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

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

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.

Yes, it would be nice to have the flexibility.

Yes I would like to

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

I'm with humptydumpty

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.

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

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!!

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

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

Yes please

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.

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) ????

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

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?

Maryeliza

An expected comment from your good self .

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.
Actually, I thought you were stuck with it unless there is a very specific reason for changing and that GNHQ needs to agree that you can do so.

Which is what Lucy has said in the OP

I don't think people should be allowed to keep changing - especially mid-thread, how confusing!

I changed my name very soon after registering. I realised it was too close to my full name and GNHQ allowed it very quickly.

I have voted "Yes" by the way.

I predicted the soup one would go on Twitter and it did!
That one is not quite so bad but Victoria08 asked for advice on how to deal with her grandson's tantrums- that is now in Twitter. What use is advice going to be for her on there, unless she is on Twitter? I don't understand the need to put it there.