Just Another Thought
An extension to the alias field could be to allow more than one field value

I am thinking along the lines of the ability to do this that is already available in the core...
<%user_first%> <%user_last%> (<%user_email%>) => john doe (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

For example an address book when two fields are used for the persons name [name] and [surname] the alias would then become john-doe

- you could then drag the two fields to the alias the alias would obviously become the persons full name

- if you wanted more fields you would pass the first alias to a second alias

- or even better allow more than one field to be dragged to the alias field and the order in which they are displayed is how they will be joined

A Further Addition - Create String function

the same as the alias field but allows you to combine fields to create a string of text an space character inserted between fields
- this would be useful when communicating specific information (message) to a user

[Your registration will expire on] [expire_date] [ after this date your access will be limited will not be able to access the] [members_area_name] [after this date]

Once again Just a thought

Great idea - this would be super useful to those less comfortable with SQL!

For those of you who are comfortable with it, it could be achieved manually by using MySQL's concatenate:in any of your model's queries.

Best wishes,

Gez