Why must we spell things incorrectly? (1 Viewer)

[Ralph Summa]

In doing my normal surfing on HTF I came across a "Krispy Kreme" thread as well as a thread about Outkast's new CD. Which leads me to think of Limp Bizkit and Korn and so on. What is our culture's infatuation with incorrect spelling? I just don't see it.

At 34 have I become my father?

Ralph

 

[Patrick Sun]

Some of it has to do with trademarks.

 

[DaveF]

"Krispy Kreme" is probably spelled "mispelled" for the sake of Trademarking. I understand it is much harder to trademark common words.

Likewise other names: for uniqueness, identity, and fun.

While we're on the topic, who or what is "uconn"? I suppose you might be referring to the "University of Connecticut" but it's hard to tell without properly spelled words

 

[David Baranyi]

Not to go off-topic, but have you heard of the legal case regarding Windows and Lindows?

 

[Ralph Summa]

Dave,

We Huskies attended the University of Connecticut, but the name had to be shortened because people kept trying to spell it Konetikut.

Well I guess I'm getting old. I guess I'll just go home and crank some Motley Crue and shut up.

 

[Marvin]

Maybe the Beatles set the precedent for rock groups doing
this, though, by substituting "beat" for "beet", it was at least somewhat clever.

The same can't be said about misspelled names since then, from the Monkees to Limp Bizquick or whoever.

 

[Malcolm R]

Reminds me of the SNL Nightline sketch with Steve Forbes (must have been what, 1995?) when Steve Forbes was accused of writing an inflammatory article in his magazine about his fellow candidates, referring to them using thinly-disguised pseudonyms such as "Teve Torbes," "Dob Bole," and "Lamar Alexander #2."

Regarding the subject of this thread, I think it's just an attention-getting attempt to seem "kool."

 

[MarkHastings]

"Krispy Kreme"

I wonder if that was the influence to name the restaurant (in the SpongeBob cartoon) to the "Krusty Krab"?

and of course, Strong Bad can talk about how bands always change the spelling of words to make Cool New words:
http://www.homestarrunner.com/sbemail16.html

 

[StephenA]

Sometimes it's just laziness, and other times it's spelled the way it sounds or to avoid legal trouble, to look or sound cool, etc. There are many differemt reasons why.

 

[Chris Hovanic]

"The Oneeders" tried to use the mis-spelling to be clever... but it just came out "The O-needers".

think it's just an attention-getting attempt to seem "kool."

I think you spelled it wrong... its "kewl"!

 

[David Williams]

While we're on the topic, who or what is "uconn"? I suppose you might be referring to the "University of Connecticut" but it's hard to tell without properly spelled words

New for 2004, it's the GMC uConn! A daring new spelling meant to invoke feelings of uniqueness, identity and fun.

 

[JamesHl]

Hey you kids, get off my lawn!

 

[BrianW]

Yeah, the trademark issue is usually the reason: If you don't misspell it, you can't trademark it. (Unless you're Microsoft.)

Not to go off-topic, but have you heard of the legal case regarding Windows and Lindows?

I don't consider this off topic at all. Microsoft for may years tried many times to trademark the word "Windows," but was denied the privilege because trademarking single word in common usage is simply not allowed. Recently, they got their trademark on the word, though it will be challenged in court on December 1st.

I remember when Bill Gates demonstrated the first PocketPC device to the press. He indicated that he intended to call it a Palm computer. A reporter asked him, "Do you think the makers of Palm OS will object to that name?"

Bill's response was, "What? 'Palm' is just a word. We can use it if we want to."

Cleverly, the reporter countered with, "You mean, like 'Windows' is just a word?"

The expression on Bill Gates' face after that retort was priceless. Come this December, Bill may wish he had somehow spelled "Windows" with a "K."

 

[MarkHastings]

Windoze? Windowz? WinD'ohs? Windoughs?

 

[LewB]

Windoze? Windowz? WinD'ohs? Windoughs

Window$

 

[MarkHastings]

Window$

DING! DING! DING! DING!
We have a winner!

 

[Patrick Sun]

Winblows!

 

[Zen Butler]

Well, when doing a search for computer in the HTF Computer & HTPC, be sure to spell computer...copmuter. You get much better results

e.g.

Two Copmuter questions in one..
Neil V Computers and HTPC Area 0 48 September 14th, 2003 08:13 AM
by Neil V

Dell Copmuter Received, a few questions...
Neil V Computers and HTPC Area 4 182 September 10th, 2003 10:28 AM
by Carlo Medina

Copmuter or Set top DVD recorder?
Neil V Computers and HTPC Area 3 77 July 8th, 2002 05:53 PM
by Neil V

Copmuter Problem update


Are they called copmuters now?

My favorite copmoser is J.S Bach

 

[MarkHastings]

Take it easy on Neil, he's from New Jesrey

 

[Tony-B]

Ralph, what LOOKS better for a rap duo, Outcast or Outkast?

How about a rap-metal band? Limp Bizkit or Limp Biscuit? Korn or Corn?