releasing unused nicknames

[geekgrrl]

Dear MN Towers:
Would you consider automatically releasing nicknames if they've not been used for a certain time (6 months or a year or thereabouts)?
There are a few desirable nicknames that have been registered years ago and have either never been used or not used for years - it would be nice to make them available again.

Or they could auction some of the best ones for charity

I am not sure about releasing them after 6 months or a year, though - lots of people save them for special occasions eg Christmas

someone could have GinaBabe

Posters could highlight on their "history" the names they def do not want to relinquish. All the rest can be reused after a year?

well, maybe everybody who actually uses the site should be able to register a certain number of nicknames for themselves - maybe 3?
The reason why I'm posting this is that I wanted the nickname 'geekgirl' about 3 years ago, it was taken. It's never been used but is still unavailable. Other sites tend to drop your account after a certain time period.

The nickname auction idea has been mulled over once before - not sure why it never came to anything. Anyway, we'll discuss this again at our next meeting and come back to you.

Cheers,
Rachel

I think if a name hasn't been used for 18 months it should be released - maybe with an email to the "owner" beforehand giving them a set period to request to be able to keep it.

One thing though - if a name has been used topost, would there be a way of diferentiating between the "old" GinaBabe and the "new" one for example.

Maybe only release names that haven't been used to post? So people who registered just to enter competitions etc but never relogged in again?