One of the constant criticisms that social network users have over Google+ (among other things) is its very strict policy on usernames. You are only allowed to use your real name when creating an account because it wanted to have credibility that it is a network with real people, unlike others where you can make fake names and accounts. Well, seems like the people over at Google have finally given in, as they announced users can now choose whatever name they want for their Google+ profiles.
While this may be news for most (probably non-Google+ users), this has been rolled out subtly and slowly for some time now. First, Page owners were allowed to choose their own names when creating the page for their brands, businesses, bands, pets, etc. Then YouTube users were also allowed to carry on their usernames when they created a Google+ profile. But now that they have officially lifted their restrictions on using real names only, it is expected that there will be a glut of new users to the network, all excited to create profiles like +FrozenIsTheBestMovieEver or +AndroidLover365.
But don’t think that you could change your profile name on a whim or almost every other day. The Google+ policy still states that there is a limited number of changes. It might take you at least 3 months before you could actually change it again, so think carefully about what name to use before you change it. The name change will also reflect on your other Google services like Gmail and YouTube. So unless you’d want your boss to receive a message from “Sherlock Is My Fake Boyfriend”, then think twice before making that your Google+ name.
Will this new change change how people feel about Google+? On one hand, the social network will be able to welcome new users who previously felt stifled by their username policy. On the other hand, you have the loyal users who will probably be put off by all these new (and probably fake) accounts that will be sprouting up like mushrooms. Only time will tell if this will signal the new Google+ or if it will remain status quo.
SOURCE: Google+
My name in Google+ is Chicken Graham. Not my real name.
Lol. My Google+ name is Jam Master Mayhem. It’s grown on me. Eat it, Google!
So how do you do it? I don’t think I see mention of instructions or even where to begin in this post. Thanks.
too late. most of us have already written them off.
Bummer!! Real names elevates discussion quality and reduces trolling. Google could make this work by adding an option allowing anyone to verify their names and adding a setting to allow posters to require verified names to comment on G+ and YouTube. That way, users (not Google) enforce real names.
You mean forcing people to use their real names stifles discussion and silences people who disagree with mainstream opinion.
Are you saying you don’t have the courage to voice a dissenting opinion if you use your real name?
Absolutely. What kind of idiot uses their real name on the Internet?
While I don’t use my real name everywhere (such as here), I do use my real name in Google+ because I can control what is shared and with who. That’s why there are public posts, private posts, and circles — it is a controlled environment where privacy is granularly configurable.
there is something called “Google+”?
Neo, you can use a punctuation mark as a last name in your profile.