To the Admins... May I humbly suggest a bit of grace...

[The Doctor.]

This seems to be appropriate to GD: P, as it directly involves so very many of us who post here.

Some years ago, you, the Esteemed Administrators ;) , decided by some divine providence that we should have an opportunity to alter our user names without penalties to our posting records or user status. Basically, we were given an opportunity to change our user names and maintain our overall profile status without alteration. I forewent the change because I wanted to keep my name, and didn't realize that I could have done away with my bottom 'slash' and left things more or less intact.

For sometime now, I've realized my oversight and thought of asking for another such opportunity for myself and other DUers to fix any issues they might have with their user name. (I'm sure that "Enron_Rocks" would still be with us if he had such a timely opportunity)

Well, thanks to another, brilliant DUer, it has been brought to my attention that there may be a far more graceful, altruistic, and community-bonding purpose for once again introducing the "Penalty-Free name change" initiative.

(S)He put it more succinctly than I could ever summon the discipline to do; "We should get a free name change "get out of jail free" card when the primaries are over, this is so much more bitter than 2004."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=6212142&mesg_id=6214681

I can think of only a few other good reasons, but giving everyone the opportunity to remake their tag as they may also choose to refine their positions and perspectives heading into the GE in November would be a welcome balm for the harsh braising (and some lacerations) we've been dealing out to each-other here.

No, no one will necessarily be "fooled", but there is an attachment to names, from both the perspective of the owners, and the views of those who engage them... and vice-versa. We, as humans, are very conditioned to attach meaning and intent to a name, and if we have conditioned ourselves to react to someone's actions or words by their name, the name alone is enough to trigger that reaction... adversarial or otherwise.
We've seen a lot of conditioning of that sort here lately. I think, as 48percenter implied, more than ever before.

I humbly ask, for the sake of re-introducing harmony to DU after we have the confirmed nominee, and after the time allotted for expression, grief, and introspection, that the Administrators once again allow a period of penalty-free name-changing for those of us who might like to adopt a new handle to accompany a new attitude of community and cooperation, and avoid the hardwired reactions we may have regrettably sown in each-other in such a time of great passions.

This request is, of course, only so intended as any of your time, technology, and convenience allows.


Thank you,

-Dr. E



{OE}- Stupid smiley!
{OEE} - YO! If you're going to respond, please REC it so it gets where it needs to! Thnx!

[Swamp Rat]

1. 1st to agree!

:D

[Elspeth]

13. Nooooooooo

I love your name. :(

[Lerkfish]

2. I think this is a very fair suggestion, and I agree

especially for those who have candidate names within their usernames.

[SwampG8r]

124. i just want

to change mine to SwampG8r
someone said they had a hard time figuring out what my name meant and like this its easier

[MercutioATC]

3. I'm of two minds about this proposal.

It would give people a chance to turn over a new leaf, as it were...but it would also allow a lot of obnoxious posters (yes, the term is subjective) to continue to spread their droppings, at least for a time.

[The Doctor.]

9. Right, but...

they will, as you have noted, reap a very small window. Meanwhile, those with good intentions shall be able to remake themselves to the benefit of the community.

I get ya, but I think 'long term' counts for at least four years around here, and dillweeds don't last.

[mudesi]

4. Totally disagree

Take responsibility for your words.

This sounds like something Hillary Clinton would want.

[LostinVA]

7. Well, up until your last sentence, I finally found something we can agree on

[Dinger]

112. Same Here

No fucking way, no name change. Take responsibility for posts made during the primaries & before.
People who have conducted themselves honorably won't worry about a name change.

*Unless I have misunderstood the intent of the OP.

Edited to add, This sounds like a coverup. Smear a Dem in a primary, then have the admins "make it all o.k"?
I don't think so.

[Evergreen Emerald]

8. can't resist an attack.

what a jackass.

[The Doctor.]

15. Hey... you haven't always been a 'gem' yerself... uhh... wait...

;)

[Thickasabrick]

70. LOL.....that was very cute. I think it's a great idea by the way

[TahitiNut]

29. "what a jackass."?? Are you trying out a new signature?

:eyes:

[Skittles]

76. it's an extreme sickness, E E

lots of it going around :o

[The Doctor.]

88. Not so much...

'Attacking' someone for atrocious behavior is not a 'sickness', it's rather natural.

[The Doctor.]

