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Your login name usually becomes the primary key for your account in the database.
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Actually, a random Integer is used as a primary key not a string. Using a string would hinder performance.
Yes I agree. I think the main problem here is the opponents of Display Name’s really don't know very much about the implementation, this is probably because they have not read the documentation nor have they tried it for themselves. They just keep reinforcing each other’s fears and keep bring up the Linden’s name, which you are absolutely right about the TOS. I wonder why the REAL name’s of SL are not here complaining, like the SL grand winner herself Anshe Chung?
The username is never hidden, it's always visible. Even when a user changes his display name. I really don't see an issue with display names. You are still your user name, think of display names as titler's, thats all they are really.
We can't change it. What do the majority of users think about Display Names? Is there a survey somewhere? If a minority of users don't like it should the majority then cater to the minorities views?
The format is DisplayName.UniqueName. How will they be confused. All I'm saying is it's here, we probably can't change it, so download viewer 2.3 and give it a try instead of just crying wolf. Then you can make a more informed argument about display name.
I can answer these two because I've seen it with my own eyes
Question: does the user name now show in local and IM chat too?
Yes DisplayName.UniqueName
Question does the user name show in the friends list or will I have to guess who is who?
The unique username is still shown in friends list
I understand everyone's concerns, but you really have to try viewer 2.3 to see how obvious unique names really are. Well, I don't have a problem with anyone wishing to use my name, because anyone can see it's not me, really it that obvious.
In all fairness, lots people in RL have the same name i.e. John Smith. I have used viewer 2.3. You can't hide behind a display name, your unique name is still very obvious