Any word from MNHQ about another name auction? And while we're at it...

[BitOfFun]

Would it be possible to have a function when trying to namechange, where you can just check a name's availability without actually bagsying it? I often think of good names, but dont necessarily want them myself, but just to suggest them to other people. There is no way of checking if it's already taken or not, without actually acquiring it yourself.

What do you think?

Sounds fairly reasonable ... can see how someone might suggest a name for a friend.

It probably only needs a minor change to www.mumsnet.com/Profile?nick=xxxxxx

so if xxxxxx does not exist, it says something a bit different to the normal (either showing a profile, or saying that the profile isn't public or has not been created)...

Hello. And thanks BOF, we'll think about that.

Re the name auction - we're not ignoring you; we're just thinking it might be best to save something like that for after the summer hols or you'll nick all the best ones

True

I would like (am full of 'helpful' ideas today) a function when namechanging that points out very similar names. So if I chose Iloveponies, MN would say yes because there isn't an iloveponies. But there is a prolific poster called Iheartponies and one with extreme rightwing views called Ilovesponiesme. MN could point this out or suggest alternatives, as hotmail or similar does when you choose an email address. Avoiding annoying 'Iloveponies1980' names obviously.

Not a huge problem, clearly, but so many names have been done before now. Just think of the poor newbie-to-come who chooses Daftypunk

I would like it if non active user names have there accounts stopped so I we can all have more choice.
It is very annoying when you choice a name, advance search as you get told No and realise that poster has never posted.
I only mean delete after a certain amount of years and only if they have never posted before or it would get confusing. :)

How does the name auction work? Would any of my carefully stored up for an appropriate occasion names be forcibly nabbed or is it just inactive accounts?

Be careful if you say you want a name.

It may turn out that someone used it once 3 years ago but the minute you say you want it they will revive it just to piss you off, and everyone will think they are you.

What's the criteria though? How long doesn't a name have to have posted for? Or would it just be names that have been registered aeons ago and never posted?

I think the rule was only names that had never posted ever even once

It's not the most polished thing, but you can check for nickname availabilithy without claiming it by typing it into the join page. You can access this page whilst logged in, though I wouldn't recommend submitting it.

I have a question about namechanging that didn't seem worth a thread of its own, can I ask it here, as there's been a reference to "storing" names. So - if you change your name, it looks like you literally change it but can you change it back? Or, do you start a new account giving a selection of names? Would this depend on you having a selection of email adresses? Or do you store names by using them once, changing back, and then only you could use that name again by name changing again? There are obviously some power users on this thread who could explain this to me.

If you change your name to something else, now no-one else can ever use that name. Even if you don't post with it.

So you change your name back, and that name is dead to the world? You could re-change your name to that, though?

You can re-change to any name you have previously changed to.

No-one else can ever change to it.

Even if you've never posted.

But this thread is talking about taking unused-but-reserved names away from people and selling them off for charity.

Yes, like I alternate between QuintessentialShadow and QuintessentialShadows in plural. Or something else entirely for Christmas, and then change back. You aquire "for life" any name you change to for a millisecond, and can change between these, and any new ones you come up with without giving up any name.

(I have a huge amount of names, to be honest, and rarely use them, due to makeing quick name changes for fun(

OK, I understand this now and can make a bit more sense of the hi-jinks and antics I see described. Many thanks. I'll be watching out for the subtle differences in your name from now on, Quint.

It is nothing sinister.
The plural was set up when I still lived in London, and the profile has lots of uk related photos (not visible now, I think), the singular was set up after my move, and the pics are from Norway. But most member dos seasonal namechanges. For example, my Easter name was QuintessentiallyAnEmptyCave, or something like that. AnyFucker was AnyFuckerForMincePie (which is very memorable). stuff like this.

Could this lead to a black market in MN names? BoF around the back of a dirty caff exchanging all her name changes for dirty lucre?

If so, that would be AMAZING.

Boff in the Caff of Shame with a dirty mack, all pinned inside with lovely names. Spoonerisms, genuine article, half price. Something for the little lady. Lovely.

On a related theme....I can't name-change back to Pan! The reg. detail tells me it's already in use. Yes. By me!
I've asked HQ to see to this, but surprisingly they appear to have much better things to do. Odd.
Any help here please? tia

I have a million names which i can't use because i once de-regged....I do sometimes wake up in the wee hours thinking ''by jove, THAT'D be a fab name. Then find out I already once had it and tis now lost forever....

filthyminded - is that you from many moons ago? And didn't I prompt your name. Sorry if I am wrong.