Choosing a name

From ADISC Answers Wiki

Establishing a solid identity can be a difficult thing to do from the ground up. Your username is the single most important part of your identity, so it's important to choose wisely.

Deciding on a name

Only you can come up with a username that fits you. Many members choose to name themselves after characters they especially admire, or attributes about themselves. Others like to pick a silly name and be creative. Some people use their real first name, especially if it's particularly unique.

Some things to consider when you're coming up with a username are:

• Think about something you're passionate about. If you are, for example, fascinated with computers, have you thought about a name that makes reference to your geekiness?
• Use something that describes you in a way most people wouldn't ordinarily think of.
• Come across as unique and special - because you are!

Separating your two lives

Joining ADISC leads a lot of people to establish a full second online identity instead of just reusing the one they use primarily. If you want to reuse your existing online identity, think very carefully about what links may be established. If your friends Google your screen name, are you comfortable with ADISC being in one of the results? ADISC is rather high-up on most search engine results, so any search for information that you share between ADISC and your main identity will probably show results on ADISC.

Furthermore, think about whether you have ever disclosed your real name online. If your main identity is associated with your real name, guard it strongly against any exposure to ADISC. Many people on ADISC will attempt to help you if your real name becomes accidentally exposed, so if you think there's a leak somewhere, consider posting in the Regulars' Forum or VIPs' Forum for advice.

If you engage in private conversation with another ADISC member, use the forum to look at their profile. We believe that all the VIPs on ADISC are legitimate people; while we usually catch pedophiles before they make it to Regular status, there has been at least one case where an established Regular was found to be a pedophile. Check the identity verified to see if someone is the age they claim to be. (Note: Not all members are verified and many people have genuine reasons for not being verified such as not wanting to give out photos) Even if your primary screen name doesn't have any relation to your real name, does it ever appear in the same place as your real name, such as on Facebook? Only even begin to consider sharing real-life connections, such as your main screen name, real name, or Facebook account, with members you have conversed with for at least three months, or six to nine months if you are under 16. It's always worth the effort to make friends on ADISC, but this must be balanced with caution towards everyone. This applies to the Internet in general, and not specifically to ADISC.

If you use Facebook or MySpace, ensure that the IM accounts you put on ADISC aren't the same ones you put on social networking sites. Both Facebook and MySpace, and many other social networks as well, give you the ability to search for other users by cross-referencing your buddy list with the screen names of everyone on that social network and showing you the results. You also might want an IM client that allows you to sign on to two or more screen names at the same time, such as Pidgin (for Windows and Linux), Trillian (for Windows), or Adium (for Mac OS X). You might want to use a web-based IM service such as meebo.

Using AB/DL themes in your name

Many people sign up on ADISC using names including words like "diaper", "baby", "toddler", "mommy", or "daddy." This is often looked down upon on ADISC, but many people, especially new users, do not understand why.

ADISC is a very close community where everybody knows everybody else to at least some degree. If you post around at all, there are almost always people that want to talk to you and get to know you better. The best way to share who you are with other people is by explaining your username to them.

This is why ADISC has a relative intolerance for AB/DL-themed usernames. We already know that you like diapers, that's why you're here. So why would you tell us something we already know? You certainly can't be just a teenager that's into diapers. Being unique is one of the most direct routes to earning Regular and subsequently VIP status.

You can have a great time talking about diapers on ADISC, but remember that we like to talk about many other things too, and there are many social groups for people with different interests.

Avoid memes

ADISC doesn't like memes, specifically ones from chan sites, so references to them will often earn you at least a warning and a forced name change, and if not a ban. Also avoid things that can be easily stereotyped. For example, as of January 2009, if you choose a name that references Twilight you may be looked down upon because so many other people express love for Edward Cullen. If you have a strong interest in the Twilight movie and/or book series, you can use a name that expresses that, but also explain it in your introduction thread. In general, think carefully about whether you want your identity on ADISC to be permanently associated with what you're referencing. If you're referencing a movie that just came out and you really liked, or a band that you just saw in your area, that excitement will eventually die down and something better will come along.

Changing your name

The ADISC user control panel does offer an option to change your name, but you can only use it once, and your request has to be approved by Moo before it will take effect. Changing someone's name is an intentionally difficult process; because the site's database literally has to be hacked to change all references to your name, it's a relatively long and drawn-out process for the admins, and they've decided not to make it automated and instead be very discretionary about allowing changes of usernames. This should be done very, very sparingly, if at all.