Why on Mumsnet?.....

[Revolver123]

Ok I really don't know where to post this but I am slightly baffled by the following:

1. when someone posts a thread (and they have name changed for it) why do they have to mention 'oh name changed because it's very outing' 'oh can't tell where the bridezilla's wedding took place because it's very outing' and then goes on tell all the details.....I mean if the person is reading your thread they will know straightaway that you were talking about them...changing/mentioning user name will not make a difference right? Because nearly everyone here uses unique usernames. Unless it's a Mumsnet policy to mention that?

Also is it essential to use abbreviations like 'for dear'/ child DC...is it Mumsnet policy or is it just a casual Mumsnet thing?

Someone please shed some light. Cheers

@Revolver123

Hmmmm

I think a person who has been on Mumsnet for several years with several posts/threads credited to their username can be a troll too not just someone with first post.

(And no I ain't a troll....if anyone wants to believe lol)

I mean if I a friend of mine makes a thread about me sharing all the intimate/secret stuff I told her/him...I will be 99% sure that it must be that friend of mine who must have posted this ..the whole 'name changed for this thread' will go in the bin for me..

Oh I guess each to their own...thanks for all the replies though

You will know it's them! No-one namechanges so you wouldn't know it was, most posters don't use their names but if you do know Sue from the school gates has posted something identifying to the school and work out who she is you won't be able to find out anything she's ever said about her kids/ MIL/ etc

so how is a new member suppose to post any thread? As they will be called liar/troll for posting the first thread....

And you know you are not lying about the situation so I think other people's opinion about that does not matter....

@Chainson exactly finally somewhat satisfying explanation as to why some users do it.

But then again Sue can easily create another thread, change her username, bash her inlaws and I will never know it's same sue (unless I know the details in person) without mentioning I have name changed for this...

To come to think of this I guess some users do it to sensationalise their threads hehe.

[quote Revolver123]@BeckyWithTheGoodHair5629456 but there would be no need to search their other posts as I can tell 99% who they are by reading the thread they posted about me.....[/quote]
You've missed the point somewhat. Yes you'd know it's them but if you recognised it and they hadn't name changed you could find out their secrets. That's why people name change if something is outing. They might mention some previous mn classics threads to prove they're not a troll.

@elQuintoConyo

I'm just here for Fox Mulder teacup pictures...

Yes please

@Revolver123

so how is a new member suppose to post any thread? As they will be called liar/troll for posting the first thread....

And you know you are not lying about the situation so I think other people's opinion about that does not matter....

I'm not sure if you're misunderstanding on purpose

The overwhelming majority of threads are on very mundane topics and won't illicit any comment for a first time poster but something out of the ordinary will be viewed as maybe suspect if the poster has no history under that name.

Maybe accept that everyone else gets this and you are the one who is out of step. Posters are telling you what happens, why dont you believe them?

I thought this was going to be a WOO thread!

Lol I am surprised how many of you are completely misunderstanding the question. I am not questioning why change the username. Of course if someone wants to protect their user identity or come across as a new poster they can change their username as many times as they like. (Like some PP said not to link their thread with their previous posts/threads). Question was why mention 'oh I have name changed for this'....the whole 'to avoid trolls, to be taken seriously' does not justify because I could have started this thread with 'name changed for this thread' and you guys would have never known that I did not name change at all.

If I want to checkout username I think I will go ahead...the whole 'name changed for this' won't stop me or other people either.

Also I find it funny how many of you judge the post based on whether that person has name changed or not, first time poster or long history of posts rather than what is being discussed/asked in their thread. I guess one person started this and other people just followed.

If I want to post on an intimate subject most likely I will name change for it but would never ever mention that I have name changed.

Also I am just trying to understand the psyche behind this. I am not trying to stop people from doing it.

Ah well admin please disable this thread if possible.

Ta dah

Haha I just checked the category I have posted this under

@BeckyWithTheGoodHair5629456

Yes I know the reason for name changing and it is totally understandable.....the mentioning of name changing is not.

If it's a mundane everyday topic people won't question if your a troll or not because they probably won't check your posting history but trolls are pretty easy to spot because of the topic of the thread.

So if a thread with a topic like that is started and people check the poster history and there's nothing there is a chance of them being a troll.

was why mention 'oh I have name changed for this'....the whole 'to avoid trolls, to be taken seriously' does not justify because I could have started this thread with 'name changed for this thread' and you guys would have never known that I did not name change at all.

