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Poll: Would you like the facility to change your own username?

(198 Posts)
LucyGransnet (GNHQ) Thu 02-Nov-17 11:40:21

www.gransnet.com/online-surveys-product-tests/would-you-like-to-be-able-to-change-your-username

Morning all!

Many of you will know that we don't allow members to change their usernames unless they really need to, unlike Mumsnet. However, following recent requests to change this, we'd like to know your thoughts.

Historically, we've taken this stance because we like members to be able to build relationships and confidence in knowing who they're talking to (as much as you can on an anonymous forum!). But we'd also like to find out how many of you are for or against a change - by way of this handy poll: www.gransnet.com/online-surveys-product-tests/would-you-like-to-be-able-to-change-your-username

Please pop over to the page and cast your vote, so we can see the lay of the land. Much appreciated! smile

Jalima1108 Sat 04-Nov-17 14:06:18

I could be all over Twitter then, and it is something I have always avoided - or thought I did

Grannyknot Sat 04-Nov-17 14:52:31

The lay of the land is over 80% in favour! Case closed.

Leticia Sat 04-Nov-17 15:34:17

Twitter knows your views on fireworks and storing your children's belongings, Jalima - I didn't look further back.

notoveryet Sat 04-Nov-17 15:51:28

I absolutely agree with BlueBelle. I had a post asking for advice put on Facebook causing many problems. I am now going through the most awful time and would love the support of fellow gransnetters but cannot take the chance of it happening again.

Leticia Sat 04-Nov-17 16:53:11

That is why I keep going on about it notoveryet - it is reasonably easy to make sure you are anonymous on GN but you need to be even more careful on FB & many are not even aware they are on there.

BlueBelle Sat 04-Nov-17 19:02:49

I don’t understand why they need to put our posts on FB why not make a GN page on FB with its own threads NOT ours what’s wrong with that ?

Leticia Sat 04-Nov-17 19:50:57

Laziness! Much easier just to use a thread.
They could find plenty to tweet about without using threads.

Leticia Sat 04-Nov-17 19:56:29

I have just taken 2 of the local Gransnet Twitter accounts- Bristol and Staffs and they are very interesting for those in the area without needing to use threads.

Leticia Sat 04-Nov-17 20:02:24

Ironically the latest on FB is advertising GN as a group of caring people - good place to share problems- without mentioning that they are going to share it elsewhere and it is very public.

Menopaws Sun 05-Nov-17 06:05:58

I wasn't aware I was on there and although for some minor comment I see how easy it is

Leticia Sun 05-Nov-17 07:54:12

GN are advertising on FB that they are a community of caring, intelligent people and a good place to share your problems. They don't make it clear that they actually have over 13,700 followers on FB who will also be keying into your problems. Does kacee know that having asked a question about having a tattoo it was on FB by the evening? Does she know that 18 people have given an opinion on that site? How can that be helpful if she doesn't know and hasn't read it? Her thread is also on Twitter and has been retweeted twice - potentially read by several hundred thousand.

Craicon Sun 05-Nov-17 10:33:36

I voted yes. I’m a younger gran and also use Mumsnet where it’s handy being able to name change. For instance, if you are posting about a sensitive topic where family members could feasibly recognise themselves.
I don’t even want to give head space to the lazy journalists from the Faily Mail looking for easy click-bait fodder.

Maggiemaybe Sun 05-Nov-17 11:02:55

With some reservations I’ve voted in favour. From experience of other sites I know that the downside would be some members taking full advantage of frequent changes to back themselves up in a discussion. Until they get confused and we have Msknowitall rushing to post her fulsome praise for Msknowitall and all her opinions. Always good for a laugh.

maryeliza54 Sun 05-Nov-17 12:57:07

Quite frankly if someone has nothing better to do with their time than frequently name change through the course of a thread, I feel sorry for them and am pleased that GN would give them something to do to spend their sad empty hours on. I wouldn’t begrudge them that at all

Leticia Sun 05-Nov-17 13:05:36

An opinion is an opinion- I can't see why the person posting it makes it somehow different. Either you agree or you don't- not a situation where you agree if A posts but not if B posts.

maryeliza54 Sun 05-Nov-17 13:23:01

Oh if only the person posting it wasn’t relevant on GN!

Galen Sun 05-Nov-17 13:29:33

I’d rather have edit and like facilities

maryeliza54 Sun 05-Nov-17 13:31:36

A short time span for editing would be great.

Leticia Sun 05-Nov-17 15:46:59

I think it is better than MN- there was a point on there where if you had an opposing view someone rallied the troops on Facebook and they all came into the attack! Anyway someone said that was what was happening and I am inclined to believe them. I haven't been on for ages so don't know if it still happens.

maryeliza54 Sun 05-Nov-17 16:02:12

Well I’ve heard of that happening on here as well - there are apparently closed fb groups of GNers.

Leticia Sun 05-Nov-17 16:57:57

I didn't realise that.
I don't think that GN is quite the caring place they advertising on FB it seems full of cliques who know each other.
I am beginning to think that I shall deregister and stick to Twitter and Facebook where at least I know who is who.
I find it very weird that Fennel started a thread today and now has a reply on FB! What use is that to her if she doesn't know there is a comment?

Leticia Sun 05-Nov-17 22:39:01

My bet is that the soup making thread will be shown elsewhere tomorrow.

Barleysugar Mon 06-Nov-17 10:17:07

I have recently changed mine, but I would like the option of being able to change it myself without any hassle, should the need arise.

Barleysugar Mon 06-Nov-17 10:19:00

I would like ‘like / agree’ type facilities if it were possible.

dahlia08 Mon 06-Nov-17 10:19:52

I would not like to change my mind now as I would not like it to be used in social media......this is more personal.