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

[MiddleOfChaos]

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?

I've recently name-changed, I prefer this one as a nn. However, I have found it's like being a 'newbie' all over again. Finally felt I was having 'conversations' and being responded to with my old nn, now back to being lost in the crowd.

I change fairly often. I prefer to remain anonymous and couldn't care less about being known as a 'regular' or forming any actual relationships on here. I like to use a forum in a very superficial, immediate way.

Tbh - I think the forum would be improved in fewer threads were archived.

Is there really a 'public interest' argument of a decades worth of AIBU or 'Pedants Corner' being saved for posterity?

As well as namechanging - I'm one of those annoying posters who classify most of the threads they start as 'Chat' - whatever they are really about - just so as not to have to think too hard about how much info it's OK to share.

No I'm not a name changer because I don't put anything on the internet, that I wouldn't be happy for anyone who knows me, to read.

I also like seeing regular non name changers about on threads, as it makes the place feel a bit more 'homely'

Nope, pretty much for all the reasons Worra stated.

I do overshare though, and would be ever so easy to find, so I tend to stick to chat mostly, in the hope that if when I am outed there will only be a few months of posting history to trawl through.

I name change every so often, and wouldn't like this to be disallowed. It's to maintain privacy and not have too many things which go back to the same name. Maintaining privacy is a valid choice and doesn't mean anyone has "something to hide". I'm not bothered about being seen as a "regular" or not and would rather people just judge each post on its own merits rather than who it's from.

I've never changed my name on MN, But I suppose it's good to have that option

I have had to after my first post. I was a troll apparently

I change every 3 or 4 months, only because I can't stop myself sometimes from posting something wildly indiscreet about a family member/friend/mortal enemy etc then worry I'll be confronted in real life.

I like seeing 'regulars' though. There are some I really enjoy seeing post.

Yanbu , I hAve different names for different items I post on as I have been recognised and all my posts were dug up and thrown in my face. I have never felt so bad in all my life. My personal problems were being discussed by mums at the school , I felt like an outcast , still cannot bring myself to look at them if I meet them. What was worse was stuff I had posted about my marriage was out there. The thing is I had posted an opinion about something and a mum thought it sounded like me and she searched on all my posts and read every single one. And then went and shared it.

YANBU at all, I do it all the time and have done for the last two years or so, but every three or four posts is crazy. That must be exhausting! I tend to stick with one for anything from a week to a couple of months and then either get a brand new one or start using an old one again. Some of mine are well worn, some have barely been out of the wardrobe.

I am paranoid about being outed in RL.

I nc everytime I post about something sensitive.

I like this name but it's my 10th in 4 years!

YANBU at all.
I've posted about very personal stuff that no one in RL knows about and it needs to stay that way.

Sometimes posters change details of DCs ages and genders to avoid detection.

I have never namechanged, as I have never felt the need.

You can't win though, If you don't namechange people accuse you of trying to be known but if you do people can be suspicious you are hairy handed.

Announcing 'Name changed for this' makes me though. Especially when the OP is the dullest least outing thing you could ever read.

I agree Sparkling. I don't understand why people announce that they've name changed for certain threads. If it's sensitive or dramatic and people to a search and find that it's a first time poster they can always ask 'are you new or are you a NCer?' Any troll worth their salt would lay a little posting trail for a few days or even weeks first, anyway. First time poster is not necessarily indicative of anything.

Yes. Dressed, and listing Pom Bears/Naice Ham/Penis Beaker means nothing.

I think just name change and post.

I nc now, because it's safer.

I change every few months - I'd happily have an amnesty to ''give back" some of my old names. Maybe MN could delete the names from post?
Like others I have had 'trackers' who followed my posts across threads. Hideous behaviour.

I think if people have tracked back, and done an AS etc, they are suspicious for whatever reason presumably. They have felt the need to do it.

When changing details to avoid being outed it's best to not amend major ones each time and then forget.

You'd like to think it was just for suspicions but unfortunately I do think there are some who do it for point scoring.

I've only changed for seasonal stuff and then only a couple of times. I can't be bothered but I probably would never post anything that was very personal. The weird thing is that if I did want to post something difficult I'd rather do it as me so that the few people who know me would know! I'm not a big poster but been around for years and I like to 'know' people

Yes possibly.

No, but I'm careful not to post identifying details. But I think its fine to name change if you want - no problem. And some people come up with brilliant names and variations.