Anyone else got a random PM from one of those user293847574737 nicknames?

[MaureenMLove]

It's about itchy ears? Asking me if I'm still suffering from itchy ear-crisis after 5 years!

Obviously I'm going to report it officially like, but just wondered if anyone else had it? The PM I mean, not itchy ears!

I wonder if PM functionality should be disabled for these 'throwaway' accounts?

Hmm, agree. it's getting a bit out of control everywhere on the boards with these user names.

They're not throwaway accounts. They're default usernames allocated by MNHQ to new members. It's really not that hard to either AS them or remember the last 3 digits if you want to distinguish between them.

But why not choose an actual username? I didn't even know there was a 'default' username.

It's really not that hard to either AS them or remember the last 3 digit

Nor is it hard to change to a decent username. In fact, it's probably easier. So why don't you do it?

I haven't had a message but I do think that the default usernames should have a shelf life... Say if you haven't changed username after a month then your account is disabled.

Maureen - did you actually have itchy ears at some point? Maybe they read an old thread and thought they could give you some advice? Maybe.

Nor is it hard to change to a decent username. In fact, it's probably easier. So why don't you do it?

Why should I?

What's indecent about my name?

Why not choose a proper name? You must realise that it's confusing for other posters when you just have a name with lots of numbers.

It's also hugely boring.

Why not make it more imaginative/personal/individual?

There's no way I could mentally catalogue the last 3 digits of 20,000 user123456789-type usernames. I struggle to recall my NI number these days.

Hallo
Yes sorry about this and thanks to those of you who reported it
We're on the case
With itchy ears now people are mentioning it

I remember reading the reason for the user2325789449 usernames a while back but forgot what it was. Is there any chance that's going to be changed anytime soon MNHQ? I think most people agree that it really isn't something we like!

I'm trying hard to think of a good reason for having them - and failing. Maybe it's too late at night.

I don't think that I thought it was a good reason when I did read it cozie

I used to think "either newbie or goadyfucker" when I saw a user3416753211.

Now my ears will itch every time I see one.

Never knowingly had excessively itchy ears that warranted me using Google for help, no!

Thanks MNHQ and sorry to everyone who are now suffering with itchy ears! I've got a link to help in my PM if you need it!

I haven't had a message but I do think that the default usernames should have a shelf life... Say if you haven't changed username after a month then your account is disabled.

I agree.

And no, of course recognising random digits is not as easy as remembering actual names.

Because it makes it hard to reference a user. If there's a long thread and you want to address something I've said it's far easier to remember Shakey than a bunch of numbers. And yes whilst I could use the end three digits, I am OLD, forgetful and likely to just not bother than scrolling back up

Unfortunately I am of the opinion that more often than not the User123455678889 posters are PBP, Goady Fuckers or just plain old twats. So I ignore/refuse to engage/take no notice of what they are saying.

That may be unfair on the 1% that aren't...but we all know that people get judged by the company they keep.

If you want to be a MNer, embrace the username function. Its not exactly hard to do.

If you can't be arsed to get a permanent name, as the site orders you to do in big letters, then I certainly CBA to memorise the last 3 digits or advance search a random set of numbers or give you the benefit of the doubt for not being a GF.

All the user....s look the same.

HQ, you said you tried assigning random combinations of words at one point. Couldn't you go back to that? Or a shelf life, as frikadela suggested?