To think Mumsnetters should change usernames more often?

[primrosestill]

I'm just following up on a recent thread about Mumsnetters who have been "outed" in real life. Lots of people said they had been, and even more said they had recognised people on Mumsnet, either from their unique stories, or from joining the dots between little pieces of personal info across multiple threads, or from photographs (e.g. of pets) that had also been shared on Facebook or elsewhere. Once you've been even vaguely recognised, your whole thread history can be located using Advanced Search, or even just by Googling the word Mumsnet along with the username.

It's easy to change your username. You just go to settings, overwrite the name, add your password and click save (you might get an error if it's not unique, so keep trying). Mumsnet rules say you can change the name as often as you like, so unless you really do want to build up a profile across multiple threads (fine if you do), why leave a trail for others to follow?

Because I forget it's me and start answering my own threads blush.

I have several times read comments on old threads from months ago which I think are really excellent, well-written sound advice. Then I realise it was me

For those who feel the need to change usernames, maybe just be nice and only say things you would to someone in person?

But what about when you need some advice because you've got a dose of the clap?

What's being nice got to do with anything?

😂 Good point😂 But if you are anonymous does it really matter?

@PorpentinaScamander

Isn't it hard work having to know what info goes with what username?

Sounds exhausting

I have 25 registered names! I have some registered that it seems I’ve never used, including this one that I changed to earlier today.

Anyone else remember when there was a username amnesty and auction of the surrendered names?

I've changed my name many times since joining in 2004...

Isn't it hard work having to know what info goes with what username?

Sounds exhausting

Agreed! Just change it to something more outlandish than the last one every weekend, and never look back!

@Crunchymum not really
One of my names has 2 sons.
One has 2 daughters
One has one of each.

If I'm on a thread I do sometimes have to check which name I'm using on it but its not particularly difficult.

I stand by everything I have said on MN and don't feel the need to name change. However, if I did, I am capable of making that decision for myself.

No I'm quite happy thankyou.

@megletthesecond I remember you!

You aren't anonymous if someone works out it is you. So you mention your DC, ages, interests, type of work you do etc. Not always on one thread but people can add it up.

I've been recognised like that

If you feel the need to use different usernames you may need mental health support

PMSL

You’re a daftie.

silverysurfer absolutely! I recognise you though.....

@CollieDug I change names and need mental health support so maybe shes right

I do change my user name fairly regularly.
But some people don't. It surely depends what you post/how much privacy you would like?

ViciousJackdaw I had to add meglet back to my name so I didn't get confused . It all went to pieces when I used totally different usernames.

*You aren't anonymous if someone works out it is you. So you mention your DC, ages, interests, type of work you do etc. Not always on one thread but people can add it up.

I've been recognised like that*

You don't have to tell the truth. Fudge your DCs ages, genders etc. Don't make it easy for them! (Make them work to out you!)

I've been me for years. I nearly changed when I'd had a few too many and was a total dick, but I decided to own it and carry on. I nearly changed when I discovered that I was the target of a whispering campaign, but I thought: Fuck Them! And I carried on.

I know how to NC, but I like being me. I see no reason to change that OP. And if anyone has recognised me IRL, they haven't said anything.

I change my name very slightly every so often.
But I'm still me and everyone irl knows I'm on here anyway so it doesn't bother me.

@PorpentinaScamander

Me too! In fact, if I recall correctly, in the MH questionnaire I was given had the question “how often do you name change on Mumsnet?”

I fucking love science.

😂😂😂 my dr neglected to ask me that @CollieDug maybe that's why we haven't yet found the perfect medication for me

@Davros

Me too! In fact my Mumsnet 16th birthday was 10 days ago.

And I have had this name since I first posted. Although I do have another name which I use to post things I don't want my children to be able to search and recognise as being me...