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Original poster

Can we add the date posters joined MN?

222 replies

BIWI · 27/12/2019 11:06

So many trolls, cheeky and goady fuckers these days! Advanced Search can be helpful in identifying a first time poster - but given how frequently people name change, or the fact that often people name change for one, specific post, sometimes a long-term poster can seem to be a first time poster. Hence they may come under suspicion too.

Could you add, underneath the info on the right-hand side, where it currently has 'message/report', the month and year that they joined MN?

I realise that being here for a while doesn't preclude trolling (unfortunately), but it's much more likely that someone posting a CF/GF/Troll thread, who only joined this month, is not going to be a genuine poster.

Most other sites seem to have this kind of information. I think it would be really useful.

OP posts:

DoesntLeftoverTurkeySoupDragOn · 28/12/2019 11:58

What it boils down to is that there is no way to stop trolls.

PurpleDaisies · 28/12/2019 11:59

What it boils down to is that there is no way to stop trolls.

Absolutely. So doing something which will have no effect except to make regulars more identifiable would be daft.

theoriginalmadambee · 28/12/2019 12:00

The report button isn't effective though, if it was there wouldn't be such a massive troll problem.

This

ACouchOfOnesOwn · 28/12/2019 12:00

I think this is a good idea. It doesn't have to be exact. It could be as a PP said, newbie; 1yr; over 5yrs.
Trolling is becoming an epidemic and it will reach a tipping point where people just don't bother posting. Having a general date would help.
I joined years ago but then set up a new account after the TRA MNer posted on Twitter so this account isn't that old in comparison to how long I've actually been here but I'm ok with being judged as newer than I am to help cut down on trolls.

Lordfrontpaw · 28/12/2019 12:01

I joined around about the time my mum died (2007). I have had to ‘kill’ 2 accounts - once when someone snooped on my logins and I was a bit paranoid so shit down my account and then again when there was a security breach on here and again I closed down my account. I just can’t remember my very early names - which is a pity because there was quite a few on here and we used to recognise each other (and even met at a couple of tester events!).

Relevantreddit · 28/12/2019 12:01

Quite easily worra

Private name one has job difficulties which outs them, then they post under the same name re relationship difficulties.

Awful idea.

Original poster

BIWI · 28/12/2019 12:02

I really don't see how this would make regulars more identifiable - there are hundreds of thousands of MN members, many of whom are regular and/or long-standing posters.

And let's be honest, how many people are truly identifiable? Unless they're posting lots of stuff about their personal lives that is pretty specific. (Mind you, that's another issue - all those MNetters who seem to think that what they post here is somehow private)

OP posts:

Shirazza · 28/12/2019 12:04

What about something like "newbie," "regular contributor," "old-timer"? For either length of time or number of interactions (threads/posts)? That way it's still vague but someone with a sensitive issue with "regular contributor" may not be automatically dismissed as a troll as is sometimes a problem, whereas a "newbie" with kids wetting themselves in her classroom, for example, would be given more pause.

WorraLiberty · 28/12/2019 12:04

But that's what the second name is for, so the two aren't connected?

It's what people do now - name change so as not to connect to their usual name.

This way, they only get one other name change and as it won't gather history, that's surely enough?

Unless I'm missing something here (very possible).

trappedsincesundaymorn · 28/12/2019 12:06

I have a new P.C and couldn't remember my password so had to create a new account with new username so that wouldn't work in this case as I'd show up as a new member even though I've posted on here loads of times.

DingDongMerrilyOnThigh · 28/12/2019 12:10

I love name changes for seasonal and comic effects. I don't see them as being hugely problematic, so long as people follow the guidelines and use the report button if suspicious, as obviously MNHQ can always see who it 'really' is. If namechanging isn't allowed then it will surely just cause more people to multiply register with different email addresses.

MoobaaMoobaa · 28/12/2019 12:11

Why would the other name change for problems not gather history though?

as PP said one time they may post on 2nd name about work troubles, then a few months later relationship problems, then later problem with DC behavour. All that information would be there linked to that name, for someone to recognise in RL. Or for nosey busy bodies to drag up and post shit like "well OP what did you do about the work situation?" ect......

ACouchOfOnesOwn · 28/12/2019 12:11

I don't think limiting name changes is a good idea. I remember when a poster used to track down users and post photos of their front doors to show how easy it was to out users who didn't name change.

I honestly can't see any downside to having : newbie; 6 months; 1yr+; 5yr+ There are lots of members so it won't enable posters to be tracked through name changes and it will stop all the bullshit of 'I've just name-changed for this totally ott, goady-fuckery thread'

WorraLiberty · 28/12/2019 12:13

Why would the other name change for problems not gather history though?

Because that's the number one reason people name change, so that people can't go through their history and put 2 and 2 together.

Relevantreddit · 28/12/2019 12:13

There are some very, very weird people out there.

WorraLiberty · 28/12/2019 12:15

Sorry, posted too soon.

So the relationship/work troubles etc etc wouldn't be a problem, as there's no record of those past posts if you see what I mean?

MoobaaMoobaa · 28/12/2019 12:16

Because that's the number one reason people name change, so that people can't go through their history and put 2 and 2 together

But unless you change MN completely, The 2nd name would gather it's own history!

Are you saying MN would allow everyone a second name that couldn't be searched and will show no history?

WorraLiberty · 28/12/2019 12:17

Actually yes, that's a much better idea than mine now I come to think of it

But HQ still have to come down harder on the GFs I think and those who name change just to give a 'controversial' opinion.

WorraLiberty · 28/12/2019 12:17

Are you saying MN would allow everyone a second name that couldn't be searched and will show no history?

Yes that's exactly it.

I'm not a techy so I have no idea whether that's possible though.

MoobaaMoobaa · 28/12/2019 12:23

WorraLiberty Ahhh now I see.

Well since getting even the slightest thing changed (1 min edit button?) I think changing the essential mechanism of the site might be a step too far

WorraLiberty · 28/12/2019 12:25

Yeah possibly Moobaa

JacquesHammer · 28/12/2019 12:25

To be honest I don’t think trolls are a massive issue.

The pervy/PBPs get zapped ASAP. Not sure it matters if other posts are fictional.

Relevantreddit · 28/12/2019 12:30

Probably matters to the people who sent money

JacquesHammer · 28/12/2019 12:32

Probably matters to the people who sent money

Hence why MN warn to not send more than you can afford surely?

PurpleDaisies · 28/12/2019 12:33

Probably matters to the people who sent money

Nobody should be sending money to strangers on the internet. That’s on them, not MN.

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