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?

He hasn't aged that well @Sparklingbrook

@Clicketyclick21

Regularly but then I confuse myself with what I've said under which username!

I’m starting to get the same. I’m thinking should I start keeping notes. Then I wonder what on Earth am I thinking of. Not deceiving, but using certain names for certain topics. Sometimes I just change for no reason really.

Every few weeks. Ever since someone clearly followed me through multiple threads trying to show me up after they disagreed with something I said.

I do get sad when I have to retire good usernames, though.

I haven’t ever changed it in 10 years

@Verashat

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.

No it doesn't equal trolling but it makes things a lot easier for people of the hairy hand/bridge dwelling persuasion and if they just want to dash on to a thread, bitchplop and disappear.

It was before my time on here but namechanging was a complicated affair to begin with, nothing like as easy as it is now.

I don’t use the app but on mobile you go to settings and do it there. You can go back to use previous names for different threads. I have had the same account for years here but lots of different names.

It’s probably more suss to keep setting up new accounts.

@marvinscarpark

He hasn't aged that well *@Sparklingbrook*

Noo he hasn't. The hair! He was always my least favourite TBF. I'm sure he's gutted about that.

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

I accidentally posted on one thread with 2 different usernames a long time ago and have been more careful ever since. Sometimes though I wish I could merge all my usernames on every post and thread I started together but I like the namechange variety more.

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

I’m sure I read somewhere that MN do not like you using multiple names on one thread, but might have imagined that.

MNHQ can see namechanges and ban trolls. People have always used multiple accounts to troll which has been done from day one. So a no name change rule would not stop that.

As I said, there have been people trolling here with the same name for years until they were finally banned or left. False sense of security.

@Ijustknowitstimetogo

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

I’m sure I read somewhere that MN do not like you using multiple names on one thread, but might have imagined that.

Yes sock puppetting is frowned upon if done intentionally, so if you are getting your arse handed to you and you namechange to post and support yourself that'll get you into trouble if someone notices and reports. But I am sure people do it accidentally without intent and it goes unnoticed.

I've had mine 8 years+
Never changed it.
Never will.
You can fight me on the beach

@Verashat

MNHQ can see namechanges and ban trolls. People have always used multiple accounts to troll which has been done from day one. So a no name change rule would not stop that.

As I said, there have been people trolling here with the same name for years until they were finally banned or left. False sense of security.

I am a massive troll, I have been here since 2011 and I'm playing the long game, biding my time. I don't think anyone has suspected anything yet.

Every 10 days or so. When MN first started, I had my 'own' username - but there weren't many of us, and it felt (wrongly) quite nice and personal. MN is now a juggernaut, and I don't want any of my posts to be linked to one another. I was a bit naive 20 years ago.

@AnakreonsGrab

Every 10 days or so. When MN first started, I had my 'own' username - but there weren't many of us, and it felt (wrongly) quite nice and personal. MN is now a juggernaut, and I don't want any of my posts to be linked to one another. I was a bit naive 20 years ago.

Was there something about bidding for a name? Paying for it? Or have I dreamt that-it was before my time.

Yes @Sparklingbrook we know you have been here since 2011 and kept the same name. We know.

I've also been on here for 20 years ! I've got 7or 8 names and use them all

@Verashat

Yes *@Sparklingbrook* we know you have been here since 2011 and kept the same name. We know.

Oh. I was trying to be lighthearted. I seem to have touched a nerve. Sorry about that.

You can fight me on the beach

I just wondered if you would like to tell us all again. 2011 was it?

@TartanLassie, I change mine for almost every thread, or at least every time I give away a piece of personal information or express an opinion that I might have expressed to people in RL.

The reason is, it's very easy to stalk mumsnetters by doing an advanced search on username or even just googling the username and it's more common than you might think for people to be recognised. There was a thread about it a while ago. Lots of people said they recognised friends, family or colleagues on these threads and then searched their post history to see what else they might have posted.

I don't see any benefit in keeping the same name when it's so easy to change.

I cocked up a wee while ago, outed myself a bit so changed it then. Usually about three times a year or so.

@Verashat

I just wondered if you would like to tell us all again. 2011 was it?

What's the problem?

I have had the same account for years here but lots of different names

Yes same. Sometimes I think MNHQ must roll their eyes or shake their heads at my username antics but until they outlaw it, I'll be using the feature. I'm sure it's one of their major selling points too. They have all my posting history under all the names and I've started loads of threads that have gone well so if I was a troll, they'd know.

I actually think the posters who can troll easily are those who create different accounts and regularly sockpuppet on threads to agree with themselves or cause confusion/derail threads. You don't need a namechange feature for this. So the namechanging feature actually means MN can tell if you're here to troll based on your activities under your names.

This one is since the new year obviously 😆...think I've been here around 10/11 years, and I don't change very often although I have some posts that I create new usernames just for them, as they are very specific or personal.

Most of the time I wouldn't mind if someone found me and I'm pretty open in real life about everything and anything. However, there is stuff that I maybe don't want people knowing, I asked some legal advice a couple of times under different user names.

I changed at the new year as I think my old username would make me easily identifiable, I don't mind, but felt a fresh start was better.

So on the whole I go years between changes with specific names a for a few things. But I'll probably change given this was has the year in it.