"Threads I've started' shows threads I started with a namechange. Safety/privacy issue?

[OhBuggerandArse]

I've just discovered this, to my surprise - in my own case there's nothing too awful there, but definitely some stuff I'd rather family members didn't see if they happened to click on that link. However, I can imagine situations where people might have name changed to post about something very sensitive or confidential and there would be a real risk involved.

If there's a good reason for this I think it should be flagged up for people, perhaps on the name change form - but if not perhaps the settings should be adjusted?

I think only you can see that though ...

Yes, but if someone at home who you didn't necessarily want to know your entire posting history was at your computer, they could too. Of course you can log out, but realistically how many people do do that every time they use the site?

I'm obviously missing the point then because if it were the case that I didn't want anyone to see my posts then I would ensure I did log out. No biggie, surely?

Only if you know that's the case.

OK, here's a scenario: someone might post mostly about innocuous things like baking, childcare, slebs, and don't worry particularly about whether their rather controlling partner is stalking them online because they know that there's nothing there to cause any trouble.

But one day they name change to discuss a difficulty they're having, or to ask for advice about separating, or (not nice, but not uncommon) to get some feedback about some kind of abusive or controlling behaviour. Because of the name change they assume (as I did) that those posts wouldn't appear in their posting history, so don't bother to log out as they never usually do.

Controlling partner checks 'threads I've started' and finds out everything. Surely you can see the problem?

hide the thread when you have done with it?

Still not an option unless you know this is an issue.

Agree with Nagoo if you hide the thread then it disappears from Threads I Started

I think because I've name changed quite a few times, I've always realised that threads I'm on shows all the threads I'm on no matter what name I am using.

The problem being that people can't take responsibility for their own internet usage and expect MN and other websites to do it for them?

Yes, that problem I can see.

It would be very simple indeed to put a line of explanation on the form where you change your name to suggest options people could use.

I don't think there's any reason to be narky about the idea - or to think that in the kinds of fast moving domestic crisis situations that are often played out in threads on MN that people are necessarily going to be thinking clearly enough (or have the technical knowhow) to prioritise taking the kinds of precautions they should.

Okay.

Threads I'm on shows NC-d threads as well. You are the same poster, on the same registration. I wasn't surprised to see all my posting history. Was anyone else?

I hadn't realised about 'threads I'm on' either, but I guess that was because it clears after a while and so doesn't go back so far.

If you all think this is pretty damn obvious then fair enough, but I would have thought that the possible safety (or just uncomfortableness) implications are enough that it would be worth flagging up to people, particularly at the moment when they are about to name change.

I wouldn't be Nagoo, if I ever name changed beyond holiday names.

Your PMs all stay in the same box as well.

I'd quite like to hear MNHQ's thoughts on this - either way.

Hello
Thanks for raising this - we will discuss back at the Towers and revert if that's okay.
M Towers