06
2008
Buzz Meter: UserNameCheck
UserNameCheck is an online tool that checks the availability of usernames for various social networking sites. Think WHOIS, but for usernames.
An AJAX powered service, UserNameCheck lists over 60 social networking platforms all in one dashboard. To check where your username is registered, simply type in your username in the provided field and click on “check.” UserNameCheck then lists which sites are available. Each social networking site is also linked to their homepage, in case you want to claim your username for that particular site.
As for privacy, the UserNameCheck team only stores and asks for the username you want tested. Anyone can check any username for the sites provided. The storing of usernames is only to track the unique tests performed.
Buzz Meter Ranking: 4 out of 4 Buzz Bees
Positive: UserNameCheck is an excellent service for companies trying to create a social online presence. Organizations will want the same username for branding purposes and consistency. One username is also easier to maintain than 20 different names! The service also enables people to check where they’ve registered specific usernames (incase they forgot) or to see how many social networks they’ve joined.
Negative: UserNameCheck takes a while to verify availability; sometimes 30 seconds to 3 minutes. Currently, the service has over 60 sites listed and is in the process of adding more. With the addition of more sites, the time it takes to check for availability of a username may also increase.
Conclusion: Almost all online social networks you join require a username. The creators of UserNameCheck are ahead of the game acknowledging the growth of online social networks and the possibility of people wanting the same usernames. What would we do without WHOIS to check for domain name availability? Now, with UserNameCheck, we have a similar tool for usernames. The idea and the tool is brilliant!
jacob morgan Says:
November 7th, 2008 at 1:28 am
thanks again for linking to my post, much appreciated!
Ricardo Bueno Says:
November 7th, 2008 at 6:33 am
Ahh…now here’s a great way to stay on top of your brand management online. I’ve always said it’s important to remain consistent with your username when creating profiles across various networks (I’m stuck with two which isn’t so bad).
Anyway, thanks for the tip!
Shantanu Says:
November 7th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Hi,
Thanks for the link to my post.. Username check is a very handy tool.. and now that you put it this way.. it appears really helpful in branding too..!
There are websites that provide domain name and availability suggestions as good as Who-is does… one such tool is http://www.techspikes.com/2008/11/find-available-domain-names/
Still Who-is remain the big daddy of all such sites…
Username Check definitely deserves four buzzes..!
Nice blog and thanks once again..
Marinel Mones Says:
November 12th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Jacob and Shantanu - thank you for the additional information on UserNameCheck.
Ricardo - having one username does help with online brand management. It’s also easier for people to remember one username!
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