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diff --git a/dev/name.mdwn b/dev/name.mdwn new file mode 100644 index 0000000..898b504 --- /dev/null +++ b/dev/name.mdwn @@ -0,0 +1,98 @@ +[[!meta title="Distribution Name"]] + +This distribution still lacks a name. This is holding up the registration of a +domain name and, more importantly, the creation of mailing lists. Additionally, +a nameless project is rather difficult to promote and document (count the +occurrences of "this system" on the main Web site). + + +Requirements +============ + + * The name must in some way hint at some key feature of the operating system + (e.g. its small size, its high configurability, and/or its near universal + application). + * The name should be fairly short and easy to say and spell. + * The name must be eligible for trademark protection (and in the same vein it + must not be confusingly similar to that of any other software work). + * The name must be an available domain name in at least the "com" domain. + * The name must not include names of any included software packages. The + obvious example, Linux(-libre), may someday be just one choice of kernel for + the operating system and as such should not be referenced in the system's + name. + + +Possible Themes +=============== + +The name may be (or be derived from) a real word in English or any other +language. It may refer to a place, an animal, a figure from some culture's +mythology (especially a shapeshifter), a chemical element or compound, etc. + +Or the name may be an acronym, recursive acronym, or mutually recursive acronym +(like GNU HURD/HERD). + + +Considered Names +================ + +ProteanOS +--------- + +"Protean" is [defined][protean-defn] as "exceedingly variable; readily assuming +different shapes or forms". It refers to [Proteus][proteus-info], an ancient +Greek god of the sea known for changing his shape to avoid curious pursuers. + +I (P. J.) am not keen on having a project name that ends in "OS". I'd prefer a +standalone word or acronym. However, the former are hard to find available as +domain names, and the latter are hard to devise. + +This name is currently available in the "com" domain. + +[protean-defn]: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/protean +[proteus-info]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proteus + +Kasei +----- + +A Japanese word that (in the "εζ" writing) literally [means][kasei-defn] +"change into form" and is translated to mean "chemical synthesis, +transformation". + +Interestingly, "kasei" is also an anagram of "sekai" ("δΈη"), the Japanese word +for "world"; we could use this to refer to the OS's universal application. + +"kasei.com" is currently registered. The registrant has declined to transfer +the domain for use by this project. + +[kasei-defn]: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E5%8C%96%E6%88%90 + +Kitsune +------- + +The Japanese word for "fox". Foxes are [well-known][kitsune-info] as +shapeshifters in the folklore of Japan and other regions in Asia. + +"kitsune.com" seems to be registered by a company in Great Britain. They have +not been contacted regarding possible transfer. + +[kitsune-info]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitsune#Characteristics + +Fuhen +----- + +A Mandarin word incorporated into the Japanese language. It [means][fuhen-defn] +"common, widespread, universal, ubiquitous, omnipresent". + +"fuhen.com" is registered by a company in Japan. They have not been contacted +regarding possible transfer. + +[fuhen-defn]: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E6%99%AE%E9%81%8D + +RUES: Universal Embedded System +------------------------------- + +A recursive acronym. It may also refer to the [plant][rue-info], though that +seems irrelevant. + +[rue-info]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rue |