AIBU to ask how often you chase your username, and why?

[TartanLassie]

I'm just about to change my username AGAIN! And wondered how often everyone else does?

For the first 10/12 years when we were young and innocent, I had the same user name. Well except for when we did the Secret Santas.

However for the last 5 or so years, I tend to change it every month or so. The main reason is because of security, you don't realise how much personal stuff you give away, even by changing names and ages of kids etc.

So when was the last time you changed?

I have a few and I changed today funny enough, sometimes I pick a new one sometimes I use an old one. I don’t know why, it’s just a habit every couple of months. I don’t compartmentalise them though. I couldn’t be bothered to change each time.

I change mine every time I start my own thread, or if I feel I've posted a lot on other people's threads and given loads of identifying info out I'll do a name change just to clean my slate I suppose.

I'm probably due another change soon. I do like seeing names pop up that I recognise and sometimes think I'd like to be a name that gets recognised too - but I'm way too worried about my privacy!

I change when I can be bothered, have left it far too long this time. Must think up a new one.

@Verashat

Trolls have been around since the site started and we had a fair few long term trolls then. It lulls people in to a false sense of security that people are trustworthy.

Off the top of my head we had a couple of fake Drs, a judge, a midwife and a few who just liked to cause trouble that were well known and ‘loved’ I am sure.

It’s a chat site but there are a lot of strange people around and I wouldn’t want my posting history trawled through and dissected.

Let’s not pretend that people are not involved in off site groups that can be a source of trouble too.

I no more respect or value the opinion of someone who doesn’t name change than one who does.

I don’t care either, no idea why I am posting again other than nothing on TV.

Totally agree.

That is what they all say!
Yeah I don't believe anyone on the internet including those who claim they don't namechange. But to each their own. It's all entertainment.

I change once or twice a year. I'm rubbish at coming up with a new unique name.

Also what happens if I'm on a thread and I'm suddenly come back as someone else

I change constantly

I posted very personal stuff at a very personal time

Never as I am a relative newbie and I like my username because of its meaning to only those that know! Not coded but only usually known by certain a certain profession as it speaks for itself itself amongst other things.

Also what happens if I'm on a thread and I'm suddenly come back as someone else

I believe that is sockpuppeting and isn't allowed. You can use different names for different threads but not for the same thread.

@Sparklingbrook

That is what they all say!

What's what they all say? I'm not with you @marvinscarpark, I don't think I am 'known' on any threads.

About the trolls..tis true. I think most of MN 'know' you, I mean any Duran Duran thread or cat thread and it's where is Sparklingbrook

maybe I spend too long on cat threads

I change mine quite often, but I also reuse old user names.

Actually I remember I did n/c for a week or so after the Jeffrey thing. First thread I posted on I managed to post using both my old and new user name somehow, ended up looking like a huge sock and abandoned it.

@HereForThePopcorn

Also what happens if I'm on a thread and I'm suddenly come back as someone else

I believe that is sockpuppeting and isn't allowed. You can use different names for different threads but not for the same thread.

I'd be so confused about what name I was for what thread. And having to keep switching between the two

I never even knew you could be multiple usernames let alone name change and end up having a thread amongst yourselves. Why bother unless you are multiple polar or whatever the bipolar syndrome is exponentially.

I didn't change for about the first 10 years. At least, I did, but i announced the change at the time as I was a known poster when I wanted to continue to be known.

Then virtually everyone disappeared and I realised not all had left and some had name changed and I felt a bit exposed in my old name. Like everyone could see me, but i couldn't see them. So now I change when I feel like it, or to post something embarrassing, and sometimes I change back, and sometimes I don't.

I wish it were more like the old days though. I used to like recognising people and being recognised. I also think that people who don't name change, like Sparklingbrook and Davros and 80sMum, are more sensible and trustworthy because they are more visible. So yeah, the same changing is suggestive of trolling.

I have commented on a thread with a different name but totally by accident and not to back myself up or agree with myself. I hadn’t even realised until a bit later as I tend to just roam around spouting my opinion and forget where I do it.

I doubt MNHQ would be bothered about an accidental one like that. Someone once bumped their own thread from years before without realising.

You may be right @marvinscarpark. I guess I can live with being known for being a fan of an 80s band (Andy Taylor is 60 today can you believe it?) and all things feline. I'm consistent if nothing else!

I changed mine purely out of feeling attacked over something I did as a teenager and others can’t imagine doing, abandoning a child with his family.
If someone wants to out me I’m happy for them to. Nothing I post on here is a big secret.

@ResIpsaLoquiturInterAlia

I never even knew you could be multiple usernames let alone name change and end up having a thread amongst yourselves. Why bother unless you are multiple polar or whatever the bipolar syndrome is exponentially.

Yes, potentially you could have a huge sock fest and just chat amongst yourself on a thread.

Not often enough I suppose

Sorry about multiple auto corrects in my previous post.

How do you even change? I assumed you’d have to log a new account with a new email address?

@Sparklingbrook

You may be right *@marvinscarpark*. I guess I can live with being known for being a fan of an 80s band (Andy Taylor is 60 today can you believe it?) and all things feline. I'm consistent if nothing else!

@sparklingbrook 60! Duran Duran in baby boomer shock!

The Mumsnet toddlers will be thinking 'Who are those old guys with their zimmer frames'

I'm another that has multiple names that I use regularly. On some boards I'm very prolific and I also answer from a personal and professional view point. I also find that different user names represent a different side of my personality, some are more critical and honest than others.

Well I totally disagree that name changing equals trolling and you can be sure that lots of trolls here were long term and trusted posters. It’s basic internet safety for me.

I am not going to keep a name long term to look more trustworthy to internet randoms.

How do you do it? Can you do it in the mobile app? I obvs haven't but often wonder if I should...