releasing unused nicknames

[geekgrrl]

Dear MN Towers:
Would you consider automatically releasing nicknames if they've not been used for a certain time (6 months or a year or thereabouts)?
There are a few desirable nicknames that have been registered years ago and have either never been used or not used for years - it would be nice to make them available again.

[FrannyandZooey]

Or they could auction some of the best ones for charity

I am not sure about releasing them after 6 months or a year, though - lots of people save them for special occasions eg Christmas

someone could have GinaBabe

[QueenEagle]

Posters could highlight on their "history" the names they def do not want to relinquish. All the rest can be reused after a year?

[geekgrrl]

well, maybe everybody who actually uses the site should be able to register a certain number of nicknames for themselves - maybe 3?
The reason why I'm posting this is that I wanted the nickname 'geekgirl' about 3 years ago, it was taken. It's never been used but is still unavailable. Other sites tend to drop your account after a certain time period.

[Rachel (mumsnet)]

The nickname auction idea has been mulled over once before - not sure why it never came to anything. Anyway, we'll discuss this again at our next meeting and come back to you.

Cheers,
Rachel

[SoupDragon]

I think if a name hasn't been used for 18 months it should be released - maybe with an email to the "owner" beforehand giving them a set period to request to be able to keep it.

One thing though - if a name has been used topost, would there be a way of diferentiating between the "old" GinaBabe and the "new" one for example.

[GeorginaA]

Maybe only release names that haven't been used to post? So people who registered just to enter competitions etc but never relogged in again?

[SoupDragon]