2007.09.16
Readers abloom with blog names
In column writing, you never really know what you're going to get when you ask readers for some help. Such was the case as I struggled with a name for my blog, then put out the plea to you last Sunday.
But readers, you have responded. And how.
By Friday afternoon, 315 people had visited my blog. By then, 50 readers had posted suggestions for its name. Seven sent them as e-mails, and five obliged when I asked them to post it on the site.
The deadline isn't until midnight tonight, so you can still post your entry at blogs.roanoke.com/shannaflowers/
This week, though, some themes have emerged.
Of course, with a handle like "Flowers," garden names were immediately popular -- "Flower Patch," "Diversity Garden," "Pickin' Bloomin' Flowers," "Shanna in Bloom," "Petals and Pollen," "Potted Flowers," "Flowers and Weeds" and several others
Then there are the flower children who suggested names with a '60s bent -- "Flower Power" and "Flowers Power."
Some came up with names that reflect my writing style: "Straight Talk with Shanna," "Did you hear about ..." "Civil Discourse," and "Nothing Flowery Here."
I have to break style and give props to one entrant by name. Thanks to 12-year-old Catherine for teaching me a new word with "Confabulation."
Finally, some entries are, well, curious. The one that sticks out is "Flowers for Algernon." I know it's a book, but I confess, I don't get it as a blog title.
My favorite is "Say it with Flowers." However, because of trademark issues, I have to pass on that one. (But you still have time to submit another entry.)
That said, thanks to each of you for taking time to help me name my blog. It has been delightful reading your posts. I'll announce a blog name -- and lunch guest -- later this week.
Now there's one more minor housekeeping item. Remember, I'm new to blogging. And I was real new last Sunday when some of you submitted your entries. I deleted the e-mail addresses of the early posters -- trying to protect your privacy.
I finally figured out after church that your e-mail addresses don't show up when you post. So I stopped deleting them.
But I need the following readers to e-mail me at shanna.flowers@roanoke.com, in case I need to contact you: Katrina Landon; Debbie Becampis; Jane Okrim; Lawrence; Amy Hanek; Mary C. Williams; Kristine; Carla Curtis; Roger Elkin; Kathy and Jeri Collins.
I promise these folks don't have any advantage. The deletions of their e-mail addresses is merely further validation that I really am a newbie blogger -- and a technically challenged, dinosaur of a journalist.
Searching The Truth
Comment by Mrs. Georgia Ferguson — September 16, 2007 @ 8:57 am
I would like to propose a name for your column.
"FlowerStalk", sort of a play on words, no?
If I win I would like to
respectfully decline lunch
but thank you for the offer.
I am not comfortable in the public eye. Good Luck with picking a name. Sincerely,
Gail Germana
Comment by Gail Germana — September 16, 2007 @ 10:22 am
One thing you did not share was the intended scope of your blog. If you believe that you will be focusing primarily on local issues and personalities, then you might want your blog name to reflect that - something like 'Down in the Valley' or 'Star City Roundup'.
I would imagine, however, that if you decide to make a serious go at it, you'll probably want to take a much wider view, one which can capture a range of your interests and opinions. If that is the case, since you are a practicing journalist, I will give you an incredibly boring suggestion: just use your name (i.e. James Wolcott's Blog), or your name with a tag (i.e. Andrew Sullivan, The Daily Dish).
Comment by mark h — September 16, 2007 @ 10:58 am
"Showers"
Comment by Ed Greer — September 16, 2007 @ 3:08 pm
How about:
Flowers' Arbor
Comment by Evan Armour — September 16, 2007 @ 5:09 pm
I enjoy your column very much and I would like to submit a name for your Blog.
Shanna Da Blogger.
Thanks, Char
Comment by Charlotte — September 16, 2007 @ 5:10 pm
"IN THE FLOW"
With Shanna Flowers
Is this not YOU? ...
"Flow" is the mental state of operation in which the person is fully immersed in what he or she is doing, characterized by a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and success in the process of the activity.
Comment by Carol Willoughby — September 16, 2007 @ 5:23 pm
"Guaranteed Fresh Delivery," with Shanna Flowers
Comment by Lewis Sheckler — September 16, 2007 @ 8:13 pm
How about?
'Aster About It'
(of course, play on words. Am assuming your column/blog will be informative)
or
'Bloomin' Blog'
(that your column/blog will be developing and growing)
or
'Forget Me Not'
(that your column/blog will be memorable)
or
'Flowering Forum'
(again, that you column/blog will become a beautiful and full platform)
or
'Fragrant Forum'
(fragrant alternate meanings; rich, spicy, flagrant)
or
'Fresh Flowers'
(assuming your column will be new and different)
etc., etc.
Comment by Susan A — September 16, 2007 @ 8:57 pm
How about "Fanna Shanna". It simply means fan of Shana.
Comment by Cecil Mc Bride — September 16, 2007 @ 9:46 pm
How about "Floweranna?", for your blog name? Flower "her" with questions;comments;ideas;
suggestions.....etc.
Comment by Judy Haner — September 16, 2007 @ 10:04 pm