Links Du Jour 08-21-06: Name Wire: The Product Naming Blog

August 21, 2006

Adidas, Toyota come to Second Life - Wagner James Au reports in the GigaOM blog that two reputed brands are entering the 3D online world as immersive, interactive objects. The virtual world, Second Life, is becoming a playground for brand name research as companies test how residents interact with and talk about their brands.

Hey Kids! It's The Web 2.0 Bullsh*t Generator™ - If there is one name that is dead as a dodo, it’s “Web 2.0.” Guy Kawasaki has dealt it yet another death blow, while the Empty Bottle blog has gone so far as to create a Web 2.0 Bullsh*t generator that will actually create a Web 2.0 company name, product line, some catchphrases, and a logo. Techcrunch figures it’s good for a laugh.

Pluto the Pooch Plans a Name Change - At 76, Pluto has decided to change his name. It's actually not so crazy that Pluto would decide on a name change. He’s done it before: it turns out Pluto started out without a name at all and then spent some time as “Rover”. Now, of course, he’s a brand name unto himself. By the way, just for fun, here is a list of Disney names translated into various languages.

Livid Intros Sexy Interactive Reactive Touch Thing - It’s called “respond-r” and turns any room into an interactive environment. It's interesting to note the “-r” in the name. Why not call it “Respondr”? Or just Responder? I have written about the virtues of intentionally misspelling brand names before, but I'd say this one deviation seems to be on its way to the trash bin. This led me to a fascinating blog by start-up funder Paul Graham. He says that Flickr, and any start-up with a company name like it, is occupying a “marginal name space,” and gives us the low down on start-up company names that work. A great read for any marketer (or name consultant.)

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