Name changing option?

Thank you, Laura.

Far why would you want such a facility whereby posters can changes names whenever they like?

I honestly can't see it as a good move.

If someone has reason to name change for security reasons, they leave and come back, or if their name could be recognised etc., GNHQ already allow this.

There are a number of 'new' names who I can only assume have changed because they post in a manner that indicates they've been around a while. It's hard enough keeping up as it is - the idea that names can be changed back and forth to post one-off posts isn't conducive to trust and 'community' in my humble opinion. Be interesting to see what others think.

I think that people should be able to change when no one has any idea where threads end up. I don't need to come on Gransnet, unless I want to comment- I can read most threads on Twitter. I saw this morning that someone who started a thread yesterday about their in-laws had it straight on Twitter- I doubt they know this.
I know that I keep going on about it but if GN are going to share threads on other sites they should at least give people the option of name changes whenever they like.

I do like the idea of a one off changing names if you were posting something very personal and didn't want recognised, but I don't like the idea of people being able to constantly change names when it suits. There are a few "new" names whose a style seems familiar, but I can't be sure .
Riverwalk is correct, we have to be able trust each other.

It happens on MN and the world hasn’t ended. Apart from it being useful if there’s a possibility of being outed, people also do it for a special issue. It’s only a forum after all not real life. If GN bring it in, no one has to use the facility if they don’t want to.

I can't see why it matters if a name has changed. It is their comment that is interesting - not who made it.

The Twitter/Facebook exposure does now change the game somewhat however, if you post something in great detail about a family situation and it ends up in the Daily Mail the family concerned could well recognise themselves, regardless of whether you've used a new name.

It would only be used by those who wanted to use it- not obligatory!

Another option is an 'anonymous' feature. Users can choose to use this to open a thread about sensitive issues.
Or, one forum which is closed to public viewing. I would all in favour of anything which affords people some privacy when it's needed.

The problem Leticia is that GN is very tribal and there are some posters who react to the poster and not the comment.

I know that I am like a broken record but the Twitter thing annoys me. Does PixieKitty know that her in-law problem is on Twitter and not edited in any way? Was she asked permission. I suspect the answer to both is 'No'. In which case she ought to be allowed to name change.
It would be a lot more work for GN but they could edit the entire thread and remove names before they share.
I no longer bother coming into GN unless I see an interesting thread on Twitter!

I suspect that maryeliza. I think that some posters are well loved and could get away with a comment that a new poster would be in trouble for. I find it a bit cliquey like that.

We have really stressful issues going on in our family just now, sometimes I would love to offload anonymously to get another slant on it.
Fear of being "outed" prevents me, as it would cause no end of problems.

There are some threads where I am absolutely amazed by how much posters reveal. It’s easy enough to omit or change certain facts to disguise the RL situation without affecting the bones of the issue but I think some people are too trusting online. Who are we all really?

My last post was not addressed to you Mary btw - I’m not suggesting you could necessarily change facts enough - it depends on the situation of course. I was thinking of some specific examples

No offence taken .

If they don't go for general name change everyone ought to have the option for a name change if they want to post about a sensitive issue.

I think that people have got more careful. On Twitter is the thread about wedding outfits for a Scottish castle this month and no one has posted a photo. When I asked for advice a couple of years ago several replies posted a photo of themselves in a wedding outfit- it was very helpful. At the time I thought it was only a discussion with a few interested people on GN- perhaps it was at that time. It goes far wider now.