Name Change?

Byeka

<div class="IPBDescription">Err thought we had that option</div>I think in one of the news announcements on the front page it said we would have the option to change our forum name once when the forums were fully restored (as they are now). Is this still going to happen as I would love to be able to go back to "Freak83".

Alcapwn

I remember that news announcement also...

...still awaiting it. I hate my current name; i liked my old one much better.

Huze

I would like a chance to replace my second 'i' with something else or remove it. I didn't ask to have my '!' replaced. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" />

Gerald_R_Ford

<!--quoteo(post=1573810:date=Nov 5 2006, 09:50 PM:name=Hii)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Hii @ Nov 5 2006, 09:50 PM) [snapback]1573810[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
I would like a chance to replace my second 'i' with something else or remove it. I didn't ask to have my '!' replaced. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" />
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When they updated the forums a year ago, they forced everyone's name to conform to some really, really crazy rules that abosuletly no one understand why they are enforced.

Hyperion

ya, I would really like my old name back <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" />

PseudoKnight

<!--quoteo(post=1573818:date=Nov 6 2006, 03:59 AM:name=Gerald_R_Ford)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Gerald_R_Ford @ Nov 6 2006, 03:59 AM) [snapback]1573818[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
When they updated the forums a year ago, they forced everyone's name to conform to some really, really crazy rules that abosuletly no one understand why they are enforced.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->Well, YOU didn't understand them. Many did, like me.

Talesin

Mostly as a number of people were using keycodes and strings that would break even the administration functions.
Not to even mention our fake Flayra, who used a Cyrillic lower right 90-degree shape to replace the R. Only reason it was caught was because of sharp eyes, and about a half-hour of staring at it.
Also, there were people who had managed to enter key combinations which WERE registered by the forum software, but were NOT visible... again breaking the direct user search functionality, PM destination (even with the 'reply to' link!) and in one case, rendering them un-bannable.

I've got no idea if the bug that lead to that behaviour was fixed... if so, it'd be possible to offer a one-time namechange (so we don't have people changing around randomly), much as the previous change was enforced.

If not, we get to live with alphas and underscores until the problem is solved.



Additionally, the use of punctuation in names was getting confusing... having 'Hi', 'Hi!', 'Hi.' and 'Hi,' is a recipe for confusion and disaster. It's doubtful that punctuation will be restored, even if numbers are permitted again.

The numbers themselves can get annoying, with 'HOT', 'H0T', and 'Seph1r0th_487385' being minor examples of confusable names or 'name squatting'. Most of the folks on the forums have managed to come up with relatively unique names... there's no need to gangpile a name because someone else got there first.

Comprox

And to top off Talesin's last statement about numbers there: There was a push to get people to use somewhat identifiable names that were more normal, and less DillBob200846. Flayra also really was pushing the community aspect at the time, going with a more permanent name in the community. Allows people to recognize you, gain some respect, be unable to avoid trouble, etc.

The second part I do agree with, I made this name up over 10 years ago. It's not the best, but I have terrible memory. People who change their name on me, I forget <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />

Faskalia

<!--quoteo(post=1573810:date=Nov 6 2006, 03:50 AM:name=Hii)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Hii @ Nov 6 2006, 03:50 AM) [snapback]1573810[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
I would like a chance to replace my second 'i' with something else or remove it. I didn't ask to have my '!' replaced. <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":(" border="0" alt="sad-fix.gif" />
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Well, you actually had the chance.

When the names got converted, Flayra posted a list with all forum members, that were affected by this. Those affected could pm him their "name wish" <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/nerd-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="::nerdy::" border="0" alt="nerd-fix.gif" />

So all you had to do was write:

Hi Flayra,
I would like Hi instead of Hii.

Greets Hi!

BigD

Well, certainly, the billybob20066784 is annoying. However I always used "BigDXLT" in my forum accounts because it was unique to me and still easy to read. And being that it originated in my snowmobiling forum going, it has plenty of meaning for me... at any rate, it rolls off the tongue nicely too!

"BigD" is unfortunately quite common and I can't get it on many other websites and forums I frequent. (Odd that I got it here!)

Not to sound like I'm complaining really, but really, my only gripe is that for me, this board is the only one that I use this username on! (An arguement against the naming rules here that I'm sure others have as well.)

If I had to settle for anything else than what I got, then I'd be annoyed! <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />

Oh, and <i>bless</i> those cookies.

A possibility could be to have everyone create an account under the rules. A single name change can occur afterwards (including all existing users) allowing them more flexible naming conventions. If a person feels that strongly that they need the name, they'll take the extra step, but I suspect the majority would be happy with what they came up with. (Just hide it deep within the control panel! That should scare'em good!)

im_lost

I guess I'll have to stick with my grammatically incorrect username then.

Garet_Jax

I'm now on my 3rd UWE account (this being my second, "sherpa" being my third).

Would have loved to just get the name changed but join date and post count doesn't bother me. A bit disappointed I can't transfer my CM account across- but at least <b>I</b> know I've donated and I guess that's all that matters <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />

Iron

So is name changing still available? My name kind of loses some of its personality without the (+5) on the end.

Zek

<!--quoteo(post=1573926:date=Nov 6 2006, 08:15 AM:name=Iron)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Iron @ Nov 6 2006, 08:15 AM) [snapback]1573926[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
So is name changing still available? My name kind of loses some of its personality without the (+5) on the end.
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Err, you joined 4 days ago...

