Username protection
During hallowe'en, a few of us in QOTW Off Topic changed our usernames for japes. Some fools hijacked some of the original names and, despite most getting their name back, a couple didn't.

Naive I know, but these things happen.

So, would it be possible to protect original usernames from being claimed for up to 72 hours after they've been released, except by the user who released it? This would stop names being stolen for malicious purposes. This may not be the best implementation of this idea, but you get my meaning.

Any further suggestions along this line?
( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Sun 2 Nov 2008, 12:41, 11 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

Having had this happen to me I feel used and violated.
*goes for a good wash*
( girlinthehole, Sun 2 Nov 2008, 13:45, Reply)

hola
someone or something is stopping me changing my name back to Halfy, which I have been using for a couple of years now

*wails and gnashes teeth*
(Halfy By light alone, Sun 2 Nov 2008, 15:34, Reply)

Awh!
Well, despite common opinion, I've not stolen anyone's username.
( Cawl, Sun 2 Nov 2008, 20:34, Reply)

Open a second b3ta account
and use that to 'store' your username if you ever want to change it for a while.

Not much use for those who've been hijacked, I know...
( thealternativefact, Sun 2 Nov 2008, 19:11, Reply)

Done this now and it makes sense
But it's not incredibly obvious for new users or even experienced internetters that this might be an issue. Perhaps a word in the FAQ is in order, although I doubt they'd like to encourage sockpuppets.
( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Sun 2 Nov 2008, 19:32, Reply)

that's a good suggestion as it happens
duly *clicked*
( The Great Architect is still waiting for his account to be deleted on, Sun 2 Nov 2008, 19:59, Reply)

No.
This suggestion is anti-mischief.
( Sea Tramp the thinking woman's 8 Ace, Sun 2 Nov 2008, 21:25, Reply)

Whereas usually I enjoy being used and violated...

it wasn't quite so nice this time.

Even though I don't like my username...and will use this as an opportunity to change it, It would've been nice to not have been forced into the decision...so any suggestions would be welcomed
( Pooflake braces for an onslaught..., Mon 3 Nov 2008, 8:44, Reply)

The Punnisher.
Better than The Master Defecator, isn't it?
(Shimrod, Tue 4 Nov 2008, 2:58, Reply)

Sadly there are some tossers out there who will take names because they haven't any originality themselves
Anyone who is a reasonably well known b3ta member will end up with their name nicked if they change it as the rules currently stand.

I'm not sure that there is a solution to this though.

:(

So for my part I won't be altering my username any time soon.
( chickenlady b3ta's very own Elizabeth Taylor, Mon 3 Nov 2008, 10:00, Reply)