- Feature Articles
- CodeSOD
- Error'd
-
Forums
-
Other Articles
- Random Article
- Alex's Soapbox
- Announcements
- Best of…
- Best of Email
- Best of the Sidebar
- Bring Your Own Code
- Coded Smorgasbord
- Mandatory Fun Day
- Off Topic
- Representative Line
- News Roundup
- Editor's Soapbox
- Software on the Rocks
- Souvenir Potpourri
- Sponsor Post
- Tales from the Interview
- The Daily WTF: Live
- Virtudyne
Admin
I'm also holding seminars - well, not for students, but for grown-up real-world developers and decision makers, admittedly ;o) however, there never was any problem spelling out the name of this site for those rare occasions where someone did not know what WTF meant.
mind, that I am in Austria, where "fuck" is seen as a much stronger swear word and not as commonplace as in english (e.g. as intensifier in phrases like "this is fucking great" etc.). interestingly, in german the prevalent swear words tend to be more of an anal than a sexual connotation, i.e. most common ones include "scheisse" (="shit"), "Arsch(loch)" (="ass(hole)") etc. as an intensifier we are often using something like "verdammt": "it's fucking cold" = "es ist verdammt kalt" (="it's damned cold") or also "es ist scheisskalt" (=literally: "it is shitty-cold"). also interestingly, "fuck(-ing/-ed)" was sort of incorporated into the german language in the last years as "verfickt" (one wouldn't have said that 20 years ago, and it's still regarded to be stronger than the original german swear words like "scheisse" etc.).
hey, this may become a linguistic discussion, nice ;o)
Admin
All of the complaining reminds me of back in 3rd grade when somebody would type 5318008 into a calculator. Everybody would gather around and giggle "tee-hee, you made it say boobies". Personally, I don't use vulgarity at all, but it doesn't bother me if others do. However, I do find it silly. In today's society, vulgarity has become so common, that words and phrases that were once meant to be shocking are no longer paid any attention. Instead, they have been integrated into the everyday vocabulary of many people. What is the point of using a foul word, if it is not considered foul? At what point do we stop normalizing things that are considered unacceptable? Yes, we can all agree that it is good that certain things are now acceptable that didn't used to be (certain freedoms, etc...). 50 years ago everybody would have agreed that the word in question was foul, and should not be used. 50 years in the future, what will our grandkids be doing that we now find unspeakably foul? I'm not saying that certain things should be banned, but they should probably not become a common part of "polite society". That division needs to remain in effect. Otherwise we risk civilization falling into anarchy. Who of you can say that all pushing the envelope of acceptability is a good thing?
Anyway, I read the site via RSS, and I would never have known about the name change if it hadn't been for the announcement. This is because the RSS feed has never been branded with the name of the website. The posts are always tagged with the personal name of the poster, and the only mention of the website was in the link to the discussion. So, I don't follow the logic of the people who are unsubscribing their RSS feeds as if they are suddenly being deprived of a vital part of their lives. If you need it that bad, go get a girlfriend, or a calculator.
Admin
Well, as much as I like this site, the word 'daily' no longer figures. While I still enjoy the site, I think changing the name is a cop-out; the old name is part of what mad the site, and I hope Alex really feels the change when his advertisers realise the new start is "Worse".
BTW, is the real WTF still copyright?
Admin
I liked the old name better. Please change it back
Admin
While everyone seems to be pissed off at the name change, I am not. I don't like the new name, don't get me wrong, but it's Alex's right to change it. I loved the old name. I'll still always call the the 'Daily WTF', even though it's now 'Worse than Failure'. But there's no way in all hell, heaven and earth that I'll stop reading just because of a name change. Anyone that does is too superficial.
Also, sorry if I've repeated something for the nth time - I cbf'ed reading through 8 pages of comments.
Admin
Generic, overused statement of opinion:
CAPTCHA: Completely irrelevant sentence (to the discussion) having to do with my previously overstated and completely unsupported opinion.