Exploder

I'm glad Flayra dropped the insane amount of allowable characters to a minimum.

I've always considered people with numbers and other random stuff in their nicknames as uncreative <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />

coris

<!--quoteo(post=1573934:date=Nov 6 2006, 03:01 PM:name=Zek)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Zek @ Nov 6 2006, 03:01 PM) [snapback]1573934[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
Err, you joined 4 days ago...
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Rofl that's great.

Gerald_R_Ford

<!--quoteo(post=1573945:date=Nov 6 2006, 09:58 AM:name=Exploder)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Exploder @ Nov 6 2006, 09:58 AM) [snapback]1573945[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
I'm glad Flayra dropped the insane amount of allowable characters to a minimum.

I've always considered people with numbers and other random stuff in their nicknames as uncreative <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />
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limiting characters to one's name is uncreative.

Exploder

<!--quoteo(post=1573991:date=Nov 6 2006, 06:15 PM:name=Gerald_R_Ford)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Gerald_R_Ford @ Nov 6 2006, 06:15 PM) [snapback]1573991[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
limiting characters to one's name is uncreative.
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True but at the same time it forces you to think outside the box. Instead of Slayer7840 you can pick BananaSlayer.

Iron

<!--quoteo(post=1573934:date=Nov 6 2006, 02:01 PM:name=Zek)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Zek @ Nov 6 2006, 02:01 PM) [snapback]1573934[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
Err, you joined 4 days ago...
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Maybe I lost my old account which was registered years ago? Besides where did I say or even imply that I deserved some sort of name change because of seniority? I simply said I was unable to put (+5) on the end of my name (which is the name I attempt to use in all online communities) but the restrictions forced me to reduce it to simply "Iron."

CoolCookieCooks

He didn't really mention you committing any crimes. Usually a name change is asked for from members who have a high post count or a special user group such as constellation, which cannot be added to a new account. As you only made your account a few days ago you would be able to create a new one without losing too much from your old profile. But as you want the +5 part which isn't allowed for account names, you will have to put it in your signature image as Iron+5.

Gliss

what were some of the incredibly random names that were given as alternatives? i remember duff-man got "pardzh" rofl i would like to see more of those on the forums

404NotFound

<!--quoteo(post=1573945:date=Nov 6 2006, 09:58 AM:name=Exploder)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Exploder @ Nov 6 2006, 09:58 AM) [snapback]1573945[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
I'm glad Flayra dropped the insane amount of allowable characters to a minimum.

I've always considered people with numbers and other random stuff in their nicknames as uncreative <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />
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In my case it pretty much killed the name. :-\

But, now that the forums are back up, and the restriction is gone, my name is back to normal! Hurrah!

digz

Hey, I'm still waiting on MY name change request from <b>over</b> a year ago <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />

Reasons for the name restrictions aside, I presume that some of the admin controls are being worked on to allow this to happen flawlessly (something I don't think that was given priority while we went to move the forums to the public). Be patient and I'm sure if it's a life-and-death situation for a name change it will be granted sometime in the future.

Lofung

name change gonna be very much appreciated <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />

Hakuna_matata

stick with your ###### nicks, it gives it character, like mine.....

CoolCookieCooks

I managed to persuade an admin to capitalize my name from coolcookiecooks to CoolCookieCooks a while back before the forums went down, it involved a lot of bribery and cookies!

Exploder

<!--quoteo(post=1574144:date=Nov 7 2006, 01:29 AM:name=404NotFound)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(404NotFound @ Nov 7 2006, 01:29 AM) [snapback]1574144[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
In my case it pretty much killed the name. :-\

But, now that the forums are back up, and the restriction is gone, my name is back to normal! Hurrah!
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Yeah well, you're excused. I like your name, since those numbers actually have a purpose.

Drummer

<!--quoteo(post=1574398:date=Nov 7 2006, 01:18 PM:name=CoolCookieCooks)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CoolCookieCooks @ Nov 7 2006, 01:18 PM) [snapback]1574398[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> I managed to persuade an admin to capitalize my name from coolcookiecooks to CoolCookieCooks a while back before the forums went down, it involved a lot of bribery and cookies! <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
then its a good thing you have lots of cookies

Alcapwn

So the chances of me getting my old name back.... (h20) is about...

...nill?

Why is it that other forums dont have this problem; it's seemingly only the NS ones?

Drummer

<!--quoteo(post=1574516:date=Nov 7 2006, 06:24 PM:name=WaterBoy)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(WaterBoy @ Nov 7 2006, 06:24 PM) [snapback]1574516[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--> So the chances of me getting my old name back.... (h20) is about...

...nill?

Why is it that other forums dont have this problem; it's seemingly only the NS ones? <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
well, think about it. huge database + lots of users + nerdy members = lots of bugs found by people going "HAY, WAHTS DIS? *poke*"

im_lost

<!--quoteo(post=1574516:date=Nov 7 2006, 03:24 PM:name=WaterBoy)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(WaterBoy @ Nov 7 2006, 03:24 PM) [snapback]1574516[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
Why is it that other forums dont have this problem; it's seemingly only the NS ones?
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This is more than a forum. The forum is just a part of the whole site, and you log into it together. That adds a lot of complexity.