On: Show HN: I built an app that scans every social media network for your username

[mattl]

I think it would be useful to show the networks that the username cannot be found on.

[Ostatnigrosh → mattl]

Thats a good thought. I was considering it but was worried about "cluttering" the site

[TheTaytay → Ostatnigrosh]

I echo this request. It was my expectation actually!

I searched for my username and was shocked it was used on literally every website you checked. Then I tried a less common variant and was similarly shocked, until I realized that you were showing me fewer websites the second time around. Only then did I realize you only showed me sites where it was already claimed…

[bombcar → Ostatnigrosh]

Could be useful for people who like to “claim” their common handle.

[veb → bombcar]

what I find annoying is that (other than HN) most places won't let you claim your username if the person has signed up, yet never posted over years (or even logged in) and places where an account was deleted.

when I signed up to HN, I had a different username. I reached out to admins and they looked at the other account that had been created but they let me have it because the person hadn't logged in since. Oh! I think GitHub did as well. (shit, I wonder if I have mixed up GitHub and HN... I'm pretty sure they're the two that did actually let me have my handle... :x)

[mattl → veb]

That sounds like a bad idea.

Why would it be a good idea to recycle usernames like that?

[williamscales → mattl]

Because some people sign up for a site early and then never use it. I can't get my desired handle on a particular social network because some dude registered 15 years ago, posted one item, and then never used it again.

I mean, obviously I'll live but it's a silly situation.

[xwdv → mattl]

Because overtime we can wear down the idea that a public facing username is some kind of unique identifier.

[chillfox → xwdv]

I really like how Discord handles it. Username + 4 digit number = unique handle, but if nobody else has the same username in a server then you can just use the username to refer to them

[mattl → xwdv]

Do you have any alternative solution in mind? ICQ numbers?

[xwdv → mattl]

Content

[bombcar → mattl]

Same reason we recycle domains.

[mattl → bombcar]

Which is a bad idea also. We should have some domain name space which we let people register forever.

[bombcar → mattl]

That results in the clownpenis.fart problem.

[giantrobot → bombcar]

For reference: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NWIlScfHwOU

[mattl → bombcar]

What problem is that?

[bombcar → mattl]

Eventually all good names will be taken.

[selcuka → veb]

> I think GitHub did as well.

I can confirm that GitHub definitely does that.

[DueDilligence → Ostatnigrosh]

.. echo'd as well.