...to think that 'name changers' are a bit wanky?

[LoveAngel]

Ok...I'll excuse people who want to post anonymously about really sensitive subjects like having an affair, embarassing health problems etc. Or those who do it to jokey effect (where its obvious who that person still is).

But anyone else...why? Why, why, why???? Why change your name to tell us something very slightly embrassing or that doesnt cast you in perfect light? Are you the same people who then come back as your 'real self' and pretend your shit smells of lavender? Because if so, that is extremely (not just a bit!) wanky.

Please explain (and make it GOOD).

Some people change their names to discuss 'very slightly embarrassing' things (definitions of 'embarrassing' are entirely subjective btw) because they know others on here in RL and don't particularly want them to know the minutae of their lives, be it piles or debt.

No, no I don't!

OK, a possible reason for a minority...

The rest?

I haven't really noticed anyone doing what you described. Maybe I am not around enough?

Oh except for people who name change to shit stir. I must admit, I find that rather amusing. As someone who has name changed (but not to shit stir - well I wouldn't admit that, would I? ) there is something incredibly liberating about changing your name and knowing you can write anything without anyone "knowing" who you are - like telling your secrets in the dark.

Also MN is a chat forum which gives the members the freedom to choose just how anonymous (or not) they are on here.

Who are you to say that x can't post as y because their ailment/predicament etc isn't 'bad enough' to warrant it ?

The only namechanging I disagree with is those who change names to say something nasty in order to stir the pot but not get themselves (or their regular persona) into trouble.

Do you know peole her ein RL Dumbledore? is that why its liberating to 'be someone else'. (Not being facetious - a geuine question!)

I suppose what I mean is...if you DON'T know anyone here in RL, why do you (why does one, rather) feel the need to escape from their made-up, facveless ID and create another one? I find it odd.

Many of us have met at least one other MNer, it is very common

Nomdeplume - who am I? I'm LoveAngel. Who are YOU??? :-)

Loveangel, I think you should start another thread and entitle it "I am feeling arsey and belligerent today, would anyone like a) a fight, or b) to titter obsequiously at my blunt and gritty wit?"

You might get a few more of the kind of responses you're hoping for

excuse typos Dumbledoresgirl

Greensleeves - is that projection or what? smiles sweetly

Agree with NDP's posts.

I don't think so, no. When I want a fight, I start one

Nah, don't do meet ups. But thank you kindly! @dinosaur

I don't think it's wanky but I don't understand why people do it and then say "I'm changing my name for this post".

some posters change thier names because what they are writing about makes them very easily identifiable in RL, by anyone (it is not just registered 'oldie' MNers that can read these boards)

No I don't, not really. I know one Mumsnetter really well, but we met via the site. But she doesn't post much now and anyway, she knows a lot of my secrets anyway, so I would not be likely to be hiding from her.

But lots of Mumsnetters "know" DumbledoresGirl and come to any post I make with perceptions or judgements of me from earlier posts. And sometimes, when I have name changed for what I consider OK reasons, eg to get away from whoever you all think DumbledoresGirl is, then I have found the anonimity rather refreshing.

sorry, their

NKF - I think that's to establish the fact that poster isn't a troll.

Some MNers can be a bit suspicious of 'unusual' first posts.