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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

RED WEAPON - the name

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Steve Sherrick said:
Ultimately they should decide what they think is best for them but listening to customer feedback is very smart too. They've done this in the past as well.
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Yup, I sure I don't think we could every say that RED don't care or don't or haven't listened to their customers. So many times they have done things that are innovative and a bit outrageous in terms of going above and beyond customer service with their philosophy.

The collective WE have been a part of this wonderful ride.

Battistella
 
RED 'Whatever'. lol.

:biggrin:

I can understand both the appeal and the ridicule of the Weapon name. I don't really care that much about it personally, even though I do think people have valid moral and practical reasons for disliking the name.

Without entering into the whole debate or passing judgement on it all, I think, while there's still time, there is an opportunity here to reconsider and adapt. As David suggests, it could simply be seen as moving from something more like an in-house working title, to something better prepared for more general exposure in the wider world (and 'industry'). Why not try and maximize the potential of the new name?

I'm hopeless at naming and titling things, so I can't make any suggestions. If it were up to me I'd probably just call it 'Dragon W' or something.
 
I propose we don't get carried away with name suggestions. At this point, I'm just happy that Red is even considering a change.

I give a lot of props to Jarred for listening and considering the poll, as I know it's not easy to go back on your decisions.

Cheers!
 
If you'll allow me... I'll share a quick funny story...

In 2002, I was headed from Phoenix to Las Vegas for the NAB show. I was 'working' at a booth and needed a ton of my personal equipment. At the time, there was no "fly over" bridge to go over the Dam. Therefore, you had to drive slowly, pull over, be checked by security and if all was good, proceed on your way.

I have a custom "box truck" with several 'doors' on it... 7 on the driver's side and 6 on the passenger side. They are all custom depending on what is in each 'locker' with a big 'barn' in the rear... Makes getting at gear, quickly and easily! (If you want to see a photo, here ya go! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...050718.-2207520000.1424716920.&type=3&theater)


So we crossed the dam, later at night because the lines weren't as long... This isn't too far beyond NYC and 911, so bear that in mind... The security guys ask what we're doing, and what we have in the truck. I explain it to them... Then the one guy, (I've always called him "Earl" because he looks just like the character in the show "My Name Is Earl") asks us to open some compartments, and we comply. He sees all of our Pelican cases laid out, in a row and labeled! He screams "FREEZE! Hands in the air, get down on your knees!" as he DRAWS HIS WEAPON ON ME!

I'm freaked out, and I do as he asks, because I DO NOT want to get shot; I also have no idea what's going on!

He gets on his walkie and says "I need back up here RIGHT NOW! I have a terrorist in custody and he's transporting weapons!"

I over hear this and I'm like "WHAT!!??!" I ask him "what do you mean weapons! I don't have any weapons! It's all TV camera and lighting gear man!"

There are about 6 cars that come flying into this particular parking lot, and now State Troopers are involved! They all come up, with weapons drawn! My Name Is Earl is come kind of excited, and still has his gun pointed at me! "I got one! We got a terrorist right here! See, he's transportin' Stinger Missiles, right there!"

Again, I'm like "WHAT!?!?! What the hell are you talking about, man?"

"Says so RIGHT THERE! STINGERS! He's got missiles right there, sir!" he yells!

At this point, I actually get up off the ground and try to speak to the supervisor! "Sir, those are NOT stinger missiles! Those are extension cords! We're a TV crew! If you'll allow me, I'll OPEN the case and prove it to you!"

"Don't do it! He'll kill us all!" "Earl" screams!

"Sir, can you ask him to STOP pointing that gun at me! I'm afraid he's a bit over excited and I'm concerned he's going to shoot me!" I plead with the state trooper...

"Lower your weapon, please... Son, it does say "Stingers" on the case. Mind explaining that?" The supervisor asks...

"Sure thing, officer... in my business, the film making and television business... 'stingers' are extension cables for electricity... you have to respect them or you get 'stung' by the electricity. Understand? I don't name this stuff... it's just what everyone calls them... so I have a case labeled this for when I need someone else to run to the truck and get an extension cord." I explain.

"You do realize the confusion though, don't you son?" He asks.

"I guess so, yes... but I guess my thought process would be that if I were a terrorist, I would NOT label the case with what's in it if I were trying to smuggle it! You know? Have you ever seen a Stinger Missile? They're like 6 feet long or something!"

"See that! See that! He even knows what they look like! I'm telling you, he's a terrorist!" Earl says.

"Dude, if you've ever watched a movie, they're in there all the time! I'm just sayin'! Do you see drug dealers moving contraband with cases labeled "heroine?" "Cocaine?" "Marijuana?" NO! Cuz, they DO NOT want to get caught! That's why! It would be stupid! I'm sorry, but this whole ordeal is insane, frankly!"