12. You've been one who has put his stamp on his name.

You have never made your opinions ambiguous. You are one of the posters that has fueled the Clinton supporters charges of "hatred". While I have found myself agreeing with you more often than not over the years, these last several months of your caustic contributions have been... notable.

Oh, I understand, and even agree with your motivations, but your contributions have generally been entirely without discretion.

If there are Clinton supporters that I have found 'delusional' or 'rude', I cannot, for one moment, think of pursuing them over the past especially if they should go so far as to shed their username and decide to deal more harmoniously with the DU community.

For any that choose to do so, I cannot, and will not, treat them without the courtesy due to them.

I would hope that my own inflammatory and sometimes condescending words will be forgiven even if I neither ask for or expect it.

That is the mark of the enlightened... and there are more than a few around here.


Those that would change their names but go on being jerks won't last long anyhow.


Do you really have a problem with that?

[QueenOfCalifornia]

117. oh - uh-huh...

sure it is the mark of the enlightened. To be a total asswipe in here for months on end and then slap a new moniker on yourself and go about your biz...

[TahitiNut]

27. Ditto

Crap idea. :puke:

[The Doctor.]

33. Hey... I love your name as much as you do...

But don't you think guys like me should get a chance to get rid of the "_" in their name?

Please...?

[TahitiNut]

36. If Skinner, Elad, & EarlG are willing to entertain requests on an individual basis, ...

... where there are extenuating circumstances (e.g. stalking), that's their business. Indeed, they usually permit folks to reregister under a new MemberName by prior arrangement ... but not as 'sock-puppets' or 'resurrection' from past sins. (As far as I know.) Insofar as a plebescite for a 'name change' amnesty without conditions, however, I'm opposed to it. Too many games.

[The Doctor.]

45. So many people either don't know, don't have the wherewithall,

or don't have the time to pursue such a course.

An open re-registration to all would alleviate a great deal of the burden of diligence, and the intimidation of seeking personal absolution.

Is that a fair assesment?

[TahitiNut]

47. Real 'reconciliation' isn't based on devious maneuvers.

:shrug:

In fact, I could foresee the name-changers being more inclined to carry a chip on their shoulders and a prolonged period of pot-shots (in mufti) as their targets sorted out the mess. Indeed, it'd probably involve some clique-like behavior ... PM's and 'coming out' to "allies" as the petty intrigues and feuds were perpetuated.

Messy. Agin' it.

[The Doctor.]

50. As I said...

First of all, the previous names were displayed for the PFNC period last time. Second; the mods would know who was who, so those who thought they were gaining more lifespan for mischief would be sorely mistaken. Third; The point would be to give those truly interested in a fresh start the chance to avoid triggering wrought reactions from those they would rather engage earnestly.

Perhaps I would like that as well. Perhaps I would like to circumvent the adversarial response in those I have insulted, whether they deserved it or not, so that I might better get through to them. Perhaps this idea works bothways.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

116. Check!

See my post downthread.
No way.

Keep your nice little names. Too bad if you have stuck a dumb assed thing in your user name.

[LostinVA]

5. I disagree -- I think it's a "get out of jail free" card for disruptive behavior

[The Doctor.]

17. A chance for the earnest to shed a stigma...

is plenty worthy of the cost of a few jerks getting away with being jerks for a short time longer.

BTW, if you weren't here during the last PFNC, everyone's old name showed up above their sig line for the duration of the changeover.

I even remember who "Plastic Turkeys" became... right BB?

So no... it's not really a "get out of jail free" card, because vindictive posters could note the changes and still treat those seeking refuge like jerks if you wanted to...


Do you see the point here?

[roguevalley]

26. nice idea, Dr. Frankly, it might be somewhat entertaining to see

who still fights once the change is made. the mods will get them.

[polmaven]

37. You're right

The mods, and, of course, especially the admins have much more knowledge of who is/was whom, and will be able to keep a pretty close eye on the worst of the offenders.

[Shakespeare]

69. Agreed completely. n/t

[QueenOfCalifornia]

118. first time I agree with you

I totally agree.

[TomInTib]

6. Even tho I, for one, have NEVER pissed off any DUer...

I fully agree with this.

Sometimes I just simply cannot believe how angry certain people here can stay at others - tracking them around like crazy people.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

79. Wow. Same here.

I am pure innocence. O8)

[Flabbergasted]

101. Shut up you stinking cow....You piss me off you blowhard bastard....

:)

Hi Tom...Got a bone Saddle and Nut put on. Sounds a bit brighter and clearer and my intonation is true once again.

