[Zope] The name ZOPE (was RE: [Zope] Linux.com community ad)

[Michael Bernstein]

Andreas Kostyrka wrote:

> On Fri, 15 Oct 1999, Jay, Dylan wrote:
>
> > I think Z Object Publishing Environment is fine but thats not a name its a
> > description. I personally think it needs a name that suggests the power,
> > stability and flexibility that is Zope.
> Well, the DC guys have been looking for a good and FREE (in the
> internic sense) name for some months.

Wait, do you mean that DC is STILL looking, or that they DID look before
choosing Zope?

I'm familiar with the second scenario, but if they're still looking, I've
compiled
a list of interesting domain names that are available.

However, I think that it would be a mistake to change the name again. Zope
has gotten a fair amount of press at this point, and the name is rather unique.
For a perspective on what makes a good name, try this article:
http://ematter1.fatbrain.com/E3/04/B6/31/5F/8F/11/d3/AA/E9/00/50/04/63/26/C2/name.pdf

For those of you who can't be bothered to download and read the article, it's
about how Computer Literacy changed its name to Fatbrain. The gist of the
article is that the most important things about a name are it's memorability
and distinctiveness.

On those grounds, I think 'Zope' wins hands-down. Remember, this is not
really about making Zope acceptable to corporate decision makers. That
will take care of itself as more successful sites are built with Zope. This is
really about winning over developers, and getting them to build their next
cool site with Zope.

The only way that the Zope name could be improved upon, is if it
generated a more emotional response. But it's not too critical, as most
products in the appserver space are even worse in this regard, and have
all the emotion of a wet rag. At least Zope sounds fresh.

Eventually, Zope will be running the site of a company that has a really
spectacular IPO. Which is where the recognizability factor comes into play
for suit-type people.

Cheers,

Michael Bernstein.