Topic: Anonymize Usernames for Unbiased Discussions on Bitcointalk! - An Idea (Read 51 times)
People will be able to discern who is who based on avatars, merit count, merit history, signature, rank, and probably other things. The point is a random username won't do much if people can still find out who is who IMO. You would need to randomize everything.
So based on the sample screenshot the quoted message with username does not change so you can still see the original usernames. How about making that anonimize too?
... But still clicking it would display profile of user. ××××××× here ×××××× would still remain the original name. If that's so trust me many using this script will still peek once a while.
I guess that's given, the anonymized usernames are for discussion purposes as for the OP, peeking the user profile page is different story. 
This is just a small demo of what’s possible. If there’s enough interest from the community, I’d be happy to expand this into a full-fledged tool with more features and improved usability. Let me know your thoughts and suggestions!
What would happen with all the posts from Satoshi and other important members from history of bitcointalk forum?I am not saying anynimizing usernames can't have use case in this forum, but it's more complicated since bitcointalk is also used for historic references.
Nice script initiative !! I get what you are actually trying to do, however I have a couple of questions. The first is what happens if you then proceed to click on the link to user profile? Now this link based on your script now has a new anchor which is actually the randomised user name. But still clicking it would display profile of user. ××××××× here ×××××× would still remain the original name. If that's so trust me many using this script will still peek once a while.
At first I was hoping the script would allow user make posts with the user tag anonymous and with no profile trace. However I had a rethink and I recalled that forum members don't fancy hiding your identity here to air your view In my experience they often view it as cowardice to do so. Don't know if it's just me but I could tell most of the profiles even with the hidden usernames and I think it's similar to those that surf the forum frequently.
At first I was hoping the script would allow user make posts with the user tag anonymous and with no profile trace. However I had a rethink and I recalled that forum members don't fancy hiding your identity here to air your view In my experience they often view it as cowardice to do so. Don't know if it's just me but I could tell most of the profiles even with the hidden usernames and I think it's similar to those that surf the forum frequently.
It doesn't hurt to dream.. it will never be available to ordinary users. 
In Bitcointalk, discussions can sometimes be influenced by biases—whether it’s familiarity with a username, reputation, or preconceived notions about a member. This simple script ideally would replace the visible usernames with random anonymous aliases.
What does this do?
This script allows you to anonymize usernames on Bitcointalk threads by:
- Randomly replacing visible usernames with unique aliases.
- Updating the tooltip (on hover) to match the new alias.
- Ensuring every page load provides fresh random aliases for an unbiased experience.
Usage
- Open any Bitcointalk thread.
- Open your browser’s console:
- Copy the script below and paste it into the console.
- Press Enter to run it, and see the updated usernames.
The Script:
Code:
function generateRandomUsername() {
return 'Anon_' + Math.random().toString(36).substr(2, 8);
}
function anonymizeUsernames() {
const usernameElements = document.querySelectorAll('a[href*="action=profile"][title*="View the profile of"]');
usernameElements.forEach(el => {
const randomUsername = generateRandomUsername();
el.textContent = randomUsername;
el.setAttribute('title', `View the profile of ${randomUsername}`);
});
}
anonymizeUsernames();
This is just a small demo of what’s possible. If there’s enough interest from the community, I’d be happy to expand this into a full-fledged tool with more features and improved usability. Let me know your thoughts and suggestions!
Examples:
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