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Ok, so we know electronics.stackexchange has been seeded with content from chiphacker.com, but will this new site also use the name?

Would anyone like to propose any other names?

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    \$\begingroup\$ More importantly, will it retain the octopus logo? :) \$\endgroup\$
    – endolith
    Sep 29, 2010 at 20:31
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    \$\begingroup\$ @endolith - That was no ordinary octopus - That was an Electropus! \$\endgroup\$
    – Kevin Vermeer
    Sep 29, 2010 at 22:23

4 Answers 4

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Short Circuit

I like this name because:

  1. Retains the error code theme of sites like Stack Overflow and Server Fault.
  2. Is catchy? That's a subjective point, but I like it.
  3. The initials SC aren't taken by any other site.
  4. Implies a quick path to answers to electronics question
  5. Is difficult to mistake for consumer electronics.
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    \$\begingroup\$ While I like the name "Short Circuit" in keeping with the tradition of similar concepts like "Stack Overflow" and "Server Fault" -- my objection is that this is the same name as a popular 80's movie, which might cause confusion. \$\endgroup\$
    – JYelton
    Mar 19, 2011 at 2:16
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    \$\begingroup\$ @JYelton - Well, I was born three years after that movie came out. Besides, it looks like a geeky movie anyways, which I wouldn't mind the site being associated with (though that's only from reading the Wikipedia plot summary). I doubt that people will really be confused about the situation. \$\endgroup\$
    – Kevin Vermeer
    Mar 19, 2011 at 4:43
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    \$\begingroup\$ Being born after something is no reason not to be aware of its existence. The copyright lawyers probably won't care about birthdays. \$\endgroup\$
    – JYelton
    Mar 20, 2011 at 17:14
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    \$\begingroup\$ The term "short circuit" was well-known long before any movies with the name. I think the movie is irrelevant, even from copyright and trademark perspective. \$\endgroup\$
    – endolith
    Mar 21, 2011 at 15:07
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You know what, I'm going to add my own answer here, in case I didn't make it clear enough in my question text:

I vote to keep the name ChipHacker.

(& the octopus)

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  • \$\begingroup\$ -1 Because electronics (less and less I admit...) encompasses much more than integrated circuits... \$\endgroup\$
    – JYelton
    Mar 18, 2011 at 19:17
  • \$\begingroup\$ @JYelton SMD resistors and capacitors and diodes are not integrated circuits, but they are still 'chips'. \$\endgroup\$
    – endolith
    Mar 20, 2011 at 16:45
  • \$\begingroup\$ Wow...to those with <750 rep, this question has 10 upvotes and 5 downvotes. Hotly contested! \$\endgroup\$
    – Kevin Vermeer
    Mar 20, 2011 at 17:01
  • \$\begingroup\$ +1 for chiphacker. In some circles, "hacker" is still pejorative. It shouldn't be. It's a badge of honour, celebrating ingenuity and understanding. catb.org/jargon/html/H/hacker.html \$\endgroup\$
    – Toby Jaffey
    Mar 20, 2011 at 21:00
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    \$\begingroup\$ @Joby I don't like the name, "hacker" doesn't suggest novel design, let alone designing circuits outside of casual settings. \$\endgroup\$
    – Nick T
    Mar 20, 2011 at 21:18
  • \$\begingroup\$ I would pronounce this "Chiffacker" \$\endgroup\$
    – oracle certified professional
    Jan 10, 2013 at 12:58
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I'll throw out a name suggestion, just to see if there's any further interest in doing so:

ElectronFlow

Electronics and Robotics: Engineering and Design

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Interesting idea. I think it would be easier to read as two words, but that's a small detail. I think there is further interest in name suggestions, because we're soon to get a recommendation from Robert (or another community manager) about whether or not we're including Robotics in the community. \$\endgroup\$
    – Kevin Vermeer
    Mar 19, 2011 at 0:58
  • \$\begingroup\$ Current in batteries and other components is a flow of ions, not electrons. :D \$\endgroup\$
    – endolith
    Mar 20, 2011 at 16:39
  • \$\begingroup\$ @endolith That's true but the name is an attempt to be more broadly accessible. Most people, even if not familiar with circuits at all, are more familiar with the electron from its everyday use. IonFlow I think, most people would assume the site is about those ionizing air cleaners! \$\endgroup\$
    – JYelton
    Mar 20, 2011 at 17:12
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I think "Electronics" is perfect

(Then changed his mind, but answer left the same so that votes for it are still for the right thing. If you don't want "electronics", then vote this answer down.)

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  • \$\begingroup\$ "Electronics", IMO, places too much emphasis on discrete components and ignores issues of programming and system engineering that we want to include. "Chip" refers to components which require electronics knowledge, and which may also require programming. "Hacker" does lend a less formal/professional tone to the site, though. \$\endgroup\$
    – Kevin Vermeer
    Oct 3, 2010 at 18:06
  • \$\begingroup\$ My response was based on this post: blog.stackoverflow.com/2010/09/merging-season "Electronics" is more generic and "Chiphacker" more specific. \$\endgroup\$
    – Daniel Grillo
    Oct 4, 2010 at 16:48
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    \$\begingroup\$ So this is a site for questions about iPhones and TVs? \$\endgroup\$
    – endolith
    Mar 18, 2011 at 20:56
  • \$\begingroup\$ @endolith I've updated my opinion. Thanks \$\endgroup\$
    – Daniel Grillo
    Mar 18, 2011 at 22:50
  • \$\begingroup\$ I changed it back so that votes still show the amount of support this name had. You should vote up the answer you like \$\endgroup\$
    – endolith
    Mar 20, 2011 at 16:35

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