Why does Chess.com allow user name changes? - Chess Forums

Boone2023

Dec 21, 2023

0

#1

STATUS: ANSWERED

COMMENTS: I never received an official response from Chess.com, but the best answer received was from a female user who suggested that the ability to change her name is beneficial when females get harassed or stalked on chess.com. On the downside, I think the ability for a user to repeatedly change their name allows them to create mischief under one name, and then change names when they start feeling the heat from others on the platform.

QUESTION: With the prevalence of cheating, harassment, trolling, and general mischief on Chess.com... why do you allow users to change their Usernames every 90-days?

This practice almost encourages trouble-makers to wear-out their welcome with one username, and then change to another disguise every three months.

Disallowing user name changes might encourage others to be a little more careful with their words and actions on this platform, especially if they have a paid account.
Disallowing user name changes enhance the familiarity amongst users across all Clubs, Forums, Games, and etc.
Disallowing user name changes would prevent the same user from hiding under one name after another.

Boone2023

Dec 21, 2023

0

#2

llama_l wrote:

I'd guess something like 99% of members never post anything... and 99% of people who do post aren't abusive trolls who name change to grief people. Meaning this policy has a large benefit to cost ratio. You provide a harmless service to the vast majority of your members, while only disrupting a few kid shenanigans.

And if someone is being abusive to the point of needing to be muted or banned, all you have to do is report them. Changing their name isn't going to save them.

Okay, so your saying if User1 is flagged by Chess.com as a know "troublemaker", then their chess criminal record with transfer with them if they change to User2?

Maybe it's a generational thing, but I've never changed my user name on any platform.

Kookaburrra

Dec 21, 2023

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#3

I played this person in a daily chess game and they changed their name 3 times during the game and definitely less than 90 days per change. I was told if you message support they’ll do it more often or maybe he knew someone in support. The game never went for 90 days in total. It is rather disconcerting when you get a message saying xxxxxxx has moved and you’ve never heard of them.

Boone2023

Dec 21, 2023

0

#4

Kookaburrra wrote:

I played this person in a daily chess game and they changed their name 3 times during the game and definitely less than 90 days per change. I was told if you message support they’ll do it more often or maybe he knew someone in support. The game never went for 90 days in total. It is rather disconcerting when you get a message saying xxxxxxx has moved and you’ve never heard of them.

They layers of this onion just peel to reveal more and more unusual activities.

Metuka2004

Dec 22, 2023

0

#5

I was surprised they allowed us to change. I was old name way over a year. I changed a few weeks ago. None of my true friends have any trouble knowing its me. Both of my stalkers who cat phish me and one of them is a known criminal with multiple accounts and IP. They will hafta try harder to find me. Its not jus for the trouble makers its for the victims too.

KieferSmith

Dec 22, 2023

0

#6

What if you don't like your username tho

Boone2023

Dec 22, 2023

0

#7

Metuka2004 wrote:

I was surprised they allowed us to change. I was old name way over a year. I changed a few weeks ago. None of my true friends have any trouble knowing its me. Both of my stalkers who cat phish me and one of them is a known criminal with multiple accounts and IP. They will hafta try harder to find me. Its not jus for the trouble makers its for the victims too.

Good point @Metuka2004! I had not considered your reasons.