[prev in list] [next in list] [prev in thread] [next in thread] 

List:       koffice
Subject:    Konqueror name
From:       Vadim Plessky <lucy-ples () mtu-net ! ru>
Date:       2000-08-15 5:39:38
[Download RAW message or body]

David and all other developers,

Yes, I know how long it takes. And if old users call Konqueror as kfm - it's 
a good sign. You even can setup alias in distribution, that typing "kfm" 
and/or "konqueror" - new browser will be launched.

By the way, all projects have prototype names. Intel was developing Merced 
for (how many?) 4 years. And now we got Itanium. Williahmette (sorry, I 
afraid that made mistake in writing, as it is *too complex* for me) became 
Pentium 4. 'cause everybody now knows what's Pentium. I read that number 4 is 
"Unhappy" number in Asia, like 13 in Europe. Intel HAS to name it 
Pentium+<smthng>, as Pentium Pro is over, and Sextium is too... sexy.
 
HP was NOTHING in personal computers in the beginning of 1990's and was 
thinking to exit PC business (I was working closely with HP in my life). then 
new Vectra came, and now it's very good, bright name.

What I am saying, IT'S STILL NOT TOO LATE to rename title bar. 
I know it always will stay in your soul as KONQUEROR.

Another approach - SONY. I don't know if somebody from mail list have read 
book of Akia Morita, Sony co-founder, "Made in Japan". He is discussing how 
they were creating name. They took dictionary, were selecting different words 
and slightly changing them. Last step: they checked that "SONY" word doesn't 
exist in any country in the word, and registered it.

HP was recruiting special agency, which developed (proposed) Vectra. Later 
came Paviliion, Omnibook, etc. 
May be, KDE should take an agency to find a right name? it's just proposal. 

There are several rules which are generally appliable to new brand naming:
1) name should be short
So, I personally prefer KFM to Konqueror. It's shorter, while still different 
to pronounce. 
Example: compare BMW with Bavarische Me... W... (don't remember how it 
correctly written in German). Everybody knows BMW.
2) name should have 2-3 syllables, no more.
Take: Compaq, Volvo, Lotus, Newton, Taligent
Do not take: psychiatry, ssankyong; Batesville (leading supplier for coffins 
in US; example from Trout's book "The New Positioning")
3) much better when word starts from voiced consonants
so, Darts is better then Parts, word - better then cord. 
Non-voiced consonants (p, k, t, etc.) disappear in saying.

4) name should not consist of word's combinations 
Microsoft (because everybody would speak about Macro-soft, melko-soft /in 
Russia/, Giga soft, etc.)

5) for international brand - name should be easy to accept in different 
countries. So, it applues for Konki as well
Mitsibishi produces good monitors and cars, but do you feel comfortable 
pronouncing it? (same about Hyundai, Sssankyong, Chaintex)
Take scandinavian liquid for defrozing "Super Piss" or swiss-german chocolate 
"Zit" - would people in America buy products with such names /for them it 
sounds bad.... - example from Trout's book as well/

Sony is a good name, because :
a) it's short, b) 2 syllables, c) not starting from voiced constrant, but "O" 
is very strong, d) not combination 5) acceptable in all countries
---------------------------------
Why not to make new SONY from Konki? 
---------------------------------

I would like to apologyze if I affected somebody with my mail/proposal.
It is written on KDE site that everybody is invited to participate in KDE 
projects, even non-programmers. I want to offer my advise, my help. If it 
doesn't want - sorry.
I personally believe that KDE is open society, as written, and OPEN to new 
ideas as well.
I have some experience in marketing (including new names for companies), why 
you don't wnat to use this experience?

With best regards,

Vadim


On Tue, 15 Aug 2000, David Faure wrote:
> Do you know how long it takes to get a name in people's head ?
>
> We still receive mails about konqueror where people (former KDE 1 users)
> call it kfm......
>
> konqueror is named konqueror and shall remain named this way.
>
> On the other hand, many other KDE programs would benefit from a better
> name. Find names for those. Not for konqueror.
>
> David.
>
> On Tue, 15 Aug 2000, Vadim Plessky wrote :
> >I agree, "Konk" is better and much easier, then Konqueror.
> >Then why don't place it on Title bar?
> >
> >>From other side, some associations are coming:
> >
> >  Konk <-> Monk  -> Monkey
> >May be, it's right name (Monk) to go on Mozilla, meaning Smaller is
> > Better?
> >
> >:-)
> >
> >Cheers,
> >
> >Vadim
> >
> >On Tue, 15 Aug 2000, Troy Unrau wrote:
> >> just say 'konq' or 'konk' : how hard can that be?  That's what we all
> >> call it anyways :)
> >>
> >> TRoy Unrau
> >>
> >

[prev in list] [next in list] [prev in thread] [next in thread]