Item Alias Documentation

What is an Item Alias?
Item Aliases allow members to create a means to reference their items aside from their numerical Item ID numbers. For example, the support forum, item #303715 can be referenced as {item:support} because an Item Alias has been created for it. An Item Alias can be used anywhere an item number can be used!

Why use Item Aliases?
It is often much easier to remember words than numbers. The Item Alias system was created to allow members to create more easily remembered references to their items.

What are the rules for Item Aliases?
Aliases must be between 3 and 32 characters in length.
Aliases may only contain letters, numbers and underscores ( _ ).
Aliases may not be only numbers.
Aliases may not begin or end with an underscore.
Each alias must be unique and may not duplicate another item alias.
Aliases are not case sensitive: This_Alias and this_alias are the same.

Are Item Aliases case sensitive?
No. Upper and lower case do not matter within Item Aliases. {item:Support} and {item:support} both mean the same thing and reference the same item through the same Item Alias. When you purchase an alias, it will be converted to all lowercase letters and stored within the system as lowercase.

How much do Item Aliases cost?
Item Aliases cost a one time fee of 10,000 Gift Points to purchase plus a 2,500 Gift Point yearly renewal fee. The renewal fee is automatically charged to your Gift Point account each year on the alias's anniversary. Once a specific Item Alias has been purchased, no one else may purchase or own the exact same Item Alias unless it is deleted by the purchaser.

How do I use an Item Alias?
Item aliases can be used anywhere an item ID # can be used. Instead of entering the numeric item id, you just enter the item alias that points to the item you are trying to reference.

Can I transfer an Item Alias to another member?
Yes. From the "My Aliases" area, click the "Transfer" tool link from the Item Alias you wish to transfer and follow the instructions on the following screen(s). There is no fee to transfer an Item Alias to another member.

When I transfer an Item Alias to another member, does its assigned item get transferred with it?
No.

Can I edit an Item Alias?
While you may not change the item alias term, you can change the item ID to which the alias points at any time. From your "My Aliases" area, click the "Edit" tool link next to the alias you would like to edit.

Can I delete an Item Alias?
Yes. From your "My Aliases" area, click the "Delete" tool link next to the alias you would like to edit. On the following screen, you will be asked to confirm the deletion as the action can not be undone. Once the item alias is deleted, it will no longer point to its assigned item and will be available for purchase again within the community.

Can more than one Item Alias point to the same Item ID?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of Item Aliases that may point to an individual item ID. For example, the Item Aliases this, that and the_other could all point to the same Item ID.

Can I use my Item Alias within a URL to link to my item?
Yes. All items can be linked to with our "View" URL: http://www.writing.com/view/ITEM where "ITEM" is replaced by either the Item's ID or Item Alias. For example: http://www.Writing.Com/view/303715 and http://www.Writing.Com/view/support both point to "Technical Support Forum" .

Can I point my Item Alias to someone else's item?
Yes.

Can I sell, auction, trade or raffle an Item Alias that I have purchased?
Yes. Once you have purchased an Item Alias, you may sell, auction, trade or raffle it and give it to someone else. Once someone has purchased an Item Alias from you, use the "Transfer" tool to send the Item Alias to their account. There is no fee to transfer an Item Alias.


For help using Item Aliases, please visit and post in "Technical Support Forum" .