Numbers in user names

[JuliaDream]

I keep reading that you have to have a number in your user name now.

Is that true?

Apparently not - I have just name changed - no numbers required!

I wonder why some posters are saying you have to have a number then?

Most odd.

It may be something to do with jokes about Netmums? I'm not sure, to be honest!

Hiya JuliaDream - unless there is a techy issue going on, this shouldn't be the case.

Generally, a lot of usernames are taken, so if you try to use one that's already taken, you will have to change it or add a number to make it unique.

Yes I know that about if the name is taken you can nick the name and just add a number.

But I've seen several posters say they are getting an add a number message.

Ah okay, how weird.

Would you be able to link us to where other MNers have said they're having this issue?

Then we can take a closer look.

I'm getting this issue. I can't go back to my old user names either, but have to put a number in them.

oh never mind; I've now realised that a) the error message says that you can use numbers as characters, not that you have to, and b) that if you ignore the error message and carry on anyway, it still works

Glad to know things are sorted for you, RunAwayHome.

But if anyone can link to where folk are saying they have to add a number to a new username, please do! We'll happily investigate further.

I was one that said this.

Basically I name changed and underneath the box to wrote the new name (in red?) it said that nicknames Must include uppercase (A-Z) lower case (a-z) and numbers (0-9). I took that to mean it had to have all those but I might have interpreted it wrong.

Well it would still be more ideal not to have an error message come up at all, regardless if whether it is an easily misunderstood one or not!!

Also, would there be some way to have a drop down box where you could choose previous usernames when you are about to post? Because if you want to have one nickname for one particular topic, and another for just the random chit chat stuff, it is complicated having to go to your account and put passwords in and stuff to change back and forth.

RunAwayHome, you can type any of your user names in the "Username" box above the message box, and it will post under that name.

It's great for sockpuppetting changing easily

Yes it does.

oh thanks, that's good to know. I assumed that since it was greyed letters, you couldn't change it!

RunAwayHome, you can type any of your user names in the "Username" box above the message box, and it will post under that name

I have literally just this minute worked this out, and came on Site Stuff to write a post about it! I had NO idea you could do this, I've always gone back to account settings to change my username.

Not that I sockpuppet! I just have a username that I keep for personal stuff and others for fun stuff!