We periodically talk about cleaning up the unused handles. Also, we (very) ocassionally see handles that are, well, less than professional.
I propose we add a power, accessible to a very select set of users, that allows only the most trusted to cancel new user registrations. Here's how I see it working:
A new user registers a handle. We send them their password and put a message on the notification screen indicating that their account is provisional, pending approval of the staff for account naming guidelines.
The new user can log in and post as normal.
The "approval council" either approves or denies the account name using a mechanism similar to ntc (or janitorial nuking), including a (signed) comment.
If the handle gets too many unapproved votes, it's automatically deleted, ala Mr. Skinny. A message is sent to the registered email address; this contains the signed comment.
If the new handle gets mixed reviews, one of the Council could send an email (also like a certain node that currently exists) allowing the user to voluntarily cancel their account.
A new button is added to User Settings that lets you cancel your account.
This is processed 24 hours later, giving someone a change to cool down.
Any nodes posted by a cancelled account are reassigned to AnonyMonk
Normally, I would not recommend this type of change, but it seems to have become necessary and this proposal helps address other problems we've talked about from time to time.
Again: This would only be available to a very select set of users, generally vroom and a few others that've earned his trust (not necessaily the cleaning staff).
I believe it would help:
- Weed out the inactives, generally those that registered but have never logged in. (Wait a year, though, before dropping someone.)
- Cancel certain, shall we say, clearly trollish handles (including those registered over the last several hours).
- Allow folks a gentle way to retire.
Thoughts? Comments?
--f