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MNHQ

Update from MNHQ - Name changes

91 replies

AmeliaPMumsnet · 21/02/2023 09:23

Hi all,

We recently received some helpful feedback from Mumsnetters about name changes. Some users have mentioned finding it frustrating having to remember to change their username to match the one that they’ve already posted under on a thread. We understand why that’s annoying, and why it might cause some confusion if yourself or other users have switched usernames mid-way through a thread accidentally.

We’ve just released some changes to the site (not in the mobile apps) to help combat this. From now on, if you start or reply to a thread, we’ll automatically set your username to the one you used first on that thread. This means that you won’t need to remember to change your username or go looking to find out which one you posted under before.

Here’s is an example of how it’ll work:

  1. I start a thread with my current username, which is “username1”
  2. I then decide to change my username in my settings to “username2"
  3. I revisit the thread I started under “username1”. My username will be set to “username1" by default in the reply box (I can still edit this username if I’d like to)
  4. If I go to a thread that I haven’t started or posted on yet, my default username will be my current username, “username2”

We hope you find this helpful and we’d love to hear your feedback!

OP posts:
EineKleineNachtwatcher · 21/02/2023 16:53

This is brilliant. Thank you @AmeliaPMumsnet

TheShellBeach · 21/02/2023 16:53

Ha! Now all you need to do is introduce an edit function, @MNHQ

UsingChangeofName · 21/02/2023 17:32

Excellent. An update that is a positive one Smile

QuietlyConfident · 21/02/2023 21:37

I've just spontaneously noticed this when I went onto a Pokémon Go thread and my Pokémon name came up.

Absolutely brilliant change, thanks MN. I have names for all my favourite games, pets, TV shows, writers and flit between them as the thread subject dictates.

AWaferThinMint · 22/02/2023 06:57

Hi @AmeliaPMumsnet I know, I get that it doesn't apply to the app. I'm moaning about that and saying you should put some effort in on that front.

I hate your website so only use app. But I can't hide threads on the app. Search is rubbish on the app. I can't have this new feature on the app.

If you have an app you need to consider giving the users of the app the same functionality as the website.

Alternatively make your website more useful.

Nimbostratus100 · 22/02/2023 07:01

I am very pleased to hear of this change, its great, thank you

MadelineUsher · 22/02/2023 07:05

I like this new feature very much. Thank you.

LookItsMeAgain · 22/02/2023 07:51

Why is the app always the last thing to be updated? It's a nice tool but too many options that are available on the browser are not in the app - like being able to quote a post that has already been quoted or has a quote in it. It's so frustrating that you have to go back, find out which person you're trying to reply to, then put their name as opposed to just swiping left, using the quote option and being done!

Its your own app - why so forgotten???

LookItsMeAgain · 22/02/2023 07:55

AWaferThinMint · 22/02/2023 06:57

Hi @AmeliaPMumsnet I know, I get that it doesn't apply to the app. I'm moaning about that and saying you should put some effort in on that front.

I hate your website so only use app. But I can't hide threads on the app. Search is rubbish on the app. I can't have this new feature on the app.

If you have an app you need to consider giving the users of the app the same functionality as the website.

Alternatively make your website more useful.

100% behind you there @AWaferThinMint. The app needs a lot of attention.

It's just staggering how a website that has a hefty chunk of its traffic on the Talk boards and that released an app to that particular section of their internet presence, hasn't done very much in the app.

You get a tiny amount of the settings for your account on the app in comparison to the website options (being able to hide topics would be a good start there).

Come on MN - time to shine a light on your own app and bring it up to scratch, or scrap it entirely and only allow access through a browser....what's it to be????

MeganTheeScallion · 22/02/2023 08:21

Pleased with this.

TaRaDeBumDeAy · 22/02/2023 08:21

LookItsMeAgain · 22/02/2023 07:51

Why is the app always the last thing to be updated? It's a nice tool but too many options that are available on the browser are not in the app - like being able to quote a post that has already been quoted or has a quote in it. It's so frustrating that you have to go back, find out which person you're trying to reply to, then put their name as opposed to just swiping left, using the quote option and being done!

Its your own app - why so forgotten???

It probably costs more.

LookItsMeAgain · 22/02/2023 08:33

@TaRaDeBumDeAy - it probably does but a good web developer will look at all platforms that a service is offered on and either develop simultaneously or at the very least consecutively. The app is currently in the ha'penny place in relation to what is available via a browser.

BenCoopersSupportWren · 22/02/2023 09:10

mybunniesandme · 21/02/2023 09:28

Great but I would think 99% of users use the mobile site?

I'd be surprised if the number were anywhere near that high...the app is so glitchy and limited that I gave up on it long ago and use the mobile desktop on Safari, and I know from reading threads here and elsewhere on the site that many others do the same.

SeasideSuzie · 22/02/2023 09:46

As someone with a neurological disorder, this is fantastic news!!! I have found the name-changing & remembering stressful.

I've really struggled with the changes on here, but this update is genius! I don't use the app, so looking forward to benefitting from this.

Thank you @MNHQ Gin

ZuzuMyLittleGingersnap · 22/02/2023 09:48

Really excellent feature. Works beautifully. (Am on laptop, not phone App)

Thanks Flowers

Pansofpeas · 22/02/2023 10:42

Great update, thanks MNHQ (happy mobile site user after the app stopped working on ios after an update).

OhYouBadBadKitten · 22/02/2023 10:46

This is a great change thank you. Goodness knows I've had my share of NC fails over sensitive topics.

kittensinthekitchen · 22/02/2023 11:33

AWaferThinMint · 22/02/2023 06:57

Hi @AmeliaPMumsnet I know, I get that it doesn't apply to the app. I'm moaning about that and saying you should put some effort in on that front.

I hate your website so only use app. But I can't hide threads on the app. Search is rubbish on the app. I can't have this new feature on the app.

If you have an app you need to consider giving the users of the app the same functionality as the website.

Alternatively make your website more useful.

In fairness, the search function is pish on the site too Wink

BestandWorstOfTimes · 22/02/2023 11:38

Brilliant! Thank you

MNHQ
HebeMumsnet · 22/02/2023 11:56

@kittensinthekitchen Just wanted to check you're using the new advanced search? You should find that a lot better now than it was: www.mumsnet.com/search/advanced

MNHQ
HebeMumsnet · 22/02/2023 12:02

For everyone asking about whether this change will appear on the app, we've no plans for that at the moment, but we will discuss it.

kittensinthekitchen · 22/02/2023 12:31

HebeMumsnet · 22/02/2023 11:56

@kittensinthekitchen Just wanted to check you're using the new advanced search? You should find that a lot better now than it was: www.mumsnet.com/search/advanced

Hi, yes, I am now using the advanced search, which is working better than the basic search function. Can the 'search' button be changed to default to the advanced search page, rather than the basic one, which is not fit for purpose?

BliainNua · 22/02/2023 17:11

Saddo that I am, I have gone back looking at since very old threads just to see what usernames I was using months / years ago 🙈 🫣

lljkk · 22/02/2023 17:42

cool. Should reduce sock puppetry too?

Testino · 25/02/2023 17:50

This is wonderful! Searching through a thread (sometimes pages and pages if it) to see what name I used, just so I don't post with a different name, has been the bane of my mumsnet life!

This is the best update so far. Thanks mnhq