03.29.10
“Boycott Novell” and Expanded Scope
Summary: Suggestions needed for a name that better reflects this site’s new scope
LONGTIME readers may already know that, but “Boycott Novell” is not a site name that I like*. In fact, I never liked the name, never chose the name, and it is possible that Novell will be sold within weeks or months, so the name “Novell” will fade away, just like “Sun”. Despite opposition from some readers, we might rename the site, but not before the issue is discussed with regular contributors over at the IRC channel. If people have an opinion on the subject, then it’s time to join the discussion right now. █
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* It’s just too negative, like “Mono-Nono”, which got replaced with “The Source”.
Danielh said,
March 30, 2010 at 1:26 am
I agree a new name is needed now that Novell is going down the drain, as expected when they signed the Microsoft deal.
TechRights is actually pretty nice. Ill hollor if i can think of a good name.
Dr. Roy Schestowitz Reply:
March 30th, 2010 at 6:25 am
We’ve finalised the name by now. Basically, since we explore so much more than just Novell, “Boycott Novell” stays but only as one campaign that’s part of a broader goal, falling under the same ‘umbrella’. I have taken the first steps towards renaming the site’s root identity. Images and graphics were donated by several contributors and the name we all decided on (after considering about 20 names) is TechRights.
Robotron 2084 said,
March 30, 2010 at 11:06 am
I guarantee one of the rights Roy won’t support is the right for individuals and businesses to use proprietary software. The right to choose what works best for them.
satipera said,
March 30, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Seems a little strange to put out a call for input, followed by a post saying the decision has been made. I am not sure about the name but it will mean more to people than Boycott Novell. Tech is a bit broad and rights is a bit legalistic which is often the problem rather than the solution. I would have favoured “Digital commons”
Dr. Roy Schestowitz Reply:
March 30th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
There were quite a few hours between these posts (about 12) and as the logs ought to show, the ideas all came from others, not me.
We tried to think of something representative of the whole.
satipera said,
March 30, 2010 at 2:48 pm
12 hours makes a government guillotine look like an ice age. However the name is an improvement and an acknowledgement of how the site has changed and moved forward, with my limited knowledge of the BN irc channel I am sure that for that period it was discussed at length. My best wishes for the future and when is irc name changing?
Dr. Roy Schestowitz Reply:
March 30th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Boycott Novell still exists, it’s just not the top-level initiative.
Agent_Smith said,
March 30, 2010 at 11:18 pm
Hummm… Too bad you let us know when you had already decided…
Though i like OPEN VOICE. Sounds imponent… But, good luck to Tech Rights anyway.