Past pre-crash policy included guidelines regarding special symbols and many
special characters that are allowed to be used for usernames/screenames.

As a matter of consistency and for our searchable record keeping, special
symbols and many special characters are NOT allowed in member usernames.
This can be handled on a case by case basis if there are any questions.

Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Administrator

cc:  @Devlyn  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah  @Lori Dee  @Sarah B

Is there a way to prevent special characters from being used when they sign up and choose a username? Or maybe a pop-up or notice that special characters are not permitted?

So far, it doesn't seem like a major problem, but it does interfere with the search features.

@Northern Star Girl

@Lori Dee
Dear Lori:

This "announcement" is viewable by all non-member Guests and the General Membership so
that should help to properly advise our guests that wish to register as a member.

  Also:  When members request Forum Member Account NAME CHANGES,
              the moderation staff can deal with questions regarding
              requested member names.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Admin

Quote from: Lori Dee on February 25, 2025, 11:05:13 PMIs there a way to prevent special characters from being used when they sign up and choose a username? Or maybe a pop-up or notice that special characters are not permitted?

So far, it doesn't seem like a major problem, but it does interfere with the search features.

@Northern Star Girl

<checks post date/time>
oh.... I think this post was my fault for trying to get cute and creative lol

There are some very unusual names for members when use non alphabetic symbols.

It may be worse on Discord judging by the list of people shown here that are or have been on Discord for Susan's.

Quote from: myChai on February 26, 2025, 07:13:13 PM<checks post date/time>
oh.... I think this post was my fault for trying to get cute and creative lol

Not exactly. Since the site crash last year, many parts of the site had to be repaired to get the site functional again. In some cases where data was lost, accounts and posts had to be restored or even re-created. Some things were lost forever.

As the site was being rebuilt by staff members, we often encountered situations that needed to be addressed. As you can imagine, these are prioritized, so some things got set aside until more time was available to address them.

Then, occasionally, a not-so-critical issue will arise, and we say, "Oh, yeah. We need to do that too." And the issue gets addressed, or at least moved up on the list.

So you are not to "blame". You just helped us remember one of those things that was already on the list. 

So I definitely shouldn't call myself $ephïrâh?

Got it.

Makes it a pig to try and message people, honestly.

Quote from: Sephirah on February 27, 2025, 05:10:51 PMSo I definitely shouldn't call myself $ephïrâh?

Got it.

Makes it a pig to try and message people, honestly.

Another way to send a PM to a member who can receive one, regardless of name:

Click the member's name from one of their posts or search for the member, then when you see the member's profile, click Send PM.

Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on February 27, 2025, 05:22:43 PMAnother way to send a PM to a member who can receive one, regardless of name:

Click the member's name from one of their posts or search for the member, then when you see the member's profile, click Send PM.

Chrissy

Haha, I know Chrissy. But I am old school. Thank you though. <3