People Who Name Change

[PleaseJustSayNo]

So they're not identified IRL. Do they realise that this isn't how it works and just because they have come up with a slight pun or nod to the thread content, it doesn't make them less identifiable to people who know them or will recognise them from the situation??

Like, a name change will stop people here identifying your other posts, but the people you describe will still recognise themselves in your post and thus identify you if they are going to see your post

[PleaseJustSayNo]

I mean, maybe I've misread a few but it certainly seems that for some posters, their reason for name changing is so they are not identified IRL which seems a bit

[RaffertyFair]

I don't think you've 'misread' PleaseJustSayNo, I think you have misunderstood.

I have never read a "I have name changed because this will out me ..." thread in which the OP indicates that the name change will hide their identity with regard to that post.

They may try and obscure ther identify by changing some details but the name change is nothing to do with that.

[ScrewyMcScrewup]

Yes, you've misunderstood.

I name change every so often because I'm pretty free with real life information. If someone recognises me on this name at least they can't look at my entire posting history.

[sackrifice]

So they're not identified IRL. Do they realise that this isn't how it works and just because they have come up with a slight pun or nod to the thread content, it doesn't make them less identifiable to people who know them or will recognise them from the situation??

mean, maybe I've misread a few but it certainly seems that for some posters, their reason for name changing is so they are not identified IRL which seems a bit

It is so their OTHER posts aren't linked.

farking ells bells.

[AryaStarkWolf]

I don't understand why people have to tell everyone they have name changed in the first place?

[Lost5stone]

AryaStarkWolf I think it's because people might search your username history and see you've never posted before that and accuse you of being a troll.

[CharityConundrum]

Because if people don't mention they've name changed, you get some bright spark popping up with 'Interesting first post OP' as an attempt to subvert the troll hunting guidelines.

[Willow2017]

I think it's because people might search your username history and see you've never posted before that and accuse you of being a troll.

This ^^
there is usually some bright spark who comes along and is sarcastic about 'first posts' especially if its a long and complicated matter.
Its like nobody is allowed to join mn for anything but a frivolous topic. Really annoying.

[applesarerroundandshiny]

The reason people start a post by saying they've name changed is because they want other MNers to know that they are a regular user, particularly if they have a situation which may sound a little unbelievable.

As everyone else has said the reason they go the name change in the first place is because people are far more recognisable if different aspects of their life are pieced together on advance search.,

[Aspieteach]

I name changed for a thread I started about how people would feel if they found out that their child had autism. I've only disclosed to my headteacher and some of my close family, but there were enough details that in the posts that I made on that thread, that if people in the school community did find out that I've got autism then they might work out who I am in RL.

I certainly wouldn't want parents of children in my class hunting out any of my old posts.

I've been posting for a few years and said in my OP that I'd name changed, because I didn't want to be accused of being a troll.