What's in a Name?

[Chickenlady]

I agree with almost everybody else: 'Selfsufficient-ish' says it like it is! It also sounds kind of lighthearted rather than very serious and worthy, as some green-ish publications do (IMO).

[diver]

Firstly, thanks Andy for whatever you did so that I can now get on site again! Secondly I like the name sufficientish.....it was the ish which attracted me as well as the others

[Andy Hamilton]

Hmm I know what you are saying about the name, it is a good one.

But if we are to keep the site and the mag as two different projects then we will need a new one.

I was thinking of UCOL - Urban contemporary organic living. Any good?

[Moorf]

Ok, I'm going to put on my marketing cap here... where is it.. ah, of course, under the desk.. one sec....

Right - I haven't been here long, so excuse me for putting my oar in so early on, but I do feel that no harm will come of linking the hard copy with the online copy of the site. In fact, it would probably do the power of good and will give the magazine more credence than if it was launched with a different name etc.

I too identified with the "ish" and I think this is your weapon to distinguish yourselves from every other lifestyle block/small farmer publication out there.

I've been in magazine and newspaper production and marketing for years, so if you want any pointers don't hesitate to ask...

[Moorf]

UCOL - Urban Contemporary... etc etc... NO!! Sounds more like a coffee-table adorning glossy photo-laden Urban-chrome type of thang!!

[Boots]

Here's how I named my kids...

I sat down and thought of all I wanted them to be.

My first born... I wanted to encapsulate a free spirit and confident individualism, a singing heart, a fearlessness that permitted her to enjoy her uniqueness. I wanted her name to be remembered, and reflect a vibrant but caring person. I wished for her a lifestyle that allowed her to dance through life...joyfully creative.

I called her Gypsy-Lee. It translates to Wandering Lioness.

My second born... came 17 months later. My first had just about worn me ragged, walking at 10 months, singing from the moment she heard her own voice... I was exhausted. I wanted to encapsulate quiet thoughtfulness, one who tread lightly and gently, who was kind and deep and would add meaningful reflection to her sisters bubbly bounce through life. I wished for her a quiet beauty.

I called her Bonnie-Rae. It translates to Beautiful/Peaceful Deer.

What do you want for your magazine Andy? What do you want to summon, attract or encapsulate? You are creating something here. I don't think you can name it until you know what you are creating.

Lay out your dreams and wishes. And we will help you solidify them.



Far out man...am having a flower power moment I think....

[Chickenlady]

I might rename all my kids 'Stop Shouting and Play Nicely'...

I agree with Morff 100% Andy (my background is also publishing/marketing). I can't understand why you don't want to link the site with the mag.

[Boots]

I can think of many reasons why not to link the mag with the site...

Firstly, it is an entirely different market. While there is room to refer to the site, the mag could flop terribly if marketed against a website that is largely transient and open to all us whackos

Any mag needs a standard of presentation, that collectively we can't gaurantee and may not provide for any number of reasons.

Here we can openly discuss topics. It doesn't matter if we disagree, because we are just sharing, chewing things over, learning as we go, laughing and open to making mistakes. We are free to do that. Articles address an audience - one which we form. If Chicken lady (for example) was to write an article on Chickens, to which numerous site members objected to her methods or breeding practices (for what ever reason) here on the site, it would detract from the mag and could lead to its undoing. There is no way of ensuring that an open forum would always stand as a support to the mag. It can't...not if it is a discussion forum.

Another reason, is that as the site is public, there is always the chance an oddball could arrive (like Boots from Aus.. ) and start raving with their own obsession with tyres etc, which could also be interpreted as a reflection on the mag. We each have our own views, and no doubt some are quite strong views. The ish allows for that and leaves room for development. In discussion that is fine, but as an advertisement for a product that needs to maintain general appeal...I don't think it would be positive. The editor knows to choose the contributions very selectively, to ensure that the presentation and its appeal is broad, interesting and relevant.

I think the two developments need to exist seperately and remain autonomous to ensure their own longevity. Blending them would increase the workload in both projects enormously, with little real benefit. Each can refer to the other, and involve recommendations, but I don't believe they would actually function together effectively. Just my thoughts...

Oh, and re: the advertising. Few tips...I tried limiting mine and being selective, and it nearly did me in. The folks you want to support you, are always strapped for cash, and the ones you don't really want are always the best payers. Take what you can get and set limits on your ad space per page to ensure your mag is not choked out. No one wants to read page after page of ads, and an overloaded page rips off your writers. Work them so they work for you, and once you have your allocated ad space place them with the advertiser in mind, not the reader, to ensure they become long term and you are not chasing around re-filling spots too often.

Hope that's a bit helpful, and maybe presents some considerations for the 'against blending' debate. Hope it is not too cheeky of me, being still pretty new.

[Tigerhair]

Interesting Boots :) Just a thought tho' - don't most mags now have an on-line forum??

[Shirley]

Interesting Boots :) Just a thought tho' - don't most mags now have an on-line forum??

YES - one that I used to read had a very active forum... the forum had a major argument and had massive repercussions... actually... I'd forgotten about that - I'm now back on the side of having a separate name for the mag!!!

I AM female... thus I am allowed to change my mind

[manxminx]

What about The Goodish Life............. lol ok i know thats really bad but what do you exspect on a sunday morning

[Wombat]

G'Day Manxminx - nice to see you back!

Nev

[manxminx]

thanks nev nice to be back hopefully for good this time and not just the odd fleeting visit

[Shirley]

How about..............

Atishoo

At ish you/at issue

[Tigerhair]

[quote="Shirlz2005]I AM female... thus I am allowed to change my mind [/quote]

ROFLMAO