Please, no more usernames

A modest suggestion: if you’re building a web application, don’t make people choose usernames. E-mail addresses are guaranteed unique, and can be used for login purposes. For display on the application itself, show the person’s real name. The internet is a public place; if a person is worried about having something associated with their real name, maybe they shouldn’t post it. If they really feel the need for anonymity, they can use a fake name. If they really, really want anonymity, use TOR.

If I have to choose a username, and am then informed that my choice has already been taken, but sgood.6008 is still available, I’m not going to sign up for your service. In fact, if I have to provide more than a name, email address and password, I’m not going to sign up. I don’t think I’m alone in this either. Don’t put hurdles in front of your users just because other people have before.