Controversial Names Generate Interest

By on Aug 30, 2009 in best names, controversial names, naming tips

Controversial names, while uncomfortable for some, do generate interest and grab many other’s attention.

I had lunch with three venture capitalists last week.  We had developed a name for one of their companies that they were very concerned about. While the original name, Infinity Channel, was sort of boring, the new name was not. And while the Infinity Channel name didn’t really engage anyone emotionally, the new name certainly did. That is, the new name engaged almost everyone, almost instantly. But while it was a positive engagement for some, it was a negative one for others.

Despite their misgivings, the VCs allowed their CEO and new company to run with the new name.  Since then, they have been delighted with the results.  They discovered that the key to a great name is memorability and that one quick way to be remembered is to be controversial.

It is often far better for a name to be remembered for the wrong reasons, than not remembered at all.

If you’re curious, click here for the link to the new name and the new company’s web site.

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