[TomInTib]

119. Wonderful

Let 'em play in a little and you will really start to hear it.

What strings are you playing?

[Flabbergasted]

120. "12's" nt

[SwampG8r]

125. that dog....his eyes.....i am in his power

[emilyg]

10. Agree.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

11. I'm Gonna Change Mine To Dr. eldritch!

That would be awesome!

LOL

[The Doctor.]

14. Can I be "OPERATIONCRIMEMIND" then?

Don't let anyone tell you You're not cute.

[scarletwoman]

16. Other. I have no desire to change my username. If there are DUers whom I've offended or wronged,

I'd rather make the effort to work things out and make amends, than opt for some kind of arbitrary clean slate. I'm totally willing to live with the consequences of everything I've ever posted here, and to take full responsibility for healing any damaged relationships incurred under the name I have used since I first ever joined DU.

However, I have no problem if other people want to do this. I think each of us must answer to our own consciences.

Peace,
sw

[The Doctor.]

21. I knew I always liked ya fer a reason...

Keep in mind, the clean slate is only as arbitrary as the users make it.

During the time of the last PFNC, the old usernames were featured above the siglines (or was it below?). Either way, those that go on to become 'different' kinds of jerks will still be jerks, while those that sincerely want to move on will get the chance to work towards greater harmony.

The name change is not necessarily to give people a "clean slate", but to help avoid the hard-wired contention they may have *mutually* developed with others.

It's one o' them "psycho-mo-logical" things.

:freak:

[scarletwoman]

24. "It's one o' them "psycho-mo-logical" things." Oh, I totally get that - & thanks for the compliment.

That's why I think everyone should choose according to their needs/wants/whatever. And I totally sympathize with you wanting to get the "_" out of your name.

I only vaguely remember the last time, since it was largely irrelevant to my overall DU zeitgeist. Mainly I was glad that most of the people I had come to know and love since 2001 kept their usernames as is. Less confusion the better, imho.

I'm bad on names as it is, so DUers changing usernames simply tends to short circuit my few remaining synapses.

I'm all about peace and love, man. And chronic short term memory loss. :smoke:

:D
sw

[FlaGranny]

80. Back in the early days

I had a different username and then a feller joined up with a very similar moniker. I changed to FlaGranny. Since then, that poster has disappeared. That's okay, though, because I like my new username better. The only problem was I lost about 7 or 8 thousand in post count with the name change.

[The Doctor.]

91. You made it to 7 or 8 thousand in under a year?

What was your original U/N?

[The Doctor.]

92. dupe

[RichardRay]

18. Agree, as long as we don't HAVE to change...

after all, I'm sort of attached to my name and I'd have to get my checking account and driver's license changed and all that stuff...

[polmaven]

39. But aren't you afraid

that Dunkin' Donuts will ban you for giving that terraism scarf to your sister?

[RichardRay]

42. I am NOT RELATED TO THAT WOMAN!

Not only do I have to share a last name with her, I have to share initials. But I was here first. She's a youngster and a poacher, let here get her own initials!!

[SwampG8r]

126. as a chef i need to say this about rachel ray

i would toss her onto a flour bag and twirl her like a dough hook


im just saying......

[Lyric]

19. Yes, but only because I desperately want

to fix my username and make it "Oktoberain" (with a capital O.) :)

[A Brand New World]

20. I like the idea! I changed mine to "OhGodNotAgain" right after

the 2nd ** selection. I'd like to think we will have moved on when Nov. comes or at least that an end is in sight. Hopefully there will not be a 3rd Bush term (i.e. McSame) or I'll have to keep OhGodNotAgain.

[seaglass]

22. It's cowardly. n/t

[The Doctor.]

23. I'd like to fix my name, get rid of the bottom slash... is that 'cowardly'?

Heck, I may change it entirely just for the fun of it.

I'm just citing one altruistic reason for doing so.

I'm all for forgiving those who want to change up, and have done little real harm, if you're not, that's your hang up.

I'm also capable of monitoring my impulses. I'll know whether or not someone is being earnest whether they've changed their name or not... so it wouldn't affect me all that much if this didn't happen.

I think everyone deserves a chance.

