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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIU to name change frequently - am I the only one?

100 replies

MiddleOfChaos · 07/05/2015 20:07

I name change probably every 3 or 4 posts. I enjoy mumsnet but often use it as a sounding board for difficult decisions I've got to make or whether I am feeling ok about something. A few years ago, prior to name changing frequently, a post was recognised and the person suddenly had access to difficult things I'd been dealing with over a prolonged period of time - mainly regarding a series of miscarriages I'd been through but hadn't told people in rl, I'd come here to talk. My knowledge of this emerged through lots of local gossip after my username was shared about. So now I namechange all the time. I really value mumsnet especially with dealing with ongoing difficulties with my family, so didn't want to stop using it but wanted to protect my privacy. Do wonder if I am the only one though or do others nc frequently?

OP posts:
londonrach · 07/05/2015 20:09

Never changed my name. Got nothing to hide. I am whom i am!

weddingbelle1005 · 07/05/2015 20:09

I'm a newbie so I haven't yet, but I certainly would if I wanted to post about something sensitive/personal so YANBU!

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 07/05/2015 20:10

Every 3 or 4 posts? Blimey!Confused

OurGlass · 07/05/2015 20:10

Yes I name change regularly, no as much as 3 or 4 posts though.

ExitPursuedByABear · 07/05/2015 20:11

I used to when I first joined but haven't changed for years.

If I had a big issue to raise then I might.

Droflove · 07/05/2015 20:11

How do you name change?

Feminine · 07/05/2015 20:13

I have had two names before this.
I've been here for five years.
Think I've been 'feminine' for about four?
I wouldn't change again, l can't be bothered. Grin

ilovesooty · 07/05/2015 20:14

Every 3 or 4 posts?

I've never name changed at all but I don't post anything I'd be worried about having traced back to me.
My only issue really is the ease of name changing allowing goady fuckery and the proliferation of PBP s.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 07/05/2015 20:14

I think it should be banned actually.

OrangeVase · 07/05/2015 20:15

It makes sense. If the details of one post ring any bells in RL a quick search can easily confirm ID as other things slip into place.

It is a shame in some ways as it is quite nice to get to know certain posters but if you post about yourself and want to remain anonymous it has to be done

MadamG · 07/05/2015 20:17

I use 5 different usernames for different bits of MN

MythicalKings · 07/05/2015 20:17

Every few months.

But I also NC for a one off asking for advice in case I'm recognised from my posts on my main name.

NightsOfGethsemane · 07/05/2015 20:17

I name change quite frequently. Usually every couple of months or if I think I might have posted something particularly identifiable.

I've been here for years but the downside of NCing often is that people don't reconise you as a 'regular'.

FenellaFellorick · 07/05/2015 20:19

crikey. Leave a few names for other people Grin

I had the same name for years. Now I change it every few months.

derxa · 07/05/2015 20:19

Not been here that long but would never name change. I have nothing to be ashamed of. If people recognise me so what.

Original poster
MiddleOfChaos · 07/05/2015 20:21

Sorry to clarify 3 or 4 posts means 3 or 4 I started or really actively followed/ got involved in which equates to about every couple of months. not a daily thing!!

OP posts:
TheCowThatLaughs · 07/05/2015 20:21

I don't blame you at all for doing that, op. There are some horrible people about unfortunately.
Even if I did recognise someone I wouldn't out them or gossip about them Shock
Easy name-changing is a double-edged sword, but I think the benefits outweigh the risks, generally. I wouldn't like to see it banned

MadamG · 07/05/2015 20:21

fenella I like your name (my dad called me that as a child)
And I like your posts. Please don't change.

feministdog · 07/05/2015 20:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Passmethecrisps · 07/05/2015 20:22

I do have a spare name which I created when I was wondered about my habitual over sharing. I hated it though - it felt like wearing someone else's knickers.

I would certainly be identifiable to anyone who cared enough

TheCowThatLaughs · 07/05/2015 20:22

I have nothing to be ashamed of, but I do like to be private sometimes

BlueKarou · 07/05/2015 20:23

I change possibly once a year (not counting festive changes) and even that's turned out to be a bit annoying to maintain as I have a long-running thread under an old name and have messed up a couple of times when updating it. I imagine I'll stay this way for a while just because of the threads I'm now involved in, and out of respect to the others in those threads.

That said; I can see why people change names for different topics/sensitive subjects.

So YANBU, even though every 3 - 4 posts seems a little extreme to me. As long as you're not doing it for nefarious reasons then do as you will.

Passmethecrisps · 07/05/2015 20:23

I do get the point of it being freeing. Sometimes I would like to be a bit different more of a bitch but I can't make myself.

That is probably a good thing

SaucyJack · 07/05/2015 20:24

I named changed once to have a whinge about DP on Relationships, but don't otherwise bother.

I have nothing to hide really. If anyone's sad enough to dig through all my posts just to find out that I bloody love cocaine or whatevs, then more fool them. Go read a book.

LikeIcan · 07/05/2015 20:25

I couldn't be bothered. Plus I doubt anyone's taking much notice of what I say Grin

Op; you sound overly paranoid tbh.