How close to user names need to be to be disallowed? Technically, I can understand the code checking for exact matches when a new user is created, but does the board have any rules (hard and fast or otherwise) for how dissimilar user names need to be to avoid confusion? (Yes, I have a specific instance in mind.)
In theory, your best bet is rule #1.
When we find 'em – or someone finds them for us – we ask Screen Name #2 to come up with another one, and we change it for them.
If it’s close enough to be confusing, that’s too close. Like so much of what goes on around here, we can’t tell untili someone is confused. 
TubaDiva
There have also been some, um, undesireables who tried to use names similar to ones that either currently exist or had been in use until changed to something else. For example, shortly after I changed my name someone’s sock tried to join up under a name similar to the one I had been using.
Lube Skywatcher?
What happens in a case like myself and AugestWest ?
I had my username first, but was away for quite a while and in the meantime FrankD6 changed his to the above. He probably had no reason to expect that I would return as a member.
Just curious…
Wow! Usually it’s pretty clear cut. A new member innocently chooses a name too close to an established poster. The newbie has to change. But this one…?
I think a cage deathmatch is in the rules somewhere…tuba will get back to you… :eek:
If you can make it pay for view, we might be able to get that server upgrade…
There was an alansmithee on the boards for a while. I kept meaning to say something, but I never did, and he didn’t post very much before drifting away. Ce la vie.
If you do see someone with a username that’s liable to cause confusion, just email an administrator, and we’ll do our best.
Just like historians never confuse presidents with similar names, like the two John Adams, and the second one was obliged to change his name by adding “Quincy.” Or the two George Bushes, so one of them is “W.” Or the two Benjamin Harrisons, where… oh, wait.
Is this thraed sponsored by Jerry Springer?
Thank you! I once referred to you in a thread and misspelled your name, thinking you had – then when I hit submit realized you didn’t misspell your name, and had a 
moment – now, of course, I’m all :smack:
You mean Frank is going to have to change it to August Quincy West? :smack:
I had a similar name angelsflite and just changed it myself.
Just saw this thread. My esteemed counterpart has it correct. He had the name first.
I would be happy to change again if the admins will waive the one change rule.
I’ll bet nobody gives a ratsass.
On another note:
The system seems to kill some suggested names as “already taken” that aren’t.
I tried a couple times before it decided this one was unused.
But I know the others were unused too, as they involved obscure quote puns.
And nobody here could be as clever as you, right?
You think “Metronome of the Silver Hayes” was already used?
Why on earth would you think that. But fine, if you want to check for sure you have the membership and can search for such things. If I’m wrong thinking I was the first to utter that phrase with that spelling, just let me know.
Oh, and the key word was obscure, not clever.
If I was to bet, I would say the CGI choked because your proposed name was too freakin’ long, not because it was already taken, regardless of what the error message said.