Seeing this will be a long term continuously 'update', there will be a specific thread for it.
Third batch is for now postponed:
Edited the first post to include the following update :-
Just a heads up; we won’t be releasing another batch of character names this week. This is primarily due to the fact we’re focusing our attention on mitigating the current service disruptions.
As always, we want to keep you updated, as we know quite of a lot of you have your eye on a new name!
For more information on future batches remember to check the homepage.
Batch two is announced:
Character Name Clean-Up – Second Batch
In just one day we’ll be releasing the second batch of character names: beginning D-H.
Head back in-game on Wednesday 13th August at 1pm BST and select ‘change name’ in the Hero interface to secure the name you’ve had your eye on.
The list of character names will be published here and on the forums at the same time that the names are released. Check the list out for a little inspiration, but bear in mind that it will quickly become out of date as character names are taken.
We're publishing the list simultaneously with the release, as we have disabled the name checking function on the website in order to improve performance.
We're always looking for ways to improve things, so in response to your feedback, we’ve tweaked the process related to changing your character name.
For the first 24 hours, players who want to change their name will require a minimum total level of 1,000 to do so.
This will allow players who have invested time in the game to grab the name they want before newer accounts.
Once the 24 hours have passed all members will be able to have a go. Bond redemption will not be restricted based on level.
We've also been working hard to optimise the performance of the website to make things even easier for you.
The RuneScape Team