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Original poster

Limiting name changes - what do you think

78 replies

Twiglett · 04/05/2005 14:20

Saw this from Justine on another thread and just didn't want it to get lost

I'd really hate it if you limited name changes, I have so much fun (on occasion) playing around with names (innocently)

like with WigWamBam, I was WamBamSham
with Soupy I've been TwiglettDragon and SOUPerciliousDragon

I vote a big resounding NO (although maybe there could be a facility to get rid of them once you've used them?)

OP posts:
WigWamBam · 04/05/2005 14:45

Why, Gwenick, if it's all done in fun?

SoupDragan · 04/05/2005 14:46

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I have 100+ MN personas..... (but not this one, actually)

Gwenick · 04/05/2005 14:47

because there's been a few threads recently about 'trolls' and people pretending to be someone they aren't. Allowing multiple name changes only serves to encourage trolls - infact it's probably a trolls paradise - they don't have to re-register, and therefore have lots of email addresses....................

Fio2 · 04/05/2005 14:47

OMG, let this drop out of active name changes I keep reading it as "limiting Life changes" and its confusing me

WigWamBam · 04/05/2005 14:48

I know what you mean, but most of the name changing is done in fun or to hide an embarrassment. The trolls are generally obvious anyway. I'd like to see the malicious posters named and shamed, though.

almost40 · 04/05/2005 14:48

IMO, you can spot a troll pretty easily though.

NomDePlume · 04/05/2005 14:48

NO

WigWamBam · 04/05/2005 14:49

And trolls don't always hide behind new personas - JF, anyone?

Caligula · 04/05/2005 14:49

But really determined trolls will just have 100 e-mail addresses.

Gwenick · 04/05/2005 14:49

but that's the point a LOT of trolls are NOT obvious. Take it from someone with a lot of experience of trolls on various websites. Not all of them are out to create silly and annoying posts - I've known many to 'pretend' to have dreadful things happen to them, or 'court friendships' with those who've had a tough time purporting to have been 'through the same' when infac they're abusing those people's trust.

WigWamBam · 04/05/2005 14:51

That could happen even with limited name changes, though, Gwenick.

Gwenick · 04/05/2005 14:51

But really determined trolls will just have 100 e-mail addresses.

No one of the ones I was 'friends' with (until I realised I was being 'duped' along with a few others) had ONE email address, shared her MSN with 'her friends' - actually it was just her pretending to be her 'friends' - and actually 'stalked' another friend around the net for a while!

Newbarnsleygirl · 04/05/2005 14:51

Agree, with the person over 40.

Not quite the same but remember when that person posted on every topic claiming she was Russian, pg and wanted people to send her stuff?

Everyone knew that was a hoax straight away.

Gwenick · 04/05/2005 14:52

but with limited (or even no name changes which I would support - use LOTS of websites - too many to count - where only one username is allowed and it's not really an issue) you REDUCE the chance of someone conning people as well. I wouldn't be suprised if JF posted as other people on here too - infact she had remarkable similarities to the troll which I was 'conned' by for a while........

Gwenick · 04/05/2005 14:54

anyhow - got to pick my clever (see my smug mum thread for why I say that ) DS1 up from nursery - I'l be back later to explain more about why I Don't agree with being able to so easily change names........

almost40 · 04/05/2005 14:54

That's ALMOST40, NBG. I'm holding on to my 30s, thank you very much.

Fio2 · 04/05/2005 14:55

LOL

FLUM · 04/05/2005 14:58

Had no idea people used different names so much. gonna have to get busy with the name changing. wouldn't want to bore.

would love to see someone fall on sword though - where is that?

Newbarnsleygirl · 04/05/2005 14:59

So so sorry almost40

SleepyJess · 04/05/2005 15:08

I vote no. The name changes are one of the many aspects that sets MN apart form other sites.. for the most part we all manage very well I think. All 'services' are open to some kind of abuse from certain people.. and I would say that the vast majority of name changes are used for confidentiality and for humour! There is nothing wrong with this!! If people were not able to be confidential about something, they would have to go to another site with their questions. Why should they need to do that, when there is a wealth of information and lovely people ready and willing to share it right here!

MN shouldn't run the risk of being like certain other popular parenting sites with forums.. too many rules and regs loses members! I think they have the balance exactly right as it is.

SJ x

Enid · 04/05/2005 15:25

I say no but wouldn't be too fussed

hunkermunker · 04/05/2005 15:28

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Ahem.

No thank you, I wouldn't like MN to limit name changes. I don't do it often, but when I do, it's lovely. Very liberating. I am never malicious, and I wouldn't mind being outed or others who were being malicious outed. Except some of the more cutting anonymous remarks can be quite funny

SoupDragon · 04/05/2005 15:30

I vote no. I don't think it's a huge problem anyway - the vast portion of any nastiness is from genuine trolls (if a troll can be genuine ) and nothing is going to stop them.

SenoraPostrophe · 04/05/2005 15:32

no from me too.

But (at the risk of sounding cliquey) could we perhaps only allow name changes after a member has posted x times or something (to discourage the trolls). x could be a number between 10 and 50 I think.

SoupDragon · 04/05/2005 15:32

Oooh, you're so cliquey.

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