Changing usernames?

[Smurf1976]

No unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Unless circumstances warrant otherwise, I think there should be a formal announcement when a name is changed. Obviously that may not be appropriate when giving people a second chance etc.

The way I see it, people on ASF become known for having or lacking knowledge in certain areas. For example, tech/a is known for having skills in trading and for his views on property. Likewise anyone who has been reading my posts will likely have concluded that I have more knowledge in the field of energy than when it comes to stock selection.

That said, many would have knowledge that they choose not to post. For example, I don't post much about my forex trading.

When names are changed it creates confusion so it should be kept to a minimum IMO. A $10 fee sounds reasonable unless there are genuine exceptional circumstances such as a member's true identity having been revealed accidentally, some emotional reason (eg they used their partner's name and have since separated or they used the name of a pet that has died etc) in which case I think the fee ought to be waived on grounds of fairness.

 

[Pager]

My

Im in favour of being able to change usernames, also maybe names unused either by those who no longer visit or use the site or by multiple registrations should expire after a certain period of time.

I post on other forums under another username, tried to register with that name on this site but the name is taken, did a seach on the username and its never been used by whoever registered .

I would change to that username if it could be deleted and the forum allowed users to change there username, agree though that if you change, your former username should appear on your posts in some way for a 3 to 4 month period at least.

Cheers

Pager

 

[Milk Man]

I voted yes . Definitely either genuine reason or a "formerly known as" tag.

 

[GreatPig]

I'd agree with Rozella: only with good reason.

I'd suggest though that a new member be given some time, or up to a certain number of posts, in which they could change their name if they just decided they didn't like the original one. However, once they become reasonably "well known" through their posts, then they should only be allowed to change it with good reason - and with a public announcement.

I think sometimes when people first register for a forum, if they don't already have a name they use everywhere, they might pick the first name they can think of that hasn't already been used just to get on and reading. Then later, once they've thought about it some more, they might want to change it to something better. I think that is reasonable, but once they've posted a certain amount, it then becomes confusing if they suddenly change their name.

GP

 

[doctorj]

Joe, I've not voted in the poll either.

As the diverse range of replies suggests, while there are many valid reasons one might want to change nickname, it shouldn't be easily done.

I think its something you should address on a case-by-case basis. I'm sure everyone here is more than happy that deferring to your judgement will provide the most appropriate outcome.

 

[phoenixrising]

Yes from me.

I have long thought of another identity and seeing if I can make a better fist of it.

I do enjoy the forum but feel intimidated to post so I mostly don't.

Anyway, thanks Joe.

Cheers

 

[It's Snake Pliskin]

Yes from me.

I have long thought of another identity and seeing if I can make a better fist of it.

I do enjoy the forum but feel intimidated to post so I mostly don't.

Anyway, thanks Joe.

Cheers

Phoenix,

Why do you feel intimidated? Everyone has something to add whether it be silly or perfect. The communication is fun.

Joe,

Are you voting too?

I agree with deleting usernames if they are not used within 1 year. It all helps with system clean ups etc.

Snake

 

[Joe Blow]

Joe,

Are you voting too?

Hi Snake,

No I'm abstaining at the moment. I'm waiting for everyone with an opinion on this issue to have their say before I make any final decisions. I must say there have been some interesting views presented that have given me even more food for thought!

But right now I'm off to bed. I'm dead tired.

Next Sunday I'm off to Prague for three months. I got my laptop ready and I'm going to try and run ASF from over there. I'm excited and terrified in equal measure. These last few days I've been running around like a chook with my head cut off. On top of all that I have a bucks night and a wedding in the next week and a half! (no, not mine!)

Say a prayer for me, Snake! I think I'm going to need it!

 

[It's Snake Pliskin]

Hi Snake,

No I'm abstaining at the moment. I'm waiting for everyone with an opinion on this issue to have their say before I make any final decisions. I must say there have been some interesting views presented that have given me even more food for thought!

But right now I'm off to bed. I'm dead tired.

Next Sunday I'm off to Prague for three months. I got my laptop ready and I'm going to try and run ASF from over there. I'm excited and terrified in equal measure. These last few days I've been running around like a chook with my head cut off. On top of all that I have a bucks night and a wedding in the next week and a half! (no, not mine!)

Say a prayer for me, Snake! I think I'm going to need it!

Enjoy the time Joe. You are so lucky!

 

[wayneL]

Enjoy the time Joe. You are so lucky!

Yes... green with envy here

We expect photos

Enjoy

 

[dutchie]

Right Boys and Girls, what can we get up to while Joe's away??

 

[Joe Blow]

We expect photos

Enjoy

Thanks Wayne! Enjoy I will. And yes, there will be photos.

Right Boys and Girls, what can we get up to while Joe's away??

I might be away but I'll be watching on my laptop. It's wireless ready. Mwahahahhahahahahaahhaha!!!! No naughtiness will be tolerated!

I figure if I can do this from Prague then a beach on a tropical island is next. :

 

[Sean K]

Hi Snake,

No I'm abstaining at the moment. I'm waiting for everyone with an opinion on this issue to have their say before I make any final decisions. I must say there have been some interesting views presented that have given me even more food for thought!

But right now I'm off to bed. I'm dead tired.

Next Sunday I'm off to Prague for three months. I got my laptop ready and I'm going to try and run ASF from over there. I'm excited and terrified in equal measure. These last few days I've been running around like a chook with my head cut off. On top of all that I have a bucks night and a wedding in the next week and a half! (no, not mine!)

Say a prayer for me, Snake! I think I'm going to need it!

Aaaah, Prague. Somewhere I haven't been but desperately want to. Need a baggage handler Joe? And 3 months??? 3 months in Prague! Who goes to Prague for 3 months?

 

[dutchie]

Bugga!

Oh well (how do you attach those damn smilies here???)

Anyway, enjoy your trip Joe.

Cheers

Dutchie

 

[Joe Blow]

Who goes to Prague for 3 months?

I have a very good friend who will be there on business for six months and has invited me to spend some time there without having to pay for accommodation. Three months seemed perfect as I've never actually 'lived' overseas in spite of having doing a LOT of backpacking.

So I really wont be spending any more money than I would at home, I'll just be in a different place. I just couldn't say no.

(how do you attach those damn smilies here???)

Just click on any of the smilies to the right of the text box. If you click 'More' you will get dozens more to choose from.

Anyway, enjoy your trip Joe.

Thanks Dutchie!

 

[dutchie]

Test

 

[It's Snake Pliskin]

Well it looks like the party poopers have won it. 30 to 25 say NO!

 

[Porper]

Well it looks like the party poopers have won it. 30 to 25 say NO!

31 now Snake.Porper the party pooper.

I just think it's good to be able to look at all the recent posts and know who most people are.You instantly know the good posters from the rampers then.

If we let people change usernames willy nilly we will have all the rampers changing and end up like Hotcopper.(Am I allowed to mention Hotcopper), oh oh, done it twice now

 

[mit]

I said yes and I think that we should have a thread where people request their name change so all can see.

MIT

 

[It's Snake Pliskin]

I said yes and I think that we should have a thread where people request their name change so all can see.

MIT

This is a good idea. There are now two Snake Pliskins, one just joined around 1.30 am. Maybe some games being played.....