AIBU to not understand..

[petalsinthegarden]

Why users always 'name change' as it could out them and then leave a very long and specific post about their situation?

Surely as the situation is usually so detailed, this would put them anyway?

Am I missing something??

**out

Not always, give users some comfort

They don't want it linked to their normal profile where they've expressed views they don't want people they know in real life to know what they said.

YANBU it is daft.

Yeah, if you name change for one thread, anyone who does recognise you can only view that thread if they advance search you.

PP, I understand when it's an opinion/vie but when it's regarding a situation that has happened in real life?

I dunno, I was just wondering!

So if you've previously had a thread saying you like bum sex, they won't find out.

Because if someone recognises them, they only know their namechange. If they posted under their usual name anyone who recognises them could search their history where they may have disclosed personal stuff, relationship problems etc that they want to keep anonymous.

User doesn't usually post anything identifying so can remain anonymous. User wants to post something identifying but doesn't want their normal user name to be blown so to speak. User name changes. Makes sense to me though I have never felt the need to do it.

If they are worried that they'll upset someone by posting a thread then name changing does nothing as the person it's about may stumble across it.

I actually never read the posters name so would be clueless if they have posted before and not sure why anyone would want to check someone's history.

Silver - this is exactly what I mean.

I also didn't realise you could do an advanced search 😬

I have user names I use for specific situations, so when I talk about my birth trauma and subsequent injuries, it isn't linked to (for example) my hatred of 'friend' who always recycles presents. 'Friend' may recognise me from that post but I don't want her to be able to search everything else I've written and know other more intimate details about me.

I have name changed for potentially outing things as if people search my usual name they'd be able to see all sorts of personal stuff e.g. with regards MH problems/relationships etc that I don't let people in real life know, and have no desire for them to know. Lots of people are on mumsnet y'know… I expect most other people do this for similar reasons. Some people do it as they are doing a 'troll' post and want to see how far they can get without being discovered though I haven't seen one of them for a while…

Oh yes, the trolls. That's another thing I don't understand.. why do they bother?? 😐 surely, there's other things they can do with their time?