<analogy> <compares> <problem> <name>Won't Work</name> <description>XML won't fix the problem</description> </problem> <solution> <name>Violence</name> <description>Use more XML</description> </solution> </compares> <compares> <problem> <name>Whine</name> <description>I don't like what he said</description> </problem> <solution> <name>Whine</name> <description>Give my opinion and imply 'He's dumb!' or 'My Dad's stronger than your dad!'</description> </solution> </compares> </analogy>Admin
Just change it back. As soon as the http://thedailywtf.com urls stops working i stop reading.
Admin
You all know what it really stands for, so who cares?
Admin
Boo. Please change it back, I used to start smiling the moment I heard there is a new "Daily WTF" story coming. It was itself hilarious enough to get you into the mood.
Horse
Admin
Way too much stuff here to read, but I do want to put in my 2 cents just so management here can get a complete view. (hmm, maybe they shoulda done a survey).
I can sort of understand wanting to distance yourself from the vulgarity. However wose than failure doesn't have the same feeling as wtf. Basically, I'd say call it what you like, but just keep using the wtf label. Also, the daily part, since no one really cares if its more than daily, only if its less. Its cathcy to sayl the daily wtf. Worse than failure sounds like a cheesy comic.
I'll still keep reading whatever is chosen, because I some here for the content, not becuase of the name.
Admin
Well, in my humble opinion (sorry if someone had already said that, i didn't read all the comments) you culd stick with "Daily WTF" and just say that WTF stands for Worse than failure to your relatives.
This way you'd have both names and people could choose between the one they liked more.
Admin
Actually, lame and cowardly as the name change may be, worse actually is the fact that this now has turned from the rather witty site reporting the non-sequitors of life into just another collection of 'humorous' misspellings and popup screenshots.
Please, pretty please with sugar on top, work up some backbone, change the name back and get your act together again.
For now, alas, I'm deleting the shortcut from my 'dailies'.
Admin
i bet this has been brought around because of a book deal or the thought of a book deal.... cynical? moi?
Admin
Another long time reader and first time poster. ITA that the new name is way less catchy than the former one, but it won't keep me from reading the site and my bookmark still says TheDaily WTF.
So the PC crowd has "won" another battle but they can rest assured that they'll never win the WAR.
I know a good proctologist that might help them locating their heads. :)
Admin
Old name was better... Much better!
Somebody posted an interesting suggestion to make the old domain use the same content with the old branding - a brilliant idea.
Admin
Don't like the change, but yeah, it's Alex's right to change it. Doesn't mean we're going to be enthused about it.
captcha: ewww. Yeah, 'sabout right.
Admin
I for one welcome the name change. Mostly because it has fewer syllables. I hate saying "doubleyou".
Admin
I completely agree. I feel vaguely let down by this name change - it loses the spirit of the site.
Admin
Those turlingdromes will probably be saying belgium to everything ;)
Admin
Actually it would be even funnier than the old title as most people would think it's the "what the fuck" at first until they see the subtitle.
Admin
shaka when the walls fell
Admin
it's your loss.
Admin
Hi Alex. It is the first time for me to leave a comment on your website. Pleeeeeaase come back to the old name...
Admin
Hello,
I've read all the comments on this article so far, and it's rather interesting to see where the readership's perspectives lie. The collective intelligence of the WTF readers seem to express a negative opinion of the recent name change.
A few commenters are complaining of Alex "selling out" to political correctness, and some raised an excellent point about the failure of brand renamings in the corporate world. Another person made an excellent observation about WTF's pagerank, which will inevitably decrease due to the site redirect.
The poster "Richard Nixon," who I have a fair amount of respect for, made an excellent argument against the name change. It's a pity that he plans to delete his WTF bookmark and never return to this website again.
I personally prefer this website's prior name, but I do not plan on leaving. The content is still the same, and I expect plenty of excellent articles in the future. In my mind I will always refer to this website as "The Daily WTF" though. That's how rebranding often works: consumers are inherently stubborn, and refuse to recognize an entity by its new name.
