Site announcements and information discussion

I’ve just realized the forum lacks a self-service option for deleting accounts. It’s a shame, and I suggest we introduce it so users can remove their own profiles. While XenForo’s core system doesn’t include this feature by default, there is an add-on ( that does. A nice perk of using it is that existing content stays intact, keeping the forum threads undisturbed.

Why bother? Some users simply want to leave without hassle. Without a native tool for this, they have to message the administrator, who already has plenty on his plate. This would lighten his load. (Even if he ignores them, those messages still clutter his inbox.)

Then there’s the principle of it: it’s the right thing to do. I don’t remember any notice saying my account was permanent when I signed up. Most sites allow deletion, even if it takes some effort, and this one is no exception. Keeping accounts open forever feels like holding people hostage, which seems fundamentally unfair.

Finally, there’s the behavior of frustrated users. When they can’t delete their accounts, anger builds, leading to silly actions—spamming, stalking, or outing members. That’s not what a community needs right now (and having been outed myself, I know how uncomfortable it gets).

For full transparency: I have requested my account deletion. These are personal reasons of my own making. Honestly, it probably doesn’t matter much; past internet experiences have taught me to keep things discreet here. Still, sometimes the simplest or most innocent remarks carry the highest risk. It’s not a huge worry for me, but I do want my name off the list.

@Administrator, thank you for everything that keeps this forum running smoothly, and please consider adding this feature.

Asking admin to close an account is easy. Just ask! Xx Wendy

I sent that request five days back. I guess @Administrator has been swamped with work. That’s what prompted me to look at other solutions.

Yes, he is dealing with lots of new developments. Sorry you don't like CM, but I wish you well on your way. Xx Wendy

> Pawds said: > I've just realized the forum lacks a self-service option for deleting accounts. It's a shame, and I suggest we introduce it so users can remove their own profiles. While XenForo's core system doesn't include this feature by default, there is an add-on ( that does. A nice perk of using it is that existing content stays intact, keeping the forum threads undisturbed. > > Why bother? Some users simply want to leave without hassle. Without a native tool for this, they have to message the administrator, who already has plenty on his plate. This would lighten his load. (Even if he ignores them, those messages still clutter his inbox.) > > Then there's the principle of it: *it's the right thing to do.* I don't remember any notice saying my account was permanent when I signed up. Most sites allow deletion, even if it takes some effort, and this one is no exception. Keeping accounts open forever feels like holding people hostage, which seems fundamentally unfair. > > Finally, there's the behavior of frustrated users. When they can't delete their accounts, anger builds, leading to silly actions—spamming, stalking, or outing members. That’s not what a community needs right now (and having been outed myself, I know how uncomfortable it gets). > > For full transparency: I have requested my account deletion. These are personal reasons of my own making. Honestly, it probably doesn't matter much; past internet experiences have taught me to keep things discreet here. Still, sometimes the simplest or most innocent remarks carry the highest risk. It’s not a huge worry for me, but I do want my name off the list. > > @Administrator, thank you for everything that keeps this forum running smoothly, and please consider adding this feature. > Click to expand... The issue with deleting an account is that all posts linked to it (28 in your case) disappear too. This could mess up thread continuity—a real headache! What about this post? I copied yours here specifically to raise the question: what happens then? Admin surely wants to preserve the site as a record of discussions, which makes it such a valuable source. How would this place look if everyone started deleting posts and profiles on a whim? Many who decide they’re done with the Forum just clear their profile info but leave the account blank—you could do that. Some even hide the profile entirely. I hope you aren't implying you’ll "get angry and frustrated" and cause all those issues you mentioned? It’s too bad you want to go after less than a month, though—do what feels right for you. As @Wendygirl says: we wish you well:)

@maid_carrie In my first post I addressed the worry about losing content. The add-on I mentioned doesn’t delete posts; it just closes the account—which is exactly what I want. Regarding a "real nightmare of thread continuity": even if you removed all a user's data, the impact would be minimal. Yes, there’d be gaps, but new threads constantly fill them. Plus, much of the content here is filler—not criticizing the site itself, just how conversations naturally grow. You have to dig through it all to find the gold. No, I wasn’t subtly threatening anyone. I actually enjoy some members and like this forum (plus, I lack both the skills and motivation to cause real damage). My reasons for vanishing are personal and mostly about timing. I might even return later under a different name.

@Pawds My view of you has shifted from "what a pity" to: if this site is so pointless to you, why did you join at all and keep posting?? Since your profile isn't visible to members much now, there’s not much to read besides a photo of a scruffy chicken. It’s hardly a loss for those who care about CM. Regards Wendy