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AIBU?

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Original poster

To suggest banning "usernumber" names

62 replies

intheknickersoftime · 10/05/2017 15:57

By God, people who don't have proper nicknames are annoying. Get a name, I can't tell the difference between you all!!! And you're usually the most opiniated.

OP posts:
lougle · 10/05/2017 16:00

You can't ban something that MNHQ assigns to new posters Hmm

ScarlettFreestone · 10/05/2017 16:02

We didn't used to have user number names. It's a fairly recent innovation by MNHQ.

I agree it's deeply irritating but presumably has purpose to MN.

Original poster
intheknickersoftime · 10/05/2017 16:02

But can't you just have a name when you sign up? You just start posting under your name don't you?

OP posts:
HeyCat · 10/05/2017 16:04

There have been loads of threads in "site stuff" about this and MNHQ have already said it's a technical issue and on their list to resolve it.

ThePants999 · 10/05/2017 16:05

Every other forum I've been on (hundreds) makes you choose a name...

nixi86 · 10/05/2017 16:06

Am pre numbernames myself, am guessing it does have a purpose but it is hard to keep track of during a thread

Nquartz · 10/05/2017 16:09

Made me laugh on the portion-gate breakfast thread when one 'user' reported another, no idea who was who!

Chippednailvarnishing · 10/05/2017 16:10

It's fucking annoying, it never used to be like this back in my day shuffles off on zimmer frame

AmysTiara · 10/05/2017 16:14

Yep it's annoying.

user1andonly · 10/05/2017 16:20

Agree. It should either make you choose a name - it's not entirely obvious how to do it so many people just don't bother finding out - or allocate a name of two random words put together. Everywhere else does it - it can't be that hard for a site this big to sort out surely...

Original poster
intheknickersoftime · 10/05/2017 16:39

I think it makes a joke of any discussion and I find it difficult to take any political opinions seriously when you don't know the person's name.

OP posts:
user1485342611 · 10/05/2017 16:39

I was given a number. I tried to change it to a User Name but the site refused to let me.

Your comment about us all being the most opinionated posters is a little bit silly.

Original poster
intheknickersoftime · 10/05/2017 16:41

Is it really that difficult to choose a username? Maybe it's already been picked. Am I missing something here?

OP posts:
SmokeCloak · 10/05/2017 16:42

I find it very confusing when 2 usernumber people are on opposing sides of a debate. I just ignore their comments now.

caterpuller · 10/05/2017 16:44

I've only recently realised it's not all the same person….didn't realise the numbers were different Confused

user1485342611 · 10/05/2017 16:45

I just kept getting told that my password was incorrect (it wasn't. I had only just registered, so knew exactly what password I used), so it refused to accept a namechange.

Original poster
intheknickersoftime · 10/05/2017 17:00

I don't mean to sound like an arshehole, really I don't. I didn't realise it was that difficult. It's just when threads get involved, particularly political ones noones opinion seems to count because I don't no who anyone is. It's going to get more difficult to have discussions as the general election campaign progresses. And if there have been other threads I think it's worth bringing up again.

OP posts:
Cornishmumofone · 10/05/2017 17:06

I get more annoyed by the posts where someone points out that they have Name Changed. I really don't care whether someone has been here for a long time or is a new user.

MissShittyBennet · 10/05/2017 17:10

Yeah MN need to sort it out.

GinAndTalented · 10/05/2017 18:27

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

WindyWednesday · 10/05/2017 18:31

I don't think I'd like to be seen around here with a user number name.

John4703 · 10/05/2017 18:32

I'll change my name. Well maybe not as I use this name on a load of forums as with my aged memory it is easier not to have loads of different ones (I do have loads of different passwords)
I agree with others most forums ask you to choose a user name when you register.

user1493022461 · 10/05/2017 18:33

Why would they ban something they specifically introduced? You never used to get usernumbers.

Original poster
intheknickersoftime · 10/05/2017 18:38

I think if Mumsnet cared about newbies that much they would offer them a chance to voice their opinion with an identity. I get that some people join just to post for one issue, say in relationships. But is it difficult to change it now once you've registered? And if it is possible, why don't people bother?

OP posts:
CormorantDevouringTime · 10/05/2017 18:40

If it's not registering your password then just say you've forgotten it and reset a new password.
User123 names are not meant to be used permanently - they are a placeholder for overnight until you've picked an actual bloody name.

If you can't work out how to do it then ask someone.

If your password isn't recognised then reset it.

If you can't think of a name that isn't already taken then think harder, or pick two random nouns and stick them together, or start a thread titled "I can't think of a name. I like kittens and The Walking Dead (or whatever) but all the good names seem to be taken, please help!"