User159401316434 etc

[MrsJamin]

I presume in registering for mumsnet there's a default username of "user" followed by a load of numbers. This really isn't a good default, there's more and more of them now and the number strings are so long it'd be hard to tell one from another if they both post on a thread. Can you not do what the BBC do with usernames and put three words together so at least it's distinctive and memorable? Also the names have no personality whatsoever compared to most self-chosen names.

I agree. There are so many of these around.

It's a loss of personality for the user and for the site. One of the best things about MN is the prevalence of clever/funny/cheeky user names.

Or just 'force' name by mandating that a customisation field is filled in? It really isn't that hard to think of something unique. People are just being lazy.

I agree, it's infuriating.
Could there not be a time limit on number string names generated by the site? Perhaps after 2 weeks or posting on 2 threads, an automatic block kicks in until a new name based on letters is chosen.

I'm afraid that when I see solely numeric posters (apart from Binary) posting, I just assume that they are some Johnny-come-lately with no understanding of the site, or a very frequent name changer.

Also I think these users are probably given a rougher ride in mn as they are so obviously new, temporary or look like spam accounts. That's surely a terrible introduction to a chat site.

Totally agree.

Thread about the same topic HERE and MNHQ promising to sort it - nothing has happened.

Surely it can't be that hard to change?

(OP - am not being arsey linking to that thread - just hoping to give MNHQ a push!)

I looked in recent threads in site stuff and couldn't see anything hence the new thread. Thanks for the link. Am pleased it's not just me who thinks it's a dreadful naming convention.

I only knew 'cos I'd moaned on that thread too!!

Hi, folks

These usernames won't be around forever, promise!

There has just been a pretty big redesign of the local websites and so tech is somewhat swamped at the moment, but we'll flag this again now.

These usernames won't be around forever, promise!

It's been nearly a year since that was first promised.

With major exams being over and the summer holidays approaching, PLEASE can this be dealt with before the usual troll invasion really gets going? We're already getting some pretty obvious suspects.

We've been told for over a year that tech would get around to it eventually - surely at some point it has to be brought forward as a priority over and above redesigning local sites.

Any progress on this? It's making threads really confusing and hard to follow.

Also, yes, not to second-guess Tech's maintenance workload or anything but... don't MN employ Tech? Could you maybe ask them to prioritise this issue rather than just flagging it to them, since that's been happening for over a year and doesn't seem to be moving it up the priority ladder? Just a thought?

Hi folks,

Gahh, we know how annoying this is for you and we're eager to get it sorted.

It's coming soon don't shoot the messenger, pretty please!.

We're not 100% sure of a time frame yet but we're hoping to have specifics by the end of the week, so we'll get back to you then.

Errm, you were hoping to have specifics by the end of last week? What happened?

Hello!

We have good news!

The new registration process will be implemented next week, meaning that upon joining, users will need to choose a username.

Yayyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!

That deserves a banner announcement!

TTFFT!

Yayyyyy! Thank you!!!!

Finally! 🍾🍷🍸🍹🍻🍺🌞👍🎈

That is good news indeed, Lorna.

What about all the existing userblah names though? Will they be required to namechange?

Just bumping to see whether there is a decision about the current userblahnumbers who should be forced to NC?

Tbf I think there are some who want to NC & can't.

Fantastic, hope sorting out the zombie thread issue is now higher on your list. I hope it gets sorted quicker than the user name thing though.

Um. I admit to posting on the Surrendered Wives thread in full knowledge of what it was. I just couldn't resist.

Point taken, Empress. So perhaps Tech should make that possible for them? I think it's something to do with the App?

I think someone said that when they register they get given a random complex password & invited to change it, but if they miss the change password option then they can end up not knowing their password & so unable to name change.