I would like to make a comment to those who plan on leaving. The content is still the same. You enjoyed reading the articles, and a mere name change isn't going to change the quality of the writing.
Also, I believe having "thedailywtf.com" retain the old logo is an excellent idea. Though I doubt Alex will approve: it creates a disunity amongst WTF readers.
Sincerely, Gregory
Admin
Admin
10 "Worse Than Failure is a lame name" 20 GOTO 10
I've told lots of folks in the past about the TheDailyWTF, but would not recommend them based on this name. It just doesn't have the same ring to it... probably seems a little strange, but others have posted how they have similar reservations.
Admin
What about "The Daily Weird Tech Findings"?
There are numerous WTFs (weird terrible features) in the name change, for instance if Alex just said he was messing with us we could have even laugh, instead, he said he was embarrassed in from of his grandma!? fucking lame! And a non sequitor by itself, does your Granny read tech news at all?
CAPTCHA: burned, That's how we feel!
Admin
This all reminds me of when FARK.com started getting popular and changed their name to "Friendly Animals Ranting Knowledgeably".
Oh wait, yeah, that never happened.
Boo on you, Alex. DailyWTF forever!
Admin
ALEX YOU STUPID SHIT
PUT THE FUCKING NAME BACK
THANK YOU
Admin
The Daily WTF was so much funnier. This looks like someone marketing to preteens thought it up.
Admin
Your ZX81 basic is WTF material on it's own. Line 10 fails with a syntax error.
You need a PRINT before the quoted text you pillock.
p.s. please change the name back. Your new site name sucks.
Admin
2)And to all you who are saying "Well I'm still going to keep coming. The content hasn't changed." YOU ARE HIGH! The content of this site HAS changed drastically in the last few months. And THAT is the reason I'm am coming here less and less.
3)You are overreaching, Alex. KISS (keep it simple stupid). There is elegance and and permanance in simplicity. Does the term "Bloatware" mean anything to you.
Admin
Booooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Capcha: stinky (how apropos)
Admin
No, do you really believe in all this political correctness shit?
The new name is terrible, I have unsubscribed from your feed.
Admin
I think the namechange is lousy, it was what drew me to the site in the first place. If you see "The Daily WTF" somewhere you just have to check it out, "Worse Than Failure" is kinda bland in comparison. And fuck isn't even that bad anymore, unless you're speaking to the elderly.
Don't get me wrong though, I'm not going on an ultimatum tantrum declaring I'll stop reading, I read this site for the contents, not some ridiculous reason like the title or "coolness". And the contents just keep on getting better and better. Keep that part up! :)
captcha: (i know) kungfu.
Admin
I hate "me too" postings, but I have to say it. The new name absolutely positively sucks.
"WTF" is a perfect description of the articles on this site and has "mind share" (as the marketing drones call it) with the target audience. When I tell people I saw something on "The Daily WTF", they either get it immediately or will never understand either the name or the site's contents.
"Worse Than Failure" is a completely artifical phrase, has no meaning to anyone, and doesn't convey the true meaning and horror of the articles.
Tell your grandmother to suck it up and deal with the profanity, or just stop telling her what it means. Changing the name to match someone who isn't in the target audience and who therefore doesn't have the background to understand most of the articles (and therefore won't read them anyway) is ridiculous.
Admin
Random vote for returning the title to "the daily WTF", and when Grandma asks, you tell her "worse than failure".
Awareness of an alternative to "classic" WTF has been raised; just keep it in the tagline.
The old URL was much better, punchier and to the point.
Admin
This seems to be the result of a move made of the same stuff with many other that intend to strike as many people in specifically targeted areas, in order to make them stand in line by starting watching their mouths, and to educate them in the fashionable spirit of vegetative sheep herds. No good parts in this; although basic freedoms, such as creativity, will largely remain to be exercised at home, these are not guaranteed to stay there forever. Grim days ahead, ppl; enjoy while you may, but responsibly.