[seaglass]

49. You can do that right now if that's what you want. If your post

count is so important to you put a little disclaimer on the bottom of all your posts showing your count.

This primary season was an opportunity to act civilly - some did, some didn't. Every time you post you make that choice. I'm not meaning YOU specifically because I don't know your history. People should stand by the choices they made. If they feel regret, then they should express the regret, not hide behind another username.

[The Doctor.]

83. And my journal?

Donor status and access to advanced search?

Join date?

All your PMs?

Buddy List?

The hassel of having to include and update the info you're suggesting?

Reworking your profile/avatars/sigline?


You see, that's the point of name change amnesty.

[roguevalley]

I will keep mine and live with the consequences of my vast and

unending dickery this primary season. I suppose that will be my penance. I miss my home valley in Oregon and when I see that name, its comforting. As for my assinnity, I will bear it as a cross and try to live it down in the general election. probably. hopefully.

I hope that I can remember who is who so I can read your posts, especially you, doc. This could be confusing for a while. :) I never was good with names.

[SwampG8r]

127. i would like to make mine more readable by changing the case

of some letters so it says SwampG8r

[CaliforniaPeggy]

25. My dear Dr_eldritch!

I heartily concur with your suggestion...or whoever it belonged to!

I will always be CaliforniaPeggy, however, but I do see how other folk could benefit from a change for themselves...

K&R

:patriot:

[The Doctor.]

43. Oh love... some of us could use more than just a name change.

How I would love a change of venue, scenery, and even associates at times.

You're always 'a fresh of breath air' as my brother once said.

[Buzz Clik]

28. Oh HELL yes! I want to change my name to "JeebusLovesHillary"

[The Doctor.]

31. Oi...ughhhh....

No, really... don't.

:silly:

[cbayer]

30. I don't particularly care except I have one concern.

Wouldn't that make it impossible to search by author name? Or is that one of the points of doing this?

[The Doctor.]

38. hehehe...

do a search for "Plastic_turkeys".

Here's the thing; any search will only go as far back as the admins allow. BlueBear registers as "Plastic_Turkeys", as far back as 2004, but you can't do any search right now for before 2005... so I can only guess that unless they push the cut-off date for searches to 2008, any search under a new name would result in hits under both the old and new.

That's one to ask the mods or admins.


Oh, and to Bluebear... sorry for using you as an example, but "Plastic_turkeys" really stuck in my head and was the only switch I remembered easily.

[mamalone]

32. Not sure....

While I agree with the sentiment, and I really do like the idea of giving people a fresh start.... what about poor old air-heads like me who are just now getting everybody sorted out?? It's taken me forever to sort out the personalities and remember folks. I'll have a terrible time figuring out who's who:(

[DevonRex]

34. I agree. For that reason and for another one, too. When I

signed up again after a few years' absence, I really had no idea that I would wind up posting so much or that I might want to discuss rather personal issues. If I did discuss those issues, they might, along with my user name, easily identify me to family members who just happen to be kind of freeperish.

While I would love to tell some personal stories about coming from very conservative roots, including racist roots (and overcoming them), I cannot do that if a certain relative who occasionally lurks on Huffington Post also lurks here. And he just might.

There is enough division between me and my family on political issues. I know they will never change but I don't want to hurt them. They are family, after all.

[The Doctor.]

40. OMG! Jenn! Is that you?!?

(JK)

Apparently you have a more than fair reason for wanting to change up your name. If I cared about what my family thought... then I'd use my real name here!

(Yes, they are a bit Bushy, but there's hope... http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5486047 )

[DevonRex]

55. Very funny. Grrr. :) nt

[crispini]

44. Wow. Yes, that would be a good reason for me to change my name too.

The internets, they're not as anonymous as you think. :D

[DevonRex]

56. They are absolutely not. :) nt

[IsItJustMe]

35. Could you not create a new profile here at DU?

[The Doctor.]

41. Not without losing your donor status and post count....

as well as your join date, you PM's, your buddy list, your journal... etc. etc.

[IsItJustMe]

46. Point well taken.

[sellitman]

48. I vote against this.

I am responsible for how I post and act on DU. If I misbehave I expect to be ignored or trashed, if I make a good point I want the praise.

Changing names looses the posters responsibilities and reputation.

I want mine to be known ad I want to know others.

[The Doctor.]

52. Then that is your choice. "Choice" is the point... after all.

That, and you'll be able to know if you truly want to monitor and judge those you don't agree with. The particulars of the PFNC are around.

