Mortgage Broker usernames

Fairdo_2

Hadn't thought about it really until the subject was brought up.
Haven't been on for a while, but I think I can point to a thread where new posters are taking on said obvious names. Now it has been mentioned, it tends to be fairly obvious before going into a thread, when the latest poster is a Broker of sorts.

Can't say that it would bother me much, as I do feel that anyone being self promoting has to stand up and be counted when it comes to expressing views and opinions. Much like the signature really, I feel us professionals have to excercise that extra duty of care in our responses anyway.

Things like being allowed to link to our websites is a form of self promoting and I don't see why we cannot be approached professionally if people see a track record of considered responses, in a way they can get to know you from your history on the forum.

Personally, I have no issues with usernames being obvious. I was actually suprised they hadn't already been snapped up previously considering the time the forum has been around.

However, I wasn't aware that use of obvious user names had been discussed and muted as a sensitive point.

I think you are well known by the amount and regularity of responses given (and obviously the content!).

Therefore, Payless, your reputation is well and truly established through your constant devotion to this forum and I cannot see any newcomers getting anywhere near you in the respect stakes until they have built up an established response history.

payless

Retired_I.F.A. wrote: »

posts on a message board are no different to a scrawl on a toilet wall at the end of the day.

:rotfl:

didn't know which "witty" reply to use, so used both ....

1. Does that include your own valuable contributions ?
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2. I was wondering what pastimes IFAs do after they retired - personally I was thinking of travelling or gardening , rather than reading toilet walls !

payless

Fairdo, Thanks for you kind words.


My thoughts on this were more in line with consumer protection.. this site does seem to generate a lot of fairly naive users... and whilst Andrew clearly suggests that sensible people would not be taken in - I do wonder if some of the more vunerable MSErs are being taken advantage of.... especially when looking at the fact that some of the more obvious named brokers seem to work in certain specialist areas

--
when the code of conduct was written, there seemed to be a "gentleman's " agreement on usernames ... it was not enforced ( at that time you only really had "mortgageman" from L&C with his rare visits and MortgageMamma with fairly obvious names)

Retired_I.F.A.

Anyways I've retired, I'm a bit bored, and I have lots of spare time on my hands, It's raining and cold outside so I dont go fishing every day and I cant really play snooker 24/7 can I?

That's my excuse for being here, what are all you mortgage brokers doing here? Theres a real job going at Mc Donalds you know?

payless

Whats to stop the next new broker using
No1MortgageBroker
Official Mortgage Adviser
MSE Mortgage Adviser etc...

payless

Retired_I.F.A. wrote: »

Anyways I've retired, I'm a bit bored, and I have lots of spare time on my hands, It's raining and cold outside so I dont go fishing every day and I cant really play snooker 24/7 can I?

That won't stick when you're up before the beak for hanging around those toilets ... unless of course he recognises you!

That's my excuse for being here, what are all you mortgage brokers doing here? Theres a real job going at Mc Donalds you know?

Well having just looked in my business register I can assure you its certainly not for new business.. or if I was .. it's not working, as I not taken a MSE client in a long time

Noz

payless wrote: »

Whats to stop the next new broker using
No1MortgageBroker
Official Mortgage Adviser
MSE Mortgage Adviser etc...

Apart from reporting it to abuse, nothing I guess - and even then it maybe too late. I certainly see your point.

InMyDreams

Speaking as a lay person, I do welcome the standard signatures. It's useful/interesting to know (as far as one can know and trust) who the professionals are, whether or not you intend to use their services. I also welcome them being allowed to put their websites and locations in their profiles. It's discrete but easy to find if you go looking. And I'm a nosey type of person ;-)

I agree that using usernames to advertise is a bit much. It's unnecessary and is blatant touting. I can see why it would get the backs up of the more established mortgage advisers here. I don't really like it myself. If they want to come and chat, I'd rather they came as themselves, under whatever pseudonym they chose, rather than in a business capacity which is what their usernames imply. This board is not here to kick start new mortgage advisers in their business.

Retired_I.F.A.

Payless it's time you retired mate. Even me grandad stopped calliing a cop a beak 30 odd years ago. Grab yer cue and come gimme a game in Wolvo. You can remenis all you like about MIRAS and I'll bore you with LAPR.

payless

Retired, a beak is a magistrate rather than a cop.... but I know how forgetful older people can get :-)

Long time before I retire though!

Didn't realise you were close ... have to give it a miss though, I just about manage playing pool on holiday, but snooker tables are too big for me .