Name Change - Actually Required?

[PumpityPumpPump]

Do people really get found out on here? I see alot of name change so people don't know it's me, I don't know who you are anyway?

Not mentioning it gets comments of 'troll' and 'you're new here' and the thread gets derailed and the OP gets ignored or belittled because they aren't an existing member.

Which says more about the people who chose to reply. That's part of the nature of MN though. Some boards (particularly AIBU) are hostile to newcomers and almost cliquey.

I think that stems from AIBU being such a ridiculous place at times. It's less soap opera like on the chat, relationship etc boards. You could probably get away with not mentioning a NC there.

Agreed @highheelsandwitcheshats, I've had the "interesting first post OP " comment when posting under a new name but not confirming a name change. Only really needed if your post may be controversial or divisive

Yep. I, once, posted looking for support regarding the passing of someone. I had said I was looking for support here because I didnt want to discuss it real life.

Someone came along and outed me. They knew the person i was speaking about and figured out who I was, through my posting history.

I now name change regularly.

For some reason I can't change my username on this account (and MN won't explain why).

On a previous account I was a serial name-changer but when MN had a security alert and made everyone log in again I couldn't' remember my log in details so had to create a new account.

Some people may post very identifying Information either about a situation or for example their career progression, and that might allow another user to know who they are.