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Let’s make it easier to reply within comments!

As many people know, users will post comments, and refer to other users by name using the "@username" syntax. It would be nice to be able to create links to a user's profile by either of the following ways:

  • Pick from a list of matching usernames when an "@" symbol is typed in a comment (similar to Facebook status updates)
  • Be able to drag-and-drop a username/gravatar from the page into a comment

Since the StackOverflow sites allow you to change your display name, often times past comments will be left in a "corrupt" state - comments may refer to you by "@oldName", even after you've chnaged your name to "@newName". Allowing the linking of usernames would keep comments up-to-date even after name changes - "@newName" would always be shown.

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  • The name changing isn't that much of a problem anywhere else but on meta, is it? And meta is, well, meta ...
    – balpha StaffMod
    Jan 8, 2010 at 6:27
  • I originally used a handle, but quickly realized I'd prefer to use my name. I can imagine there are others who would like to switch, but realized that too late, and now feel stuck as they don't want to break anything. People like "Johannes Schaub - litb" clearly wanted a change with the least breakage, for example. So while it isn't much of a problem... I think users would greatly appreciate it.
    – Gnome
    Jan 8, 2010 at 6:36
  • Perhaps making the names on posts be static? (Therefore nothing ever breaks.) Or including both name-when-posting and current name.
    – Gnome
    Jan 8, 2010 at 6:38
  • @balpha - Just curious, why would Meta be more affected by name edits than SO, for example? I'm new to actually participating here, so I might just be missing something.
    – Pwninstein
    Jan 8, 2010 at 6:43
  • 2
    It's common to change your name on meta for humorous affect; at least much more popular than on SOFU.
    – Gnome
    Jan 8, 2010 at 6:48
  • @Roger Pate - +1 I see, thanks!
    – Pwninstein
    Jan 8, 2010 at 7:03
  • 4
    Ever changing: meta.stackexchange.com/questions/19478/the-many-memes-of-meta/…
    – random
    Jan 8, 2010 at 7:08
  • @random - +1 for the chuckles :)
    – Pwninstein
    Jan 8, 2010 at 7:16
  • @Spacklepants do you think my real name is sockpuppet? Last week it was I hate haikus
    – alex
    Jan 8, 2010 at 8:43
  • A much better suggestion is covered at meta.stackexchange.com/questions/1093/…
    – Ether
    Jan 8, 2010 at 19:43

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Usually when someone addresses another user within the same question thread, the referred user would have left an answer and/or a comment and/or the question itself. Hence chances are there is/are already links to his/her profile.

I do find it a nice feature but I has a hunch the addtional server load might not be able to justify it.

I may be wrong though.

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