Changing usernames

[ethank]

My users are used to the ability to change their username in Webboard (as I had it displaying firstname and lastname instead of username).

Is there a quick and easy way to have vBUlletin either display firstname lastname everywhere, or for users to be allowed to change their username?

Ethan

[VirtueTech]

This would be a huge help for me.

Although it is an easy task to perform if emailed...I think it would be great to have one less easy thing to do.

Here are some suggestions if any one wants to try and tackel this hack:

Allow the user to change their username X time in a month. I would allow only once a month but some users may want more
Perhaps allow a control panel setting to allow admins to choose to let users change their name in real time...or every name change must be validated. If validated the system sends an email to the admin and allows them to OK it by just clicking on the verify link.
The hack will of course need to be added to the User CP
It will have to have the following functionality: 1) The ability to make sure that the username is not already taken. 2) Have the censor function.


Just some ideas. I'd love to see this as a user option.

[MrLister]

This hack would be really good but one little thing should be added. I was thinking instead of allowing X times in a month why not they have to fill out a form and be approved by a admin.

[robertusss]

I also think we need this hack - but to prevent the users from going bezerk (our audience is 12 - 16 years old - they play) I would also add the admin has to OK the change.

One more thing: When a user changed his/her name some of the threads become unreadable. When you read "I don't think Claude is right because bla bla" and there is no previous post by a Claude, you won't be able understand the thread.

I would reccomend this:
Let's say the User "Claude" changes his name to "Rob" I would like to see in ALL his posts a small line saying:
"Rob" changed his/her name from "Claude"

Then when he again changes his mind and now wants to be called "Peter" the lines add and he would have:
"Rob" changed his/her name from "Claude"
"Peter" changed his/her name from "Rob"


so one could always see all names that the author of a post had since that post was written.



I btw think we also need a "merge" user feature... but that's another thread ;)