[tabasco]

51. When I changed my username the last time

my "member since" started over too.

[The Doctor.]

53. Hmmm...

Did your post count change?

Perhaps that can be addressed.

[Willo]

54. I disagree because

there are people on my ignore list that have said things that reveal their character and are not simply in the throes of campaign mania. These are the people I would choose to ignore if I saw them in person.

Bygones will be bygones, in time, between those who have spoken heatedly or passionately. Conversations can and may need to happen as well as a few apologies exchanged. Working on the same goals and projects is good ground for this.

But, name changes unless forced on everyone, can create suspicion, mistrust and an unfair advantage so to speak.

[rucky]

57. What's it gonna be, Bucky?

[dchill]

58. I yam what I yam.

No thx! We all deserve to know to whom we are "typing."

[frickaline]

59. Won't your post history remain in tact in be kind of a dead giveaway?

I'll hold off on voting for now. I'd want to know the answer to this first.

[The Doctor.]

61. It's psycho-mo-logical too...

Humans are more readily able to 'overlook' past associations when the new names they are dealing with are not directly associated with the character of the old.

Sometimes this is utilized for nefarious purposes, as with the fake 'anti-Global Warming' think tanks sponsored by the Oil industry.

Sometimes it's useful to smooth a transition.

I would personally take advantage of another PFNC if it meant either a) I could deal better with those who feel I've offended them. b) I could get that darn "_" out of my name.

Keep in mind, I do not need people to think I'm "someone else", that's not the point at all. In fact, it's unlikely that anyone will be 'fooled'. But once the handle changes, so does the grip... so to speak.

[frickaline]

62. A bit more than overlooking the past since

it would circumvent the ignore lists people have I assume. But hey, I've got no ignore list myself. And I think people should get 2nd chances, so I'll vote for it. Seems like a nice thing for some.

[eleny]

60. There will probably an opportunity when W leaves office

I see lots of names that refer to him and his administration or policies in some way. So, after the inauguration there will probably be a call for name changes with amnesty.

That's a long way off. But it'll probably make a lot of sense to have an amnesty at that time.

[BlooInBloo]

63. People will hate me quickly enough, changed name or not - lol!

Besides, I like my name. :)

It might be nice for others though - rock on.

[Pisces]

64. I don't need a name change. I stand by all of my posts. If someone else wants to change names I

will support it.

[K Gardner]

65. Meh. The idea probably has merit on an individual basis, but after

such a bitter primary season, the thought of mass name changes makes me nervous :-)

Why don't you just ask admin for permission to take the _ out of your name? :hi:

[Turn CO Blue]

66. I agree but offer a different reason ...

I think that sometimes a username just doesn't make sense for the user anymore - so it'd be nice for those users to have a chance to change their username without the problem of losing their whole profile, post history and donor status.

Examples:

~Users who had states or cities in their names, but have moved.

~Users who had specific candidate names in their usernames, when it doesn't make sense anymore. "Gore2008" or whatever.

~Users who put a number (such as the user's age) or prefix or some other mneumonic that doens't make sense to themselves anymore.

Etc.

It just seems to me that there are other users out there, WHO DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN the flinging of poo in GD-P, who could ALSO benefit from a name-change like they had in 2004.

Thanks,
TCB

[The Doctor.]

67. Originally, that was my entire rationale...

but I didn't think of calling for it just for the sake of changing my own UN.

If it could smooth the transition to let however many DUers adopt new user names, the worst that could happen is a new settling in while the old disruptors flounder just the same as they do now.

No one gets to hide from the mods just 'cause they changed their UN.

[kwenu]

68. Like teenagers who get tattoos some of these handles are not thought out for the long term.

DU should require you to be a donating member in order to change your handle.

[Eurobabe]

71. Just to clarify, when Skinner allowed the name change in 2004

we all had a tagline for awhile that identified us as "formerly LillyvonStupp" for example. I think that lasted a couple of weeks.

If you don't like the idea, don't change your name. No one is forcing you to do it. I am sure there are many other DU'ers who, in 2004, didn't take advantage of name amnesty.

IIRC, Skinner had mentioned that there might be a name amnesty again, perhaps after the 2008 elections? It worked smoothly last time, that's all I remember.

Peace out. :headbang:

[The Doctor.]

72. You were "LillyvonSchtupp"!!?!?

My God!

