What's In a Name? - By Leisha Farrell 4 March, 2010
If you knew us as WolfRage Web, you may be wondering why we have changed our business name. Well, it's kind of complicated.
First of all, "WolfRage" is a nickname that Jordan has had for years. It's a major part of his identity. When he first started programming websites in 2007, we both agreed that WolfRage Web was a fitting name. Back then, I wasn't really planning on being too involved.
Late in 2008 and throughout 2009, I became more involved. The more I messed around in Photoshop and Illustrator, the more I enjoyed designing. What started as a hobby for me truly became a passion, so I made the decision to become a full-fledged partner in the web design/development business. After that decision, we created a new design for WolfRage Web, which had been neglected in order to accommodate clients since it's beginning in 2007. It was a dramatic change.
We really wanted to showcase our new design and bring in new clients, but timing was awful. As soon as we launched our newly made-over site, we had to buckle down and prepare for a trans-Atlantic move. We didn't have time for advertising or for taking on a new client.
Soon we got settled at our new apartment in Germany and found ourselves with free time for our business. I kept staring at our website and thinking about how unimpressive it was. I had made great progress in my design capability between late 2008 and mid-2009, but shortly thereafter, I went through a major "growth spurt" as far as design capability. So looking at the "new" website felt just like looking at the old website. I tried to imagine from a potential client's perspective how well (or how poorly) our website advertised our actual abilities. It simply didn't reflect our expertise. After a long, drawn out internal argument, I decided that it would be a waste of time and energy to advertise and then bring potential clients to our site - it wasn't going to sell us.
Jordan and I talked about it for a few weeks at length and eventually came to the conclusion that WolfRage Web wasn't a good fit for "us." It didn't incorporate my involvement, my identity. It was also difficult to design for. The words "wolf" and "rage" have nothing to do with online business. It isn't a memorable name for potential clients, (in fact, one could argue that the name is a little off-putting.) We needed something that reflects both of us, is relevant to our business, and would be easy for visitors to remember.
The word "feral" holds a special meaning to me. A feral animal or plant is somewhere between domesticated and wild, enjoying the best of both worlds. When it comes to our online business, I would describe us as somewhere between the standards of mainstream designers/developers and the eccentric individuality of niche freelancers. (We prefer to design from scratch, every bit of a new website fresh and homegrown; but we are capable and willing to adapt existing Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress and Drupal for clients who find that option more appropriate/affordable.) Half of the American population pronounces "feral" the same way it pronounces our last name, "Farrell." So we both felt that "feral" was quite fitting (although incomplete on its own.)
Jordan felt that "bytes" was an appropriate match. It is a widely used word, particularly in businesses that deal with electronics and online applications. A "byte" is just a combination of bits of information that determine the identity of a particular alphanumeric character (or a special character). Bits and bytes are building blocks of computer language. "Byte" is pronounced the same as "bite," so when put together with "feral, " it may invoke images of semi-wild animals, teeth bared, defending their rights to existence. Or it may invoke images of structured pieces of information put together in new combinations to develop new programs/applications. I identify with the former, Jordan identifies with the latter.
So it is with great pleasure that we bring you the new face of our web design and development team, Feral Bytes.
What do you think of the name we have chosen? What comes to mind when you think of "feral?" If applicable, how did you come up with your business name and what does it mean to you? Share your thoughts with us.
Reader Comments
I really like that you included the story of your name on the website, and also bios for both of you. I like the personal touch :)
I love the name. When I first HEARD it, I thought food because of the word "bite", but then I READ it (bytes) and knew right away it had to do with computers. I love that it's your last name, without directly being your last name. And I love the word Feral for the exact reason you describe- that it is a beautiful combination of wild and tame. And it is in fact memorable. It's much more interesting than the typical "Such-and-such Group" or "Creative something-or-other".
Sat, 06 Mar 10 18:38:31
You have come a long way Leisha. I am glad to see your business is progressing and your website is amazing.
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titanpack888 (Fri, 05 Mar 10 14:20:13)
Great background information. Really shows the process of development that Feral Bytes went through.