http://www.perlmonks.org?node_id=383518

I was going to register today, and was notified that my chosen username was already taken. I clicked the link for it, and found the owner joined in Jan 2000, and hasn't been back since Feb 2000. He's still an initiate, and has no write-ups.

Is there any process for removing apparently dead accounts, so the username can be claimed by someone else?

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re: Is it possible to reassign a username that's taken, but not being used?
by davido (Cardinal) on Aug 17, 2004 at 06:37 UTC

    I'm not one of the gods, so I'm just speaking with speculative friendly advice.

    Open up a username that is similar, perhaps with a hyphen suffix or something. Then send a /msg to the gods, indicating your intent to become an active member of the Monastery, and that you have your sights set on that particular username.

    Then, be patient, participate, ask, answer, and in general, enjoy frequenting the monastery. Maybe send another petition to the gods after a few weeks, if you still feel the same way, and if you've so far proven to be more than a one-hit-wonder.

    Again, I'm speculating, but I wouldn't be surprised if at some point your wish will be granted, again, assuming you participate, and assuming there isn't any activity whatsoever in the form of posts from the old username, and that person hasn't logged on in years.

    Good luck. If its any consolation, I spent my first week or so at the Monastery as davido@someemail.address. Fortunately the gods were gracious enough to hear my petition (and my prayers perhaps) and granted a change.


    Dave

      I'm the Anonymous Monk who started this node. After much meditation for the better part of a day, (surely a good trait for a user of a site like this ;) I decided to take a similar name. For the record, the name I want is just enigma.

      Let me rephrase that: The name I want is enigma. (just enigma already doesn't exist)

      After reading the replys to my post, the node that bassplayer linked to, and another node I can't find right now, I can see that

      1) There are apparently many others who would like to see a way to reclaim truly unused usernames.

      but

      2) It would probably be best if I didn't push for my prayer to be answered just yet. I want it to be worth the god's time. I'll take davido's advice and hang out for a while, hopefully contributing something of my own.

      Who knows, maybe I'll like TheEnigma more.

      TheEnigma

Re: Is it possible to reassign a username that's taken, but not being used?
by castaway (Parson) on Aug 17, 2004 at 05:02 UTC
    Yes, its possible, and its also been done, very occasionally. However, one generally needs to prove that its worth the gods time, by sticking around long enough (ie show that you will not take over the username, and then procede to make it useless again). Which will mean taking another username, to start with.

    The best way to start would probably be to /msg the gods wwith your petition (who you want to be and why). (Which also requires that you have a username..

    C.

Re: Is it possible to reassign a username that's taken, but not being used?
by bradcathey (Prior) on Aug 17, 2004 at 00:57 UTC

    Be creative! Until then, see this for some insight.


    —Brad
    "Don't ever take a fence down until you know the reason it was put up." G. K. Chesterton
      Yeah, I read that earlier. I was thinking in this case, though, the person never even made one post, and it's been over four years!
Re: Is it possible to reassign a username that's taken, but not being used?
by bassplayer (Monsignor) on Aug 17, 2004 at 03:55 UTC
    Update: See the following two answers for insightful suggestions.

    If it is, this guy might be first in line, although it doesn't appear that you are after the same account. Relevant thread anyway, except for the trollishness.

    bassplayer