And I was picking on Harvey Korman just the other day... may he rest in hilarity.

O8)

[Eurobabe]

73. No, NO, LOL

I just had to come up with an example. :rofl:

[The Doctor.]

75. "Oh Lilly, Lilly... Lilly... legs... oh Lilly...."

Mel Brooks... what a genius.

He had the best... and Korman was one of the best.

I can't wait to see "Get Smart" the movie! Oh... what a treat for us vanguards of the old school that Steve Correl is 'Max'.

Great example... you really did it that time.

[Eurobabe]

81. I've had Harvey on the brain all week

My hubby and I have this cult thing with Blazing Saddles. (It is so irreverent, that movie!) Every beer and glass of wine we've drunk this week, the toast has been to Harvey. :toast:

Of course, we've been spouting off lines :rofl:

"My mind is aglow with whirling transient nodes of thought CAREEEEEEEEEEENING through a cosmic vapor of invention."

RIP Harvey, and thank for the belly laughs.

[JVS]

90. It's twue

[The Doctor.]

102. LOL!

[ruby slippers]

74. my mom always told me...you make your bed, you lie in it.....

and besides, I like my ruby slippers....even if everyone else doesn't. You know where they can go.

[The Doctor.]

77. Some don't need to lie with those lies.

They aren't bad... they're just drawn that way.


;)

[stevenleser]

78. Wouldnt be something for me so I am for whatever the majority wants.

I use my real name and always have.
;-)

[reflection]

82. Finally, a chance

for me to rename myself "MoolaLay". Joy!

[Occam Bandage]

84. A great suggestion. I'm still stickin' with Occam Bandage, though.

I really like my name, even if a few people think I'm a douchebag.

[The Doctor.]

87. Always liked the name... very clever.

[The Doctor.]

85. Well, we're at a pretty firm 77% in favor right now...

And with 69 votes in favor I'm surprised this doesn't have more recs.

I suppose I could email the admins rather than just hoping it gets their attention on it's own.

[Meshuga]

86. I think the last opportunity was back in November of 2004

Righ after the election.

The admins should allow the name change every four years to let the people keep their names relevant to the times. If name change is not a nightmare to administer then why not allow people to do it every four years or so?

[JVS]

89. Disagree. First of all, there will probably be one after the GE like last time.

Also, I don't think the name change should be viewed as a "get out of jail free" card for the dislike generated leading up to the primaries. It's so that you can change obviously obsolete names like Joementum04

[last1standing]

93. I absolutely disagree.

To allow a namechange just encourages bad behavior. I get tired of people being able to insult others, lie with impunity and trash this site as a whole.

Whatever happened to the idea of personal responsibility? I take responsibility for every post I've ever made at DU and expect others to do the same.

The alternative is allowing anti-social hatemongers to continue their reign of terror here.

[The Doctor.]

99. Hardly....

The type of people you're talking about have either been TS'd already, or will be banned whether they get their name changed or not. If they can't help being jerks, they'll be nixed regardless.

There may be a small bunch of people who really feel bad about what they've said in the passion of the primary season and would like to move on. I'm for giving them a chance.

Meanwhile, I would just like to see another name amnesty again so I can fix the "_" in mine. Why not do it after the primary, not just for those that might want a chance to participate in earnest and without being dogged by the stigma of their past words, but for those of us who may just want to change it up for other reasons?

[last1standing]

105. Sadly, several still roam free here at DU so I'm totally against it.

I have no idea why some of the worst offenders are allowed to continue to pollute this site, but they are and I don't want them to be able to change their IDs every four years. In other words, I'm talking about those who have always been disgusting posters, not those few who said something they regretted once or twice.

For those few posters, wouldn't a public apology be more in order? Just say you're sorry and move on. That's what adults do instead of hiding behind name changes.

As for you, I'd suggest just sending a PM to Skinner requesting the change. Whether one always agrees with him or not, he always tries his best.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

94. Right now I'd like a name change.

Something a little more obscure and anonymous.

[The Doctor.]

104. Oooo! "obscureandanonymous"... I like it!

[illumn8d]

95. Disagree

People need to deal with the consequences of their internet choochery.

[Joe the Revelator]

96. Disagree- If you can't live with the things you say, don't say them

[Teaser]

97. I dunno...

a good bunch of people are clearly moles, and enrolling them in a site sponsored witless protection program doesn't seem like a good idea.

