Staff have recently been concerned with a couple of matters relating to usernames. The first is the increase in the amount of username changes, with some users changing their usernames multiple times within a short time period. The second is the choice of username containing nothing but "special characters" (e.g. characters not in the Roman alphabet).
The first matter was the result of poorly implemented settings, with certain groups allowed to make more changes than others. We have rectified this and set up all non-staff groups so that username changes are allowed once per 365 days. Special permission must be sought from a member of staff if you wish to change your username more than once during this time period, and it will only be granted if there is a very good reason for changing it.
As for why changing your username frequently is a bad thing, well, despite the fact that a public log is kept of all your username changes, it can still get very confusing when members change their username. With so many people on this site, keeping track of everyone you converse with is very important, and we believe that limiting username changes will benefit everyone in the long run.
The second matter (using special characters in usernames) is a problem because it makes conversing with people difficult, and it also makes the job of the staff harder when we have to copy and paste usernames rather than type them in places. To deal with this problem, we are implementing the following guideline:
We decided against creating a complex list of username requirements, but generally speaking, as long as your username starts with 4 or more regular keyboard characters, the rest of the username can contain whatever you want.
- Atheist Forums Staff
The first matter was the result of poorly implemented settings, with certain groups allowed to make more changes than others. We have rectified this and set up all non-staff groups so that username changes are allowed once per 365 days. Special permission must be sought from a member of staff if you wish to change your username more than once during this time period, and it will only be granted if there is a very good reason for changing it.
As for why changing your username frequently is a bad thing, well, despite the fact that a public log is kept of all your username changes, it can still get very confusing when members change their username. With so many people on this site, keeping track of everyone you converse with is very important, and we believe that limiting username changes will benefit everyone in the long run.
The second matter (using special characters in usernames) is a problem because it makes conversing with people difficult, and it also makes the job of the staff harder when we have to copy and paste usernames rather than type them in places. To deal with this problem, we are implementing the following guideline:
Quote:Usernames
Due to the need to maintain clarity and consistency when reading through threads, members are limited to only one username change per year. Members may change their username for any reason, but it is recommended that great consideration is taken when doing so.
While usernames are not heavily regulated, it is advised that members begin their usernames with regular keyboard characters (i.e. characters that are easily typed on an English keyboard), and include some portion that can be pronounced in the English language. Not only is this just good forum etiquette, but it allows for functionality of the site, easier searches, and clarity for the readers. Staff reserve the right to reject a username on the grounds of clarity and / or functionality.
We decided against creating a complex list of username requirements, but generally speaking, as long as your username starts with 4 or more regular keyboard characters, the rest of the username can contain whatever you want.
- Atheist Forums Staff
