Namechanging

[bruffin]

I was just reading the MN thread about AIBU and had a thought about namechanging.

Why dont you just NC a little bit more difficult, so that those that really need some anonymity it can still NC, but those that use it for mischief have to think twice about doing it first
Ie a request NC button where the poster can put in a request for a NC and make a case for NC etc.
I know this will stop the seasonal name changes but they are just a bit of silliness which i suspect most people ignore anyway.

I don't think 'making it a bit more difficult' is the right way to go (MNHQ probably don't have the time to vet requests, and would have no way of establishing the facts anyhow).

So I think it is all or nothing. I'd leave MN as it is.

There are lots of sites where NC isn't permitted. So there are places to go if you want a different type of site.

I don't agree with making it difficult or needing MNHQ to know the reason. Lots of posters have very valid reasons to have several names - DV, workplace issues, tmi, whatever.

I think some sort of limit on the number could work. Like, single name to sign up. After a fortnight, you can have up to three names to switch between.

The drawback I think is that people might just make several accounts. I don't know if that's harder to police.

Overall, MN needs to keep namechanging and anonymity part of the site, as it really is about seeking support, which some posters may not do if they don't feel their privacy is protected. Whether it can be tweaked... maybe.