Comments for NameFlash

Comment on The Worst Brand Name of 2011 by Mark

Mark — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:05:09 +0000

I am always amazed by the creativity of entrepreneurs. Holy Crap is a memorable name, and the subtle way they market it is genius! It would not be something you could market broadly, but I don't think the entrepreneurs care!

Comment on The Worst Brand Name of 2011 by Bruce

Bruce — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:40:43 +0000

I wonder about Holy Crap cereal. Are they just going for the shock factor? The name is easy to remember, and most people use the phrase often enough that if it begins to remind people of the cereal, their mission is accomplished. But, I guess if the product is really good, people will overlook the silliness of the name. Surely though, the brand will get good media coverage, especially social media. When I mentioned it to a friend, he went to their website and was so intrigued, he ordered some (at least that's what he tells me).

Comment on How Do You Know? by BruceD

BruceD — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:27:58 +0000

Being a website designer, I sometimes help clients choose the domain name for their site. You have to be careful sometimes to check for other meanings. One of the more noteable ones is the website for the now defunct Pen Island (penisland.com)

Comment on What Is P&G’s “Secret of Seven?” by BruceD

BruceD — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:20:19 +0000

Great article! Excellent insights!

Comment on Is The Urban Dictionary A Bible For Branding? by Clarisa Gulotta

Clarisa Gulotta — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:18:00 +0000

I have been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thank you, I’ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your website?

Comment on Naming Faux Pas by Theo Yates

Theo Yates — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 02:16:15 +0000

Hi Mark,

This is a great post with perfect examples! Making sure the intended message will be understood in the marketplace is crucial when selecting trademarks.

Cheers,
Theo

Comment on Can Your Brand Pass The “10 Second” Test? by Einat Adar

Einat Adar — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 11:39:53 +0000

There is a reason why the creative team should hate the idea.
Simply stating the benefit of your product seems logical, but it can be very ineffective.

Think of the average guy who is not think and doesn’t work in a high-risk environment. He’s already paying for health insurance, saves money for a rainy day, and maybe even has insurance on his mortgage.

He hears the ad, and thinks “it’s a good idea for people who may get hurt or sick”
Nobody likes to think about being hurt or sick, or about their real financial obligations. I don’t know the ad, so maybe I’m wrong, but it doesn’t sound as if there’s anything that makes the audience relate to the message, clear as it may be.

In marketing you need to address the emotional side so the audience will agree to use their rational side.

Comment on Do Google Codenames Make You Hungry? by BruceD

BruceD — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:55:44 +0000

I worked for a tech firm that had all it’s servers named after Greek Gods. When the owner found out that the server the executive department used was Dionysos, the God of Wine, he asked that it be changed. Good grief!

Comment on Is It Smart To Throw Rocks At Yourself? by BruceD

BruceD — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:52:25 +0000

Good post!

I might be the only person I know that actually LIKED the old Dominoes pizza. Haven’t tried the new version yet, but if it’s an improvement, I’m a fan!

Comment on Is It Smart To Throw Rocks At Yourself? by Gwyn

Gwyn — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:06:58 +0000

I had a professor in business school once who said, “Dominoes isn’t in the pizza business. They’re in the delivery business.” Hey, it’s a niche that’s worked for them.