All these bloody 'user443268643' names, I have a Cunning Plan.

[Stratter5]

They're SO annoying. And it's difficult to differentiate between them. Could we possibly make some sort of auto random word generating thing instead? Like the bot Captcha thingy that generates two random words to confirm you're not a bot. NerveLeaf or CatMacaron would be so much easier than all the user names.

was just about to post about how you hijacked usual's idea but luckily I went and checked first

Good idea

It was my idea, honest guv. I mentioned it a couple of days ago, but I think it got missed - fast moving thread.

Agreed, it would be much better!

It's such a good idea.

I just ignore them, but I'm sure most of them are perfectly lovely.

Someone has already said on the other thread that they've been on a site that did this, so it is possible.

Or at least make you choose a NN before you can post!

I would like a feature that regenerates usernames back into the system if somebody doesn't post for a long time. (Purely for selfish reasons)

I wanted to be The Spook, The county spook or Grimalkin but I couldn't have any of those as they were already taken.

I have never seen anyone posting under those names in the few years that I have been here.

YY I think unused names should be reused. I want Stratters back :(

YY thanks for this - will also pass this suggestion to the TechPowersThatBe

If I could be TheCountySpook I would be very happy.

I agree about the word generating thing.. All the numbers make it seem impersonal somehow.

Oooh really? Thanks OliviaMN

@usual

I'd like usualsuspect back without the sidebollocks.

Cash for Nicknames anyone? [innocent face]

I'm sure MN said they had tried this, but the auto generated names were terrible in someway (they would never specify or give examples )

I think the auto name feature is great,.and I'd people don't like being automated "wankbadger" they can always change it...

Ooh we have a new gin bar where I live! I could get them to send you some recipes?? They even put a lolly in one of their drinks!

I like this idea

I'd be tempted to ditch my name though and just go with the auto generated one instead

I think Stratter5 should now be called Baldrick

CBBC does this - if you use their website you can scroll through three randomly generated names to choose your user name for the site, all the online games etc, and then when they read out messages on the telly from the children, they refer to them as "red Angel dinosaur" or "zinc teddy sunflower" or "sonic silly badger" etc.

Agree it's quite annoying seeing "user3853859349" here now.

The idea of a random MNet name generator is reminding me of the excellent Daily Mail headline generator

I really think I deserve Stratters back for thinking of this, frankly genius, idea.

I think I should have the name I want, for helping you to potentially get stratters back

It's awful if you want to quote someone then find out its 'user0978967897886787688' I tend not to bother anymore.
Agree Stratters Baldeick that would far preferable.