[The Doctor.]

98. If you read through the thread,

you'll see that they won't escape the mods, and the old name is posted for a period so you can note certain transistions.

That, and if a mole isn't TS'd before the change, then they already know how to avoid being routed... so it really won't matter. If they are jerks that continue to be jerks, then it also won't matter.

If they were a jerk who decided they wanted to be nicer, then the name change could help a little with the transistion.

Basically; the jerks won't ultimately benefit, and the sincere folks will get a breather. That's pretty much how I see it.

[Flabbergasted]

100. No....If it is that big of an issue for someone then restarting an account as already a viable

option. The admin will, I believe, also hold this position.

[The Doctor.]

103. Then why'd they do it before?

If there was a reason then, there may certainly be a reason now.

I want to fix the "_" in my name... should I give up all my PMs, Journal, Donor status, advanced search access, post #s, and other features to do that?

[Bake]

106. Frankly, I'd like to do it for one simple reason

My original (and current) username reflects an ages-old email address that no longer exists. I sign all my posts "Bake" and would simply change my username to that to avoid confusion. I'll stand by, or I've already apologized for, everything I've posted in seven years here.

I just wish I'd been thinking a little further ahead when I started the username/account!

Bake

[palindrome]

107. Agree, depending.

As a pretty militant Hillary supporter, I'd like to be able to support the Nom (given that she concedes) without a bunch of "I told you so's", etc.

[The Doctor.]

123. If you're sincere...

then fuck 'em.

Meanwhile... 'bongwater' is something I've thought of... but hey... I'm just not that bright.

[nemo137]

108. Agree. I think it'll get us back to (relative) civility sooner.

[racaulk]

109. I'm not sure that I agree.

I think the OP and a lot of the replies in this thread present very valid arguments in favor of a name change rule. But ultimately, for me, it just comes down to one simple thing that I can't get around: If you're not prepared to own your words, then don't say them.

That's the way I see it, at least...

[The Doctor.]

110. But that's not the ONLY reason.

[racaulk]

111. I didn't say that it was the only reason.

I really can see it argued both ways, and both sides have good points. It's just that, in my opinion, the one reason I stated trumps all the others.

[cboy4]

113. So all the many GD: P trolls can change their names and

walk from the scene of the crime?

Ummm, no.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

114. No, no and double no

I want to know who it is I have been cyber chatting with. I want no one to be able to hide after the vile shit they have said in here. If they want to leave so be it. BUT there are some posters in here that I want to keep track of FOREVER. It's like culling out the dangerous lunatics, letting them all don a disguise and then tossing them back in here with ME. Uh-uh, no way Jose'.
If I wanted to get a room with some of the batshit crazy posters in here I would deserve to be shot at.

HOW MANY TIMES CAN I SAY NO?

[The Doctor.]

122. How terribly ignoble of you...

I reserve such disdain for murderers and the unrepentant.

If they wish to repent and escape being hassled by people like you, then I think they should be afforded the opportunity.

I can be 'nice' like that I suppose... why can't you?

[Eurobabe]

131. We had a name grace in 2004 after the GE

It was very effective. Just sayin.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

115. I will definitely need on in Jan 09 - look at my name

[The Doctor.]

121. Yep...

You're on it.

[swishyfeet]

128. Am I getting this right? The reason for No votes is to better track who we hate?

Especially after this primary season where otherwise decent people went *cough* a little overboard. Just let it go people...

To hell with the grudges. Move on.

[The Doctor.]

129. You got it.

And put it better too.

[Raejeanowl]

130. People Join This Community For A Myriad Of Reasons

Only one of those reasons is frank, impersonal, political discussion; in that case, name-change amnesty after this heated primary process makes a lot of sense. If it helps the healing, I'm all for it.

Unfortunately, we have a few members who seem to live and validate far too much of their lives on here, who create false personas, who may be of questionable sanity or predatory intentions. And other members are far too casual/trusting about meet-ups or sharing their personal information. From that perspective, I am steadfastly against muddying the waters of who is who.

[CTyankee]

132. Somebody please explain to me why this is needed?

Why can't people just keep their names?

OTOH, I am all for a "general amnesty" if that is what is being suggested basically.

Other than that, though, I don't see much of a reason to do it.

But, of course, I am a little different. I have never put a single DUer on "Ignore" nor will I ever do so. I can manage fine without it.