The naming and branding blog

Category / Tag: pop culture

Xfinity – a Dunder Mifflin idea

Posted: March 2nd, 2010 by Steve | Filed under: company names, name changes, pop culture, product names| No Comments

There has been much speculation and pontification on whence the name Xfinity came, but look no further than the looming Comcast-NBC merger. Whilst kicking the NBC tires, surely even a beast as slow-witted as Comcast fumbled across the NBC property ‘The Office”.

Dunder Mifflin logo

The Dunder Mifflin logo sports an infinity symbol

Xfinity is meant to signal Comcast’s foray into the future of high tech possibilities, while at Dunder Mifflin, “Infinity” is the name of the internal initiative to bring technology to the failing paper company.

Why would the comedy writers of “The Office” chose the name “Dunder Mifflin Infinity” for the high tech effort? Because it is silly, obvious, pitiful and ridiculous, in keeping with ambiance of the show.

The name was such a hit that DunderMifflinInfinity.com is the show’s official fansite.

In the second episode of the fourth season titled “Dunder Mifflin Infinity”, regional manager Michael Scott best summed up the idea of “Infinity” (or Xfinity, for that matter):

“Everyone always wants new things. Everybody likes new inventions, new technology. People will never be replaced by machines. In the end, life and business are about human connections. And computers are about trying to murder you in a lake. And to me, the choice is easy.”

“Comcast Xfinity. The possibilities are mindless”

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Successful marketing in one million adjectives or less

Posted: February 1st, 2010 by Jay | Filed under: language, pop culture, product names| No Comments

This is a really great, amazing, wonderfully compelling, fantastic video summation of last week’s iPad lovefest:

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iPad v. iPod

Posted: January 30th, 2010 by Steve | Filed under: pop culture, product names| No Comments

In the Boston Apple store, how will they know if people are asking for an iPad or an iPod?

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Here comes the Judge

Posted: January 6th, 2010 by Steve | Filed under: advertising, language, pop culture, product names| No Comments

Paul Revere and the Raiders schilling for the ‘69 Pontiac GTO Judge. The “Judge” name came from the popularity of “Here comes da judge!”, a cultural catch phrase made popular on “Laugh-In”.


The Igor-named “Aria” resort and casino opens its doors

Posted: December 15th, 2009 by Steve | Filed under: Igor, pop culture, product names| No Comments

Igor’s latest naming work, The MGM / Dubai World hotel and casino “Aria”, has its grand opening in Las Vegas tomorrow. This marks the fifth hotel thus far in Igor’s naming portfolio.

MGM Aria, Las Vegas

MGM Aria, Las Vegas

Via The Las Vegas Sun:

The centerpiece of CityCenter — the Aria Resort & Casino — will open Wednesday, marking a day of grand opening celebrations for the $8.5 billion project…

…The 4,004-room resort and casino will feature more than 150,000 square feet of gaming space, a 215,000-square-foot pool area with 50 cabanas and an 80,000-square-foot spa, the largest among MGM Mirage properties.

The resort also will include 10 bars and lounges, and 16 restaurants. Aria will be home to Cirque du Soleil’s newest show, “Viva Elvis,” which takes guests on a trip through Elvis Presley’s life and music, with first performances beginning Friday.

Until Wednesday, VIPs and company executives will be testing the waters at Aria, ensuring the resort is ready for its first public guests.

Don’t fret, we weren’t invited either.


“Spell My Finger” is a brilliant name for this video game.

Posted: November 24th, 2009 by Steve | Filed under: pop culture, product names| No Comments

But did they come up with the title or the game first?


Client V. Creative

Posted: September 24th, 2009 by Steve | Filed under: advertising, identity, pop culture| No Comments

I have had the experience of the blue robot more times than I want to know. Although usually I just think what he is saying.

Usually.


GoGirl is a perfect name with a perfect tag line

Posted: September 3rd, 2009 by Steve | Filed under: company names, pop culture, taglines| 4 Comments

This product is no joke. GoGirl is selling 40k units a week, those units being funnels. Apparently, women have wanted to pee standing up for a while, something of a “pent up demand”. The idea being you don’t have to sit on nasty public toilet seats just to pee. It also makes getting drunk and pissing in an alley less problematic. Their tag line is also pitch perfect, “Don’t take life sitting down”.

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Free company and product naming

Posted: August 1st, 2009 by Steve | Filed under: Igor, company names, name changes, pop culture, product names| 1 Comment

Are your company or product name brainstorming attempts long on storm and short on brains? Igor has over 15,300 brains in stock, ready to help you name whatever needs naming — most have very low mileage, are hardly ever driven during the week, and are used only sparingly on weekends to scan refrigerator contents and such. Our collection of brains can be picked through at the Wordlab Wordboard, our free naming and branding brainstorming forum. Jump in and pick the brains!

Tips for picking a brain:

1. Do not pick if the skin is too green–it’s not ripe yet.

2. The brain should be viscous and phlegmatic, yet hold up to a good thumping. Not too firm, not too soft.

3. The end that was twisted from the brain stem should be pliable when you poke your thumb through the outer membrane. If you can’t break the membrane with your fingernail, the brain was picked prematurely.

4. Smell is the most reliable indicator of freshness.

5. Have fun with it, but keep it platonic.


Schick commercial for women’s razor

Posted: July 14th, 2009 by Steve | Filed under: advertising, language, pop culture| 1 Comment

This commercial is currently running on TV. Note the changing shapes of the ummmm,…..of the shrubs.

The U.K. version is less classy. The tulip reference is just pandering.

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“HI! BILLY MAYS HERE FOR CARDIAC SURGERY! JUST PAY SHIPPING AND HANDLING!”

Posted: June 13th, 2009 by Steve | Filed under: advertising, pop culture| 1 Comment

Do we really have to explain why this is a bad idea? We didn’t think so.

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Computer Tan finally launches, and it really works!

Posted: June 12th, 2009 by Steve | Filed under: advertising, company names, pop culture, product names| No Comments

Download the app today at ComputerTan.com

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