What's in a name?

Richard MacManus, on his Read/Write Web blog recently reported on the establishment of a new adult online community. Since I was already in the midst of collecting material for this column, I figured that here was something that was right up my alley. MacManus reported that:

A New Zealand-based social network, iYomu, is launching globally today with a US$1 Million challenge. iYomu is branding itself as a "social networking website for grown-ups" and the site is restricted to those over 18 years old.

which certainly had the right ring to it. As I continued to read, however, I realized that "adult" isn't always a euphemism. As the founder of the site explains:

there are lots of benefits for grown-ups in social networking, such as staying in touch with family and friends around the world, storing and sharing important documents and photos, or finding advice

MacManus adds:

Initial online communities that have been created on iYomu.com include communities about the lives of working mums, property investment, golf courses and book clubs. The company says this is a change from the socialising or entertainment categories usually found in social networks for younger audiences.

In other words, sometimes "adult" simply refers to ... well, "adult", while at other times, "kids" may as well.

Go to: Well, finding a name might be difficult, or
Go to: The plain brown paper envelope column.