To frequently change my MN user name?

[CrymeaRvr]

I change my MN on a fairly frequent basis. 1) to prevent anyone knowing who I am when I put on personal stuff so I worry being able to search for my posts would make me identifiable IRL which would out me off asking for advice around relationships etc.

1. I’m in the feminism board a bit and have experienced the nastiness that is a pile-on when my opinions on some subjects, particularly LGBTQ+ stuff, differs from the majority.

A good friend reckons that it’s unreasonable of me, and if I’m going to put out my opinions then I should be able to stand by them regardless of consequences and/or people piling on. She has the one name that she’s had forever and people apparently ‘know’ her on MN.
She keeps banging on about it. So, AIBU to change my name when I feel it’s necessary???

@CrymeaRvr

I was hoping/assuming I was the norm rather than the exception! Though I am on one thread, left it for a day, changed my name as I do and discover that under my old name I’m being called all sorts for not engaging and just buggering off! Which I haven’t, just a new name. I regret that a bit but maybe it’s for the best as I don’t want to get into an online slanging match with anyone!

Changing names mid-way through a thread and you wonder why people don't recognise you as the same poster? If you didn't highlight your name change it's hardly surprising they thought you'd buggered off is it? I would suggest that your reason for name changing in that instance is not exactly in good faith, why are you continuing the same conversation on the same thread under a different name?

Using a number of different names within a thread is classed as sock puppeting and not allowed under MN guidelines just so you know for future reference should you decide to name change several times within a thread you are contributing to.

@CrymeaRvr

‘ YANBU. your friend sounds like a dick though.’

Harsh! She’s lovely but very GC in her views, and not one to hold back an opinion so she just a bit more ballsy.

If it's that way around then I'm genuinely surprised that you're the one concerned about being outed, and not her.

I change mine pretty often! Same reasons as you.

I think you're perfectly normal. Except for telling your friend anything to do with you and MN. None of my friends even know I use MN.

@CrymeaRvr

I was hoping/assuming I was the norm rather than the exception! Though I am on one thread, left it for a day, changed my name as I do and discover that under my old name I’m being called all sorts for not engaging and just buggering off! Which I haven’t, just a new name. I regret that a bit but maybe it’s for the best as I don’t want to get into an online slanging match with anyone!

< When you post you can enter one of your old names in the name box;

So why not return to the thread and engage in the debate instead of plopping?

@Pyri

You’d be very unreasonable to never name change

I can’t believe how much personal info people share on here, once you have an idea of someone’s age / location / kids names / occupation it gives a very round picture and you’d be clearly identifiable to someone that knows you

That said, on those “which posters do you miss” threads, my old username is sometimes mentioned and I want to say “that’s me!” but I don’t, obviously

You can post under your old name just by typing it in one the individual Post just to say hello, that you're still around but under a new name. You obviously don't have to say what your new name is!!

It's just nice to know xyz poster is still here.

Seeing this thread reminded me that it was time for a username change! I don't want people in real life to work out who i am!

So why not return to the thread and engage in the debate instead of plopping?

Jesus, a total derail but I just googled “plopping” thinking it would be some slang term along the lines of flouncing but it isn’t.

Wish I hadn’t done that.

@MrPoppysParka

People who put any stock into having a recognisable MN ‘presence’ make me cringe.

I name change regularly too.

Cringe all you like!

It was nice 'knowing' people so much better & forming friendships & hearing about peoples kids growing up & their house renovations or whatever & when certain posters showed up you knew it was going to be a great/funny/bunfight thread.

Still, you cringe away if it makes you feel superior?!

I've changed my name multiple times, averagely every six months perhaps. If someone viewed all of my posts the information collective would be very identifying and I want to make sure I stay anonymous. I don't think there's anything wrong with it!
There are some weirdo folk on here who enjoy searching previous posts and trying to catch people out. Think, like, "I want to ask for advice about my 7 year old child", with a comment from someone "five years ago you said your child was 3 so how can they be 7 now".

@CrymeaRvr

‘People don't realise that you can tell the truth while changing a few small unimportant details to remain as anonymous as possible.’

Yup! I have done that with little things like ages or gender of kids, nothing that makes the post confusing or affects the opinions I’ll get but enough to not have Margaret from accounts thinking- ooh, I bet that’s Crymea…
Margaret from accts lives to try to find people in MN that she thinks she might know. And obviously her name isn’t actually Margaret and she’s not in the accts dept but you get the gist!

Thinking of changing my username to MargaretFromAccts

YANBU. I didn't use to change frequently, but:

• it's impossible to take part frankly in discussions without revealing personal info, and

• there are far more lurkers / readers than participants. You are baring your soul to a LOT more people than you realise, and

• there are MN snark sites where people dissect every word posted on hers. I don't particularly want attention from them. If you keep the same username for more than two minutes you will end up on one of their "MN users who piss you off" threads.

I would suggest that your reason for name changing in that instance is not exactly in good faith, why are you continuing the same conversation on the same thread under a different name?

Using a number of different names within a thread is classed as sock puppeting and not allowed under MN guidelines just so you know for future reference should you decide to name change several times within a thread you are contributing to.

This is a very good point. Particularly if a PP is posting about safeguarding children.

I had the same name for quite a while when I first joined MN (over 10 years ago) but then realised someone could "connect the dots" and now I name change fairly often. I think most do and those that don't stand out because of their long history under the same name.

I didn't think posters could get away with sock puppetry anymore as the same poster will show up if you highlight them in a thread?

Or did I dream that? 👀

Same

I name change when I think I’ve shared too much identifying information - I thought most people did but there are definitely regular posters I recognise that don’t .

@MrFsAunt

I didn't think posters could get away with sock puppetry anymore as the same poster will show up if you highlight them in a thread?

Or did I dream that? 👀

I don't think that's true. Not 100% sure though.

@MrFsAunt

I didn't think posters could get away with sock puppetry anymore as the same poster will show up if you highlight them in a thread?

Or did I dream that? 👀

This is wrong.

You can only stop sock puppets by spotting abs reporting them. Mn do delete them.

I've been on Mumsnet for 15 years (!) And have had a few name changes. I'm not a prolific poster but do have a tendency to overshare. Am probably due a new name around now, I'll have to think of a good one!

If you're feeling feisty Atla, maybe Attila? ;)

I do it too because I don’t want to be recognised.

@CrymeaRvr

My opinions also have changed on some things over time… so I’d hate for someone to be looking stuff up and accusing me of hypocrisy or whatever on some subjects when actually life experience or even debating with people on here has made me look at something a different way and re-assess

I agree with you here. I also name change a lot, where I feel its worth it I will go back and say if my views have changed (will use name previously on that thread)

But I don't want to be hounded for changing details for anonymity

Well here you go, I've simple nc so you can see (if youre premium) if see all works

Mine are the same colour for me