Admin
I hate the new name, seriously. If you wanted to change the previous catchy name, ok.
But this is the best you came up with?
Another cool website jumps the shark.
Admin
I liked the old name. Yes, it was rude and irreverent - this was part of its charm. I have never had a problem telling anyone who would be interested in it the name, and it usually raised a wry smile. Many people became regular readers. Does granny read this site or do we?
To keep everyone happy, can I suggest it changes again to WTWTF (Worse than WTF). And can I just add, in the interests of being fair and balanced: "What the FUCK?!!!"
Admin
There's a lot more in a name than people give credit, and this is just pathetic. DailyWTF had real meaning, something we could relate to. WorseThanFailure? Utter pants...
Get real, switch back.
Shame on you...
Admin
Which grandma are you referring to? My mom or your dad's mom? Just curious.
Admin
grandma can't handle 'the f-word?' come on it's just some random word! boo on grandmas
Admin
[quote user="WIldpeaks"][quote user="Cloaked User"][quote user="fennec"] The site's written in .NET (check the URL extension - .aspx), which has a convention of naming methods with an initial capital letter.[/quote]
No I will not say that it's one more thing they copied from Delphi, I will resist[/quote]
And I will resist pointing out that the guy who made Delphi also made .NET
Admin
Ahem: Grandma notwithstanding, here's my guess as to what happened (no, I did not read through 8 pages of comments, so appologies if this has already been said):
Of course, changing the title doesn't prevent people from using bad words in their posts. Hmmm....
S*** P*** F*** C*** CS** MF and T*** !!! --gc
Everyone's dad is a MF! --me
Admin
This is the point at which a successful business decides whether or not to turn down business because, on one hand, it is income, and who doesn't want that? On the other hand, what the customer (in this case, advertisers) demands distracts the company from it's core offering, ultimately driving away customers.
Personally, I like the old name, and won't stop reading, but I don't have high hopes as to the quality of the site getting much better. It's not the name change, per se, but what the name change is indicative of. Too many times, a decision like this marks a turning point in a company's offerings, usually for the worse. In this case, the site may go on for years to come, but not with the bite that a name like "Daily WTF" connotates. It's precisely the word "Fuck" that causes the contributors to unconsciously feel okay (and possibly go out of their way) in writing their posts in that wonderfully sardonic and irreverent way we love so much.
It's like the difference between a Sunday car ride and a couple laps around the race track. They're both really great for their intended audiences, but don't expect a fan of one to like doing the other. I'm a race car guy who likes taking it easy once in a while, but I fear this wbesite may have just slowed down a bit too much.
I don't feel it was an encounter with Grandma that caused this change, but more likely it was one or more advertisers. However, keep this in mind; this website is an entertainment venue, which goes by different rules than the rest of the business world. Whether you hate him or like him, do you really think Johnny Knoxville's resume has been doomed because he had the word "Jackass" on it?
Admin
I wish I was that cool ;-)
Admin
Has anyone actually tried saying 'The Daily What-the-fuck' out loud to someone? You sound like a tool.
By taking that problem away from me, I'm very much grateful for the namechange (especially since that they can claim the acronym is a cunning coincidence than a bowdlerisation).
But anyways, I think this whole thing has convinced me never to use swears in names, because if you try and change it, no matter how much better you might like the new name, people will accuse you of bowdlerising it to suit the Man.
Admin
Argh. I'm struggling to remember the new name:
"dailywtf", no that's not it. "worse than fucked?" no, that's not it either. It's some name that didn't have "fuck" in it. Um... Oh now google found dailywtf for me. Thanks google!
Admin
"Hey, check out this website called 'Worse Than Failure'!"
Yeah, not really marketable.
And just who are you selling out to? There isn't a demographic that A.) isn't familiar with the expression "WTF" and B.) understands programming well enough to understand this site.