So here we are in 2012 and I am still using Alrik as my username. I have had some variation of Alrik ever since I first registered back in 99 or 2000 (prior to the Troll Wars and Great Account Purge). I guess I kept it when I re-registered because I figured the people I had been posting with for some time would know it was me. The problem is, I no longer can identify with the name. Haven't for quite some time. I chose it back then because I was coming out of a very dark time in my life and, because of what I had been through, the TNG ep The Perfect Mate had really left a mark on me. However, I'm not that person anymore. Add to that the fact that I am comfortable in my own skin, so the desire for complete anonymity is no big deal to me anymore. I have been kicking around the idea of changing my username to some variation of my real name, Bill. But I don't want to be a copycat. So no JustBill, or coolbill67. I have kicked around IM just a Bill (from that 70's Schoolhouse Rock song) Bill I M (My take on BEP's & LMFAO's Will I M) or Bill Me (Just for shits and giggles.) So the question is...if you were in my shoes, what would you do?
Full disclosure.... I'm William III Could. But like my name....a little boring. zzzzzzzzz I like Riker well enough. But unlike him, I prefer the center seat.
I think I'm with Kestra. But if you really want to change to something related to your real name, how 'bout William the Third?
Well, if you really want to change (I too think the current username is perfect) then how about one of: The Bill Billionaire Billericay Sports Bill Buffalo William 555-8177 Bill2Last Bill2Perfection Big In LapLand Zion Ravescene, Jr. (The kids can call you "ZiJu" )
This is an interesting spin. Due to the feedback, I will admit that I am starting to have some second thoughts.
I used to think about changing my username once in a while. Mostly because people kept thinking I was female. ("Nerys" is the family name on Bajor!!!!!!) That hasn't happened in while though. After so many years it feels right. But that's me, not you.
Always more a proponent of keeping your username. When you change it, you essentially start over, and any previous thoughts associated with you go away. you don't have a 'face' here we can identify with, basically just a username/avatar, and the avatar changes reguarly. Change that, you're losing a lot of the memory associations your name has. Previous threads, posting history, things you've participated in... Who really cares how associated you are with the name? Everyone that stays here long enough changes over time, just not a big deal. Everyone that didn't use their real name would run into this eventually. Just need something unique to you on the board, and you've already got one. Changing it gets you lost in the crowd again. Plus, chosing something NEW that's as arbitrary as the Schoolhouse Rock thing you picked just means that sooner or later, you're going to get bored with it and change again...