A while back I considered the story of how the Conglomerate Blog came by its name, wondered if it just didn't work on several levels. Now, a pro has weighed in, Nancy Friedman, and given pretty compelling arguments against it. What's interesting, of course, is the way she lays out "the art of naming", which …requires a broader perspective, one that includes etymology and meaning but also reaches out to consider allusion, association, emotional resonance, and ear appeal.That's an appealing way to think about making up names. It's far more sophisticated than how most of us have gone through the process of naming bands, sports teams, whatever, but it's good.
Oh yeah, I think she's also right that Peppercorn was the most promising option they laid out and you wonder where "further exploration in that direction" might have led.
Go Badgers!
Image from here.
6 comments:
Sorry 'bout the Badgers... oh, no, I'm not. Not really. Yay Vols!
You *almost* had me going there for a second. Wisconsin didn't play all that well. Next year!
I like what N Friedman says. I tend to think that there's another thing to consider in the art of naming today: searchability(?). Do you want people to spend hours on Google trying to figure out which you is you? Do you want to be lost in a sea of anonymity? Then choose something bland. Or do you want them to find you easily? Then it becomes all the more imperative to choose something slightly unusual.
Excellent point, of course. I'm still stunned that this blog is as easily findable as it is, given how common the elements are. I should be happy not more people have the family name 'Verb'! Mighty Red Pen stands out in a crowd, surely.
Hm, are you related to the East Coast Verbs, then?
Oh, you know the cousins, eh?
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