Are multiple log ins 'allowed'

[LizaTarbucksAuntie]

Can I have this cleared up once and for all please HQ?

Can a user of the talkboards have multiple user names active at the same time?

Can you clarify the rules on namechanges for me please?

If I were to go ahead and do it what would the consequences be?

What circumstances would you allow it in?

Thanks

i don't think so giles. different logins could be for exactly the same purpose as namechanging under the same login, it's just a different way of doing it. only MNHQ know whether it's usually done by trolls or not - that's possibly the case, but surely not in all cases?

I think the only reason to have more than one log-in is to create trouble and/or mislead..

The fact you can do unlimited name changes under 1 log-in negates the need to create a second for genuine reasons.

MN seem to prefer reacting to individual cases rather than trying to develop a set of rules that cover every possible permutation. Worst possible case is that they ban you from MN forever, but that only seems to happen if you are extremely offensive or have a long track record of causing offence and upset.

I've got a few names I've picked up along the way, seasonal or topical, or to use sometimes if I'm answering a thread where my answer my out me locally.

But I don't and wouldn't use them regularly - I don't see the need. And certainly wouldn't use them for mischief.

Exactly Celibacy.

but celibacy MNHQ would only know about those who have multiple log-ins if they do cause trouble, because they are reported and investigated. there could be lots of genuine posters out there doing the same, but as long as they don't use the multiple log-ins for dodgy purposes no one will be any the wiser.

a bit about ncing in FAQ

Ah I've read further and I can definitely say, namechanges under one account are okay with MNHQ, holding different accounts with different emails = not okay.

I think they've actually said 'we don't really allow multiple memberships' which is what it is really.

I have another name that I have used once to post something sensitive. I think that is ok and something MNHQ can see and understand the reasons.

However I think that those who name change to sock puppet or those that have a couple of names for different personas not to discuss sensitive/outing stuff just to be nice or goady are no better than trolls.

I have come across it a couple of times as some posters writing style is very unique or the information they give is just too similar. I reported at the time but it never went anywhere, as the main name was a poster that was well liked.

I understand what you are asking OP and I would like to see the answer.

fair enough then

PS sorry for wanky scociology-speak up there

Have smacked hand

Name changing is fine in that you are hiding from other users.

However multiple accounts would mean you want to hide from MNHQ too.

The question then becomes why do you want to avoid the notice of the mods?

Then it's an ethical question as you may be doing it for good or for harm.

Holden I didn't have a clue what you were saying, so politely ignored it

^ and multiple accounts isn't really covered in the ever fluctuating guidelines.

Actually I'm not confusing 2 things, I asked this:

*Can I have this cleared up once and for all please HQ?

Can a user of the talkboards have multiple user names active at the same time?

Can you clarify the rules on namechanges for me please?

If I were to go ahead and do it what would the consequences be?

What circumstances would you allow it in?

Thanks*

There's no point in reading the responses and re-interpreting the question. It was deliberately pretty clear.

More than one account, as in multiple email addresses used to sign up is deffo frowned upon and if found out you'll be asked to stick to the one.

The name changing on one account is a bit more iffy. I love a good name change and of course using a different name to post sensitive topics is a wonderful option to have.

To use one name to be a goady fucker and then another to post in a normal way is trolling. Even if you do think you're trying to prove a point...

i don't think that multiple log-ins automatically means nefarious purposes. lots of people may have them but because they use them "ethically" it never comes to anyone's attention. if MNHQ have a blanket policy that if discovered they ban (or whatever sanction) then fair enough. but i can think of reasons why people might have more than one log-in legitimately

the OP is clearer now (but also rather rude)

oops, refresh before typing response - sorry it that now sounds bolshy..

Can a user of the talkboards have multiple user names active at the same time?

so by this do you mean (for example) you had two windows of MN open and you were logged in to each, with two different names? - because you would have to have two accounts to do this.

And when I say iffy I mean it can be used for both good and bad...

yes fenton that's the only way i could see that you could do that. and you would have to do something clever with cookies possibly (or different browsers? though that might mean just using a namechange)

if you were posting something sensitive at the same time as continuing regular conversations entirely separately then i don't think it would be a problem. though MNHQ may not see it that way

I've managed to just confuse myself about ip addresses as well. I can log in and post from my work PC, home PC, iPhone and iPad - are they all diff IP addresses?

I also have my 'real' email account, one in the name of EveDallas for FB and not wanting spam, a BT email address and a Sky email address. I suppose I could join MN using all of those different email addresses, and have a different namechange associated with each. But that would be wrong I supoose.

On the mobile site you can select which name each post is from for each post, so yep, MNHQ are fine with that. They've said previously that pure sock puppetry is very easy to spot and stop

Petula do you mean to be passive aggressive there? Surely if you think I'm being rude he grown up way to comment would be to do so directly to me, rather than address the thread generally about me...