I suggest we hav some module/filter like the glossary module that automatically turns nicknames (in the content/body) to links to the user profile.
So if u r reading about this event which is organized by the member uniball whom u haven't heard of him before, u can directly follow the link to uniball's profile and look him up.

What do u think??

cheers,
Manal

http://www.manalaa.net