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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

POGS Mon 06-Nov-17 18:42:27

Maryeliza

An expected comment from your good self .sad

maryeliza54 Mon 06-Nov-17 18:36:42

There are plenty of nasty personal comments on here with the present system. If a post breaks the rules, it can be reported under either system. Why does a new username make a difference?

maryeliza54 Mon 06-Nov-17 18:34:20

And some of us felt the refendum question was a tad simplistic ????

maryeliza54 Mon 06-Nov-17 18:33:29

Well never mind POGs you might just have to accept the will of the majority and get over it ( as some of us are so often told) ????

POGS Mon 06-Nov-17 18:30:04

I'm quite surprised at this moment 82% think it's a good idea.

I have to say I think the wording of what posters are being asked 'Would you like to be able to change your username?'
is a tad simplistic.

Why?

I have noted on this thread alone there are posters who don't seem to understand that they can change their username by simply contacting GNHQ. They are giving the impression that having chosen their username initially when joining GN they are stuck with it.

The question being asked goes beyond merely changing your username because you feel like a change but to something deeper in it's usage.

I remain of the belief there are posters who would relish the opportunity to agree with themselves and/or perhaps make personal comments of an unkind nature whilst hiding behind further anonymity.

nannynewbe Mon 06-Nov-17 18:03:02

Yes please

sluttygran Mon 06-Nov-17 17:50:06

Yes, I think it would be good to be able to change if you felt it necessary.

Caro1954 Mon 06-Nov-17 17:24:18

Thankyou Leticia - I had no idea about the Twitter Facebook connection. That has put me off posting on GN ...

Ronnie Mon 06-Nov-17 16:49:52

No I don’t need to change my user name, thankyou. But I have just not heard of 'sock puppeting' so I asked my DH had he heard of it & what he thought it was. I’m still laughing at the very detailed explanation he has given me of how to turn a sock into a glove puppet! Bless his cotton socks!!

mrsjones Mon 06-Nov-17 16:40:20

It’s a yes from me. It may help stop the cliques and encourage more posters.

Cindersdad Mon 06-Nov-17 14:37:49

I've just lost Cinders but I'm known as Cindersdad so have mixed feelings (see pets), I'll always be Cindersdad though for the moment it is a bit raw. May be one day I'll ask to be taken off and rejoin with a new name. Currently I'm thinking of getting a new cat whom I may call Cinders. I have a distinctive posting style so changing my name would loose continuity.

123kitty Mon 06-Nov-17 13:53:03

I'm with humptydumpty

Elrel Mon 06-Nov-17 13:27:46

But non-essential changes could mean relationships ships built up with other users could be lost.

lovebeigecardigans1955 Mon 06-Nov-17 13:22:42

I'm in the minority here as I don't wish to change (at least for the moment) and it may have been a good idea to have more than one option for this survey.
However, I have changed my username on Mumsnet a few times as, how can I put this nicely? They tend to be more reactionary on there and are sometimes downright rude - thankfully we tend to be more mature on Gransnet.

icanhandthemback Mon 06-Nov-17 13:08:09

Yes, I would like to be able to although am unlikely to do it. I think it would stop this place being so cliquey or allow the bullying that sometimes goes on.

winterwhite Mon 06-Nov-17 12:36:06

There seem to be 2 separate issues. One is the need for people who chose too identifiable a name to be able to change it. Hard to see a problem there. The other is the large number of people, including me, who had had no idea that these threads are often exported lock stock and barrel to Twitter or fb and are shocked to have found it out. I disagree with the justification that because GN is a business we ought to have expected this. Not at all. I expected respectful treatment of views expressed in a forum where openness is valued. I need to read about GN more carefully. Would like to know the costs of operating it, and the amount of income received from these sources. Is it really necessary, when so many people think it ethically dubious? Where do we find these things? I have obvs missed something. My fault, no doubt.

Annsan Mon 06-Nov-17 11:46:48

I tried to use your poll page, but could not register my vote. There was no send button or similar

Annsan Mon 06-Nov-17 11:42:14

I would like to change my name. Please advise how to do this

Nvella Mon 06-Nov-17 11:13:33

Yes I would like to

nanahall Mon 06-Nov-17 11:02:00

Yes, it would be nice to have the flexibility.

Craftycat Mon 06-Nov-17 10:31:01

I have voted 'yes' I was allowed to change my name some time ago as someone I know had 'recognised' me on GN.
I want to be able to say what I think & feel sometimes & knowing someone is 'looking out for my messages' made me feel I could not do this in case at times it might upset her.
This is a great forum to let it all out at times & we all need to do that occasionally.

Meriel Mon 06-Nov-17 10:26:44

I couldn't see how to vote but suggest one change be permitted, if this is 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.

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

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

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.