Naming a blog

DancingMaenid

New kid...seven years ago!
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
5,058
Reaction score
460
Location
United States
I apologize if there are any good threads with advice on stuff like this already. I tried to look, but I didn't see anything.

I've been trying to start a blog mainly devoted to movie/TV reviews and articles. I feel like an idiot, but the main thing holding me back right now is that I can't figure out what to call my blog. I preferably want something that's unique, but that sounds/looks good. It's so daunting, because I feel like this blog might eventually become a reflection of me, and I want it to set a good example. I might be worrying too much, but I've always had trouble coming up with names for things, in general.

Does anyone have advice for coming up with blog names? If you've had to title a blog, how did you do it? How important do you think it is that the name directly relates to the subject? Also, since I'm making my blog on Wordpress, should I have my username be the same as my URL?

I really appreciate any advice. I know that when it comes down to it, I'll just have to come up with something. But this has been bugging me for weeks now, and I could use some tips on how to move forward.
 

paulcosca

The Paulest of all Coscas
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Mar 20, 2013
Messages
138
Reaction score
15
Location
Missoula, MT
Website
www.paulcosca.com
I've started a few blogs, and I think the biggest goal is that you want the title to reflect what the blog is really about.

My first blog was about my reviews in and around Chicago, so it was called Windy City Writeups (I loved that friggin' title). When I moved from Chicago, it became much more about me, so it was Cosca's Corner. But now I've got one on Tumblr (I like it for the "fan mail" feature, which seems better suited to answering questions) that's just called "Thoughts and Answers" because that's pretty much what it's about.

Bottom line, make it related to what you're really doing. Make it snappy, but most of all make it honest. Hope that helps!
 

U2Girl

I can sell you anything
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
104
Reaction score
3
Location
Chicago
If you are doing a blog on TV/movie reviews, what about naming it after a quote from one of your favorite characters? Or after one of your favorite shows?

As a hint, by my user name and domain name in my signature, I'm a pretty avid, die hard U2 fan. While my blog is not about the band (unless they are on tour and then I turn into a mid 40s silly fan girl), my friends who read it were not surprised when I registered a domain name after one of their songs.
 

Literateparakeet

Nerdy Budgie
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Dec 31, 2011
Messages
1,386
Reaction score
226
Location
Seattle
Website
lesliesillusions.blogspot.com
This might sound like strange advice, but I suggest getting a book on Non-fiction book proposals (from the library :)) They have some awesome advice about choosing titles. Of course, they are talking about books, but most of the advice could easily apply to a blog. Seriously thoughtful and helpful advice! Try that, and good luck!
 

veinglory

volitare nequeo
Self-Ban
Registered
Joined
Feb 12, 2005
Messages
28,750
Reaction score
2,937
Location
right here
Website
www.veinglory.com
People like to give blogs clever names, but there is something to be said for the "Captain Obvious" approach ("TV & Movie Reviews" or similar). It is easy to understand, sounds authoritative and Googles well.
 

DancingMaenid

New kid...seven years ago!
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Aug 7, 2007
Messages
5,058
Reaction score
460
Location
United States
Thanks for the input. :) It does help, and these are all good things to keep in mind.

People like to give blogs clever names, but there is something to be said for the "Captain Obvious" approach ("TV & Movie Reviews" or similar). It is easy to understand, sounds authoritative and Googles well.

Okay, hearing that perspective takes a little pressure off me, so thanks. I did feel a lot of pressure to be clever.
 

babeaty

Be yourself as hard as you can
Registered
Joined
Jun 27, 2008
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Location
St. Paul, MN
Website
buildingebenezers.com
I wrestled with this because while I hate names that are two clever, I also wanted a bit of anonymity because of my work. I spent some time just jotting down ideas after ideas until I found some I liked.

Then I ran them by some people whose opinion I respect. And they were thankfully kind but honest. Then the domains I wanted were taken.

The name I finally landed on might be a bit two clever, but I addressed that head on in my about page.

Not the perfect solution, but I am making it work.
 

Chris P

Likes metaphors mixed, not stirred
Moderator
Kind Benefactor
Super Member
Registered
Joined
Nov 4, 2009
Messages
24,305
Reaction score
10,683
Location
Wash., D.C. area
Thanks for this thread. I'm finally breaking down and starting a blog too. I have a name in mind, but I haven't seen if it's been used yet.