And in Other Idiotic News… Sci-Fi Channel is changing their name to Syfy
The Sci-Fi Channel is changing their name to “Syfy” on July 7. Yeah, I know. WTF?!?!
Apparently they think the name “Syfy” is cooler, much more cutting-edge, and much hipper. Essentially they believe it’s more marketable. According to one source, Sci-Fi Channel has been attempting to distance themselves from the term “Science Fiction” for years due to the stereotypes that phrase conjures up. You can read more about it at TV Week by clicking here.
Not surprisingly, the geeks are up in arms about this. You can read more about the geek uprising at the Chicago Tribune by clicking here, on Twitter by clicking here, or just about anywhere on the net right now.
Personally, I think this is one of the most redunkulous things I’ve heard in ages. The new name sounds like the word “Syphilis” to me. Also, the new name and logo remind me of channels like the “Style” channel. That really isn’t a good way to keep the existing Sci-Fi Channel demographic.
And no, sadly it’s not an early April Fool’s joke either.
/rant
Please forgive this post. I typically try to be positive here at ONCE UPON A GEEK, however, this particular issue is really bugging me. I promise to be a sparkling ray of sunshine in the dark and gloomy world of geekdom tomorrow.
I’ve read one reason for doing this was to have a name that can “control” for licensing purposes. I get their thinking, but it’s hard to imagine them selling too many glow-in-the-dark stress balls with that logo on it. The way it’s raised up and the color also make me think of Styrofoam, also the word “silly.” It’s a poor choice, I think.
Not as bad as that “new” DC logo, though. I will never get over that.
This is all kinds of stupid.
Though its hard for me to care, since my remote will not set one foot on the channel ever again after BSG wraps-up.
‘SYFY’ is now closer in spelling to ‘Gallifrey’.
Also, ‘Fry Guy’.
If they had better programming, I would care more.
I will file this under Y, as in why the hell would they think this could possibly be of any value to their viewers in anyway, shape, or form?
In related news, ESPN is changing it’s name to “ESPEnhancmentDrugs” to more accurately reflect it’s programming.
Thanks for all the comments!
And the ESPN thing still has me laughing!