Your question has been answered, the fact that you think the answer isn't a justifiable one is neither here nor there. It is still the answer.

@MedusasBadHairDay

was why mention 'oh I have name changed for this'....the whole 'to avoid trolls, to be taken seriously' does not justify because I could have started this thread with 'name changed for this thread' and you guys would have never known that I did not name change at all.

Your question has been answered, the fact that you think the answer isn't a justifiable one is neither here nor there. It is still the answer.

How is it answered? Lol...it certainly has not....everyone keeps saying the same thing 'the reason behind name changing' whereas the question was 'go ahead change your username but why mention it in the thread'

Multiple have pointed out that it's in order to reassure other posters that you are a regular MN user and not just a troll.

I get that you think it's illogical as a troll can say the same and other users would be none the wiser. But that's the reason - illogical or not.

[quote Revolver123]@BeckyWithTheGoodHair5629456

Yes I know the reason for name changing and it is totally understandable.....the mentioning of name changing is not.[/quote]
As has already been explained, it's so people don't think they are a troll. Yes anyone can say it, it might not make sense to you, but that's the reason.

@Justme10

If it's a mundane everyday topic people won't question if your a troll or not because they probably won't check your posting history but trolls are pretty easy to spot because of the topic of the thread.

So if a thread with a topic like that is started and people check the poster history and there's nothing there is a chance of them being a troll.

Please refer to my last few posts to really understand the question I am asking.

I am a first time poster so how was i suppose to post this thread without being judged for a troll? Even when to me this is a genuine question but it's coming across as a troll or what not just because I am not accepting any answers to my questions (where in fact my question has not been answered yet)

Perhaps I should have started my thread with 'name changed for this' and should have mentioned the classic threads (which anyone can read by making an account) then I would have got proper answers..

Lol I recently saw a thread where the user said 'slightly name changed for this' meaning getting more attention by making people to look for similar usernames hehe

@MedusasBadHairDay @BeckyWithTheGoodHair5629456

Okay fair point if that's the logic (illogical ) reason behind it.

I guess I can no more post any more threads/posts with this username because I won't taken seriously and most likely will be considered a troll. Got it.

*be

I am a first time poster so how was i suppose to post this thread without being judged for a troll?

Generally people name change and announce it when the subject matter is somewhat sensitive / controversial / odd / related to sex or bodily functions. A mundane subject like this wouldn’t get you accused of being a troll because it’s so boring / nothing-y that it would be pointless to troll about. It also doesn’t allow for others to divulge about their own sensitive / controversial / odd and often sexual examples the way a lot of first time troll posts go.

For example, a new poster signs up to ask about car seats for example, they wouldn’t be accused of being a troll because it’s a generic, mundane thread. A new poster comes on AIBU (most heavily trafficked thread) to talk about walking in on their teen masturbating and asking for “times this has happened to you” or asking for thinly veiled advice, probably a pervert. But if you were to name change and post in the correct section, mention your name change and add things like “I’m a regular poster, Pom bears, penis beaker, softzilla just NC for this” it’s a throwaway account name meaning it won’t be linked to their normal
Username and it somewhat goes to show the poster is at least aware of MN classic topics, likely to have been on the boards for a while so therefore more genuine. So, when they go on to ask about lack fo discharge when having sex, or their piles bursting or some other tmi topic they’re probably too embarrassed to talk to anyone in RL about, people feel more comfortable engaging.

If your first ever post is something outrageous, perhaps you have had a 4 way and don’t know the paternity of your twins, most people will assume troll, the thread will be detailed. Mumsnet is full of people who want to be first to out the troll. They can’t just report and not comment.

You are correct in saying a troll can also say they have name changed, so it really is pointless to say it.

Lol so to be genuine you have to mention 'classic threads' of MN to prove your thread is real and to show that you have been around long. Where in fact who is who behind a username, no one will know (unless you share the same computer).

All the threads I have come across where the user mentions 'name changed for this'...that's the only thing they mention followed by their question etc. There is no mention of classic MN threads (to prove how genuine they are).

Lol I think I am being trolled.

Thanks for all the replies. I got my answers.

Some people like to show their longevity with mumsnet, and a troll could easily post the same references so I agree it is pointless.

Nobody thinks your a troll because your post isn't the type a troll would start.

As Mike said trolls start posts about certain topics and even if they said they name changed you can still tell by the posting style and how quickly the drama escalates.