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Some SE Philosophy users are using numbers for their user name. It is difficult to identify them. Now the number has become a 7 digit number [e.g. user1234567]. So, isn't it good if they use some names instead of a 7 digit number?

We can't distinguish user1234567 from user1235467 and remember them quickly.

Is there any logical alternative for selecting username by default to solve this issue?

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  • Are the users grayed out and unlinked, by any chance?
    – Sonic the Anonymous Hedgehog
    Commented Dec 10, 2017 at 6:32
  • 3
    You think that it becomes better if they name themselves Alex?
    – rene Mod
    Commented Dec 10, 2017 at 6:33
  • 1
    Can you clarify more what you're talking about please?
    – user0042
    Commented Dec 10, 2017 at 6:35
  • 1
    force ... let's not do that ...
    – rene Mod
    Commented Dec 10, 2017 at 7:06
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    @rene: I am no end of gratified to discover that as of right now, that query shows exactly 1234 users with the name Anonymous.
    – Nathan Tuggy
    Commented Jan 17, 2018 at 3:14

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
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It's the default username. It increments since its the number actually is the same as the UID for the user on the site, and it keeps increment since there's lots of users. We don't force users to pick a username (many do!) and it reduces the amount of friction for a new user.

screenshot of user118150, with their user number circled on the URL bar and with an arrow pointing at their display name.

Considering SE usernames are not unique, it can be less confusing in a few cases. You can probably distinguish them by the numbers ;p

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    ... and then there are a few users who intentionally pick a userxxxx number that isn't actually their UID.
    – Catija
    Commented Dec 10, 2017 at 6:38
  • ._. That way leads to chaos and anarchy.
    – Journeyman Geek
    Commented Dec 10, 2017 at 6:40
  • @Catija true, and there are users who pick nonsense name, unclear name, and even blank names. All by design, all allowed, and all is good. :)
    – Shadow Wizard
    Commented Dec 10, 2017 at 8:08

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