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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

Can we see other posters name changes?

56 replies

MrsMigginsMate · 13/12/2020 12:33

On Mumsnet premium can we see a list of people's previous usernames, or is that only something admins can see? (Don't have premium and wondering if it's included)

OP posts:
NerrSnerr · 13/12/2020 12:35

Wouldn't that defeat the object of name changing?

SantasBritchesSpelleas · 13/12/2020 12:36

I hope people can't!

TreacleHart · 13/12/2020 12:36

I don't think you should be able to do that personally . What would be the point of having options to change names . Mumsnet is popular for lots of mums ( no shit Sherlock ) and without the option , it wouldn't take long before you could be outed by people you know irl .

TheQueef · 13/12/2020 12:37

Defeats the object.

Original poster
MrsMigginsMate · 13/12/2020 12:37

I don't know, I thought if people didn't want to be found they would register fresh with a new username. I thought normal name changes were for a variety of less serious reasons if you keep the same login.

OP posts:
AnyFucker · 13/12/2020 12:38

Is this something you think should happen ?

Original poster
MrsMigginsMate · 13/12/2020 12:39

Its a bit odd when you think about it that you can have multiple usernames on the same login anyway....wouldn't you just get a burner email and use that to create a fresh account if you wanted anonymity? So that's what made me think name changes are just because people get bored and fancy a new name?

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsMigginsMate · 13/12/2020 12:41

@AnyFucker

Is this something you think should happen ?
Sometimes I've suspected sock puppetry and thought it would be good to know. But I assumed it was probably something only admins could see. But then I've noticed some premium posters seem to have access to more functions so it made me query if it's included.
OP posts:
ShirleyPhallus · 13/12/2020 12:41

This is a terrible idea. I deliberately use a name change for stuff that’s more outting as I’m sure lots of people do. I don’t think people realise quite how identifiable they are by dropping lots of little bits of info in to multiple posts.

Original poster
MrsMigginsMate · 13/12/2020 12:45

@ShirleyPhallus

This is a terrible idea. I deliberately use a name change for stuff that’s more outting as I’m sure lots of people do. I don’t think people realise quite how identifiable they are by dropping lots of little bits of info in to multiple posts.
So are you saying it's not already a feature on premium? I'm not particularly trying to make a case for it, I wanted to know if it already exists or not as I'm not going to pay just to find out.
OP posts:
shouldbedoinglaundry · 13/12/2020 12:45

This is an absolutely terrible idea! I don't want to post a link to the house I'm buying on one thread and then a few months later details about my problems with my new neighbours and have people know exactly where these people (and I) live, do I?

(That's a completely hypothetical situation btw, just illustrating my point.)

PinGwyn · 13/12/2020 12:45

I changed my username after almost 12 years when a "friend" told me she'd read a post very similar to mine and done a back search on all my posts then proceeded to tell someone else about an issue I had posted about anonymously.

It's an anonymous forum so I shouldn't need to set up new email addresses to change name for the sake of privacy!

I really hope this isn't an option for premium or otherwise - I'd be completely re-registering if that's the case.

Original poster
MrsMigginsMate · 13/12/2020 12:47

That sucks @PinGwyn, they're not a friend anymore I presume!

OP posts:
TheGremlinsAreComing · 13/12/2020 12:47

I've been on these boards 10+ years and name change because sometimes I get flack for my opinions (not always popular ones), and after a while it gets tiresome being constantly bombarded with 'you're the poster that said xyz'. That's not to say I don't stand by my opinions because I do, but when I'm commenting on a lighthearted thread and someone tries to start a bun fight, it's just daft. Hence name change.

TheGremlinsAreComing · 13/12/2020 12:49

Also as PP said, when you drop bits of info into multiple threads, it is easily outing if someone decides to start connecting the dots.

Original poster
MrsMigginsMate · 13/12/2020 12:51

@TheGremlinsAreComing

I've been on these boards 10+ years and name change because sometimes I get flack for my opinions (not always popular ones), and after a while it gets tiresome being constantly bombarded with 'you're the poster that said xyz'. That's not to say I don't stand by my opinions because I do, but when I'm commenting on a lighthearted thread and someone tries to start a bun fight, it's just daft. Hence name change.
Oh God you've just described my experience here exactly! I didn't think of that as a reason to name change but that's a really good point. Might have to start thinking of a new profile name myself now just to dodge some of my "biggest fans" who seem to follow me around from thread to thread. ShockGrin
OP posts:
Original poster
MrsMigginsMate · 13/12/2020 12:52

So I'm guessing from the responses here that it probably isn't a feature on premium, but it would be good if someone from HQ or anyone who has premium could confirm for me.

OP posts:
User61936296 · 13/12/2020 12:52

Yes, it's ridiculously easy. Someone once threatened me on here and as we both live in Melbourne I wanted to know who she was. I didn't want to stumble across her one day and for her to work out who I was and then murder me in my sleep.

I found out everything about her from her posts as once she shared something she'd liked on Pinterest and another time plans for a house she was having built.

From,there I found out where she lived, her real name and the school her dc went to.

Bluntness100 · 13/12/2020 12:52

I never name change, even though I’ve a couple of stalkers on here. But even I think this is a terrible idea. People are entitled to privacy and if they wish to change name, then no other posters should be able to see it.

twolip · 13/12/2020 12:57

I name change regularly to avoid being recognised in real life.
When I name change with the same account, all the threads I am active on are easily accessible in 'I'm on' or 'watching' even with different usernames. This wouldn't happen with a different account.
Changing my username is much easier than deleting an account, making a burner email and creating a new account.
If previous name changes were available to premium members then that would be a huge breach of anonymity.
HTH.

AndIquote · 13/12/2020 13:01

I don't see why you cant see someone's membership history on their profile.

i.e. if you name change this week and I look at your profile, I don't get to see your previous name changes but it comes up with:
"MrsMigginsMate has been a member for 4 years"

Then it would stop all the amateur sleuthing when a first time post is about periods, or prevent the ridiculous post introductions:

"been a member for 3 years, nc for this because it's outing. Penis beaker, Sistine chapel etc...."
which anybody can copy.

Vivarium · 13/12/2020 13:19

I namechange all the time and would be horrified if my previous usernames were visible. I sometimes post about personal stuff, including stuff about my kids which - without anonymity - they would be mortified by people knowing. If all my usernames were added up then it would be pretty easy to identify me if you knew me IRL. And therefore also possible to identify my kids.

Luckily I'm sure MNHQ would never add the feature which you're suggesting. And have never even hinted that they might. Not sure why you would think this was a possibility.

Igmum · 13/12/2020 13:20

I don't name change too lazy but I would be very uncomfortable with this. It's very likely to discourage people from coming for advice on sensitive issues

TheMaven · 13/12/2020 13:29

@MrsMigginsMate

I don't know, I thought if people didn't want to be found they would register fresh with a new username. I thought normal name changes were for a variety of less serious reasons if you keep the same login.
It’s against MN rules to have more than one account at a time so I’d imagine what you’re looking for isn’t an available feature.
mycatlovesmenotyou · 13/12/2020 13:30

The whole point of name changing is that the previous isn't visible. I had a bad experience in RL with somebody from MN. I would never add anyone in RL ever again because of it.

I change names regularly now because of it.