I like using whatever moniker people list, as long as it's quick and easy to type. Too many letters and numbers that don't "click" in my brain or long, drawn out names, stress me out when trying to remember and type them. I get them transposed too much of the time and worry about insulting the poster. That's why I'll always try and remember a person's given name, if they do post it. I imagine that this is the main reason why people try and shorten a poster's moniker, too. Personally, I like just being called by my given name, Lynn, and in retrospect, wish I would have picked the simpler "LynnNM" instead of "Lynninnewmexico". I wish I could change it! Funny thing, though, I'm almost always referred to here as Lynne (with an "e") for some reason. It doesn't bother me a bit. I'm just thankful for the wonderful people on this forum with good advice, great pics and good (& forgiving!) senses of humor! And I'll try to call you whatever you prefer. (just)Lynn

Say what you wish about a Houzz member already having registered my user name. I don't buy it in my case or many other cases, but that's the reason they gave me. But answer me this, why is MY e-mail address not usable? Houzz claims it is already being used. Well, they are wrong. It's my e-mail address and has been used on GW since 1998 when it was THS. Plus, it is the one that I have been communicating with Houzz to remedy my user name and my requests for them to unlock my e-mail address for my usage.. It is my opinion the notification plan was poorly done. and the migration plan was even worse. DA

Emily that simply is NOT true. The "edit" button was not previously working for me. I reached out to support. They did not fix my username. Suddenly, after I was extremely vocal on different threads, the "edit" button began working for me and I was able to update my previously PRIVATE username and public display name myself. The username was definitely previously PRIVATE. Regardless of what you are stating. If what you are stating was true, then you could provide timestamped screenshots and I did above, showing that the private username was previously displayed. It simply was NOT. It was PRIVATE. That was the whole reason for having a public display name, which was different from private usernames. The private username was only used for logging in. It needs to be addressed and Houzz needs to be accountable for this HUGE violation of privacy.

I used to be just "gazania" because I love the plant and it is a 'fun' word to say. Then when Houszz got involved, for some reason I had to reup to the forum. I chose lgmd for the disease that was responsible for the disability I have and added gaz so maybe I would still be recognized by some. However soon after doing that, my disease was reidentified by new available DNA testing. I haven't changed the lgmd part because it seems it would be too much hassle. To be correct I should now be sma3_gaz.