The answer is 'because they can'.

I swear some MNers sit at home with spreadsheets updating details of different posters so they can work out the common denominators and find out who's who. Never be too sure you won't be "outed"