Username & Display Name Rules
Your username is a core part of your WorkCampConnect identity. Here is everything you need to know about how usernames and display names work on the platform.
What Is a Username?
Your username (preceded by the @ symbol) is the unique identifier you choose during registration. It appears on your forum posts, member map pin, and throughout the community. Think of it as your trail name.
One Change Allowed, Then Permanent
Each account gets one username change for the life of the account. After you use that change, your username becomes permanent. This keeps the community consistent and prevents members from changing handles repeatedly to evade accountability.
When you change your username, the old handle is reserved for 90 days so no one can immediately impersonate you. After 90 days, the old username is released and anyone can register it. Changing your username on WorkCampConnect also updates your forum identity in the same operation — you don't need to change it in two places.
To make the change, go to Dashboard → Account → My Household and find the Username section. See Changing Your Username for the full walkthrough.
Username Format Rules
- Length: 3 to 30 characters
- Allowed characters: Letters (a-z, A-Z), numbers (0-9), underscores (_), and hyphens (-)
- No spaces or special characters (no @, #, !, etc.)
- Must be unique — no two members can have the same username
What Is Not Allowed
During registration (and when changing your username), your handle — as well as your first and last name — are automatically screened. The following are not permitted:
- Profanity or vulgar language — including attempts to disguise words using character substitution (e.g., replacing letters with numbers or symbols like @ for a, 1 for i, $ for s)
- Impersonation — names that suggest you are a site administrator, moderator, or staff member
- Reserved terms — words like "admin," "support," "moderator," "wcc," and similar platform-related terms are reserved
If your chosen username is rejected, you will see a message explaining why. Simply choose a different name and try again.
Username vs. Display Name
WorkCampConnect has two types of names:
- Username — Your @handle. Changeable once, then permanent.
- Display Name — Your first and last name shown on your profile. Can be updated anytime from your Profile settings. Couple and Crew / Family accounts display both (or all) names.
Your username is what identifies you in the forum and community features. Your display name is what appears alongside your username in your profile.
Real-Time Username Checking
As you type your username on the registration page or in the Change Username field, the system checks it in real time. You will see one of these indicators:
- Available! — The username is valid and not taken
- Already taken — Another member is using that username
- Not allowed — The username was rejected by the screening filter
- Temporarily reserved — The username was recently changed away from and is in the 90-day hold window
Need Help?
If you have questions about the username policy or believe your username was rejected in error, please contact support and our team will be happy to help.
Related
- Changing Your Username
- How to Create Your Account
- Editing Your Profile
- Getting Started FAQ
- Terms of Service (Section 3: Username Policy)