As the de-facto communications person, I seriously feel we have some unfinished business that we must take care of before everyone is distracted by the holidays. We need a name!name
[neym] noun, verb, named, nam·ing, adjective noun
1. a word or a combination of words by which a person, place, or thing, a body or class, or any object of thought is designated, called, or known.
2. mere designation, as distinguished from fact: He was a king in name only.
3.an appellation, title, or epithet, applied descriptively, in honor, abuse, etc.
4. a reputation of a particular kind given by common opinion: to protect one's good name.
5. a distinguished, famous, or great reputation; fame: to make a name for oneself.
There are a multitude of reasons why:
- We need to make ourselves united and official.
- We need to file paperwork for a LLC for legal reasons.
- We need a common theme to use on everything from signs and flyers to email and websites.
- We only get one name change with the Facebook page. It by far is our biggest communications medium.
- We need something for letterhead and business cards.
I've put up a "poll" here on the blog to get some feedback on some names. You can find it on the left column of the main page. I can't promise the "winner" will "win" (how crazy does that sound?) but it will certainly give us an idea of what the folks like and the direction we should go. And more than likely it may very well end up being what we use.
Feel free to comment any suggestions here at the bottom of this post.
(Only a week until Santa, are you ready?)
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ReplyDeleteThe name of this group should really cover a wider range of issues other than just this Quarry. We never know when other issues may creep up. This group will already be up and operational. So, the name should not be so specific that it includes the name "Stutman Road" or "the Quarry". A name this specific also "dates" the group as a young inexperianced group. Also, the name shouldn't be too gentle or aggressive. Some examples would be...Community Preservation Alliance or Citizen's Preservation Association or Citizen's Community Preservation,
ReplyDeleteChoosing the name of this group is very important...I am glad that I don't have to decide. :D
Well said!
DeleteI agree that sounding too aggressive could be counter productive. Really, we are AGAINST the quarry but it would be better to say that we are FOR protecting our environment/community. So, for me that cuts out 3 of the suggestions. Since we need numbers of people then a name that includes a large area may get more people to pay attention. "Western Lexington County" something...
ReplyDeleteI was just going to write a blog entry however since all of 6 people actually voted on something and 2 of you offered comments, I'll keep our conversation here until others decide it's important enough to offer their opinions as well.
ReplyDeleteI understand the points both of you bring up and while they are valid I must say I disagree. Here is why:
I think from a PR and Marketing standpoint our name must include the Quarry. IT IS what we are here for. We didn't come together to save the watershed, a purple headed lizard or for any other purpose. Our common goal is absolutely to defeat Vulcan in destroying our community and our ways of life. When someone reads the name or hits the website, it should be clear (crystal - I love that movie) that the Stutman or Windmill Road Quarry is what we are against and is what we are ALL about. Sure it dates our group to the date we all learned our community may be destroyed. Do you think they, or anyone else cares? I can tell you from a personal standpoint. Will I donate money, time and effort now against the Quarry. You bet. But you try to sell me some Protection Alliance and my first question is what are we protecting? Where is the money going? (For the rare fern along Little Creek, to supplement the federal grant to replace septic systems, to build bald eagle nesting sites?)
I understand what you are saying about if something else comes up. However I've always been against any restrictive "alliance" (i.e. Homeowners Association) and would have serious reservations about forming our group in such a way. If something else comes up, we'll come together again no doubt. But can you assure me this "alliance" wouldn't become concerned about water quality and attempt to stop someone from hog farming or air quality and say you can use diesel tractors? Far fetched I know but once power sets in, things grow out of control. Look at our Federal Government as a prime example. Dysfunctional run a muck.
The word "Against" is hardly too aggressive. We aren't saying we are going destroy the quarry. We are against it. And we need to let the world know we are against it. I'm not a politically correct guy, I shoot from the hip mostly and will say what I feel and believe. We aren't Green Peace, I'm not here to make someone feel good, we aren't out to save the world from green house gases. We are against the quarry. Specifically the quarry in our backyard on Windmill Road.
Finally I understand again the idea about a name being specific. But my opinion (and we all got 'em like belly buttons) is it shouldn't be specific on who can have an interest or "join". Someone in China may very well have an interest by loving mother earth or trees or the rocks themselves and want to support our cause. Simply I think when we limit our name, we limit our audience.
Again this is all just my "personal" opinion and experience. I certainly am just a facilitator in all this and will change and go with whatever the group decides.
My biggest concern now isn't the name but the lack of participation in coming up with something. If you've read this far, thank you sincerely for caring enough and taking the time to offer suggestions.