Calling for a new name for our community!!

[juikk]

Shebeen seriously, on occassion I mentioned that Theshebeen is perfect for some of us, now it gets added after we had only 3 choices to vote from, waddagwhan?

[Admin]

Hi Juikk - to be honest, I can't make up my mind. I like our Shebeen the way it is and agree with Omer's argument that the name is ultimately irrelevant. But I can also see that the name might stand in the way of future growth. The argument for a new name that Neo-RP made so succinctly is valid, too.

On the other hand, it takes time for a web site's name to do the rounds, and I was so pleased the other day when someone mentioned to me that the name came up in a random conversation in Oshakati of all places. So to change the name now may be counterproductive. I thought I 'd add the Shebeen option for those of us who do not want to change the name at all.

I suppose another question is this: Would those Namibian netizzens who are currently not participating and joining in the fun really join if the name changed? I don't know is the honest answer, and it does pose a risk to just go ahead and change it. So, I'm sitting firmly on the fence at the moment and will let things play out for a while longer. Let the thoughts crystallise, so to speak.

Any other thoughts? Talking to your friends, Juikk, do any of them raise any concerns/issues/sentiments about the name, or otherwise? Mie1, Neo-RP and Alex what do you think on the topic?

[Mie1]

Shebeen,


I am used to the name...... Shebeen does not only have negative connotations! It is unique, distinctive ... and I tend to agree with juikk ... although I also made a proposal ... Maybe we are starting to bend over backwards in order to be too politically correct.........

Even if you have traffic redirected it is going to take quite a while before occasional visitors become used to a new name.

[Admin]

I've put in place a number of different styles to indicate the look and feel of either HelloNam.com and Namibianz.com compared to the current Shebeen style.

To select the different styles, go to the left-hand corner of the navigation bar at the bottom of each page and select the style you wish to view from the Quick Style Selector. See the attachment.

What do you think? Which style and name feels and looks the best to you?

[Mie1]

I assume that "Namibianz" is derived from "Namibia" and "Ambianz" (Ambience) ?

[mary_l]

Well I think if you want neutrality and broad appeal then Hello Namibia! is the way to go . I like the look and feel - very cute and full of character.

[der-die-das-namibia]

I agree with Mary -- hello-namibia is really the most charming alternative of them all.

I understand, Shebeen, that changing the name is hard. I've pondering about the question now for a while as well; and my advice is: Change the name now. In the long run, one day, most probably sooner than later, you will regret not having changed the name earlier.

The name "Shebeen" will hinder growth. There is no doubt about that. The name is not a 100% kosher, unfortunately. But imho, changing the name will not deter any current users, only potential future users, particularly of the younger generation and African outsiders, who are welcome to this forum as well.

So be a brave e-warrior and change the name. I will support you all the way!

[Admin]

Thanks for your support, der-die-das-namibia! I'm planning the migration to the new domain, which I have been able to secure for HelloNamibia. Further announcements soon.....

[Admin]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and feedback!! I'm sure not everyone will he entirely happy with the new name and look & feel, but I'm also sure that won't keep them, as well as everyone else ... and more ... from coming back.

[der-die-das-namibia]

I just love the new logo! And the name is fabulous -- this community is now ready for growth!