I think I saw something about Houzz not letting people pick user names anymore. can't recall. if so, they don't realize that we actually get to know one another, and that character strings aren't memorable...

I think they are names set up for people who don't want to use a name and provide certain information.

I think the alpha numeric were used on the Garden Web group and when it merged with Houzz, it carried over. I prefer a faux name if needed not the alpha thing. I end up nick naming them! lol

I think I spent weeks thinking they were all the same person!