"We'd appreciate it, if when going through a security checkpoint, that you don't have things labeled like this, as to avoid any confusion. Is that too much to ask?" The supervisor asks me.

"No sir. I'll pull the label off right now. Cool?"

"You can go about your business... thanks for your cooperation..."



This is where my 'position' on the potential name comes from. It's why I've always covered the "Bomb" on the EVF. There are idiots in positions of power out there... and I'd hate to see them abuse it! That's all I'm sayin'...
 
Ok a poll...

I'm sure you guys at RED have a half dozen names that you picked from - that you've already registered & trademarked - that could be put towards the crew here on REDUser.

Just as I'm sure that everyone here on REDUser understands that a name change at this point can & probably will add a delay, and cost to their new camera. But you know what; this crew is pretty understanding when it comes to that sort of thing. There are some top notch accountants here... /sarcasm

As for me; the name is kind of Meh - a little aggressive for my liking, but I doubt that it would cause any trouble when crossing borders. If your paperwork matches what's in the case, and you can show that it's a camera; you're fine. And yes I've travelled extensively to shoot, even in places where they are shooting.
 
Jarred Land said:
You guys are persistent... Maybe we should make a poll.
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Jarred, I really appreciate this gesture, even just you giving time of your day and energy to this "cause" is noticed and appreciated. Thank you for listening :)
 
Jarred Land said:
You guys are persistent... Maybe we should make a poll.
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Wow! Didn't see that coming. You really care a lot - even sometimes too much - and I like it ;)

If you're really reconsidering... The name will most likely always raise controversy and you now might still have the chance and time to reconsider or change it.

I don't mind the name, but I don't find it superbe either.
RED ONE cool, basic, statement - loved it
EPIC - it was and it is. Bold statement and the camera lived up to its name
SCARLET - find it sexy. Love the RED affiliation in the name
DRAGON - fierce! Name to me rolls of the tongue. Beware of fire, this thing means business
WEAPON - cool for puns. I don't think it rocks as much as it intends to.

To me it mostly doesn't quite fit into the naming convention of the cameras. I'd see it more for a module name. Love the WMD for example :)

Maybe I find it too general/generic/universal? Don't know the right adjective to describe what I mean.
It describes a family of items and not a single item - maybe that makes it clearer what I mean.
Kinda like rather naming it BAZOOKA or ANTHRAX (listened to too much metal) or EXCALIBUR :) instead of weapon. ;) not that I'd suggest to name it like that but as an example to describe what I mean.

And hell, why not make it a poll and have red users vote for or submit names.

And as in Scarlet, I think there are probably more RED related names out there, waiting to be picked
You know maybe like MAGMA ;)

Just my 2 Cents

EDIT: Jim clarified it for me with his post.
I understand now where it's coming from, but it probably won't solve the controversy for most people who'd vote against it.
 
Meh... The problem with Titan is that everything else in this world bearing the Titan name is some big, lumbering object like a pickup truck or large SUV or something else beefy and strong. People think Titan is a cool name because they associate it with big and powerful, but it is also meant to reflect something deadly. So I don't think Titan properly reflects the new camera system, but I'd vote for it since I like "Weapon" and the original Titans were weapons to be wielded by the Greek Gods. In Greek Mythology, the Titans were the culmination of an abuse of power and the original "WMD's". Heh, go for it.

I think before everyone gets too hasty with dispatching the "Weapon" name, perhaps we should see what it is that we're naming.... Just sayin' I'm betting "Weapon" is very fitting.
 
Curt, quite a story you got there! Didn't want to be in you're shoes. U.S. police are a bit too quick with the whole pulling and pointing the gun situation.

PS like your truck! :)
 
Jarred Land said:
You guys are persistent... Maybe we should make a poll.
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I posted a bit ago, but the post seems to have disappeared.

My daughter is now with child. I suggested ZOD, if gender is male and The Kracken, if either the former is not accepted, or the opposite gender.

Of course, RED would have to hire the rascal...

Thank you very much

Fury
 
Jeff Kilgroe said:
I think before everyone gets too hasty with dispatching the "Weapon" name, perhaps we should see what it is that we're naming.... Just sayin' I'm betting "Weapon" is very fitting.
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Very valid point, Jeff!
 
Jeff Kilgroe said:
Meh... The problem with Titan is that everything else in this world bearing the Titan name is some big, lumbering object like a pickup truck or large SUV or something else beefy and strong. People think Titan is a cool name because they associate it with big and powerful, but it is also meant to reflect something deadly. So I don't think Titan properly reflects the new camera system, but I'd vote for it since I like "Weapon" and the original Titans were weapons to be wielded by the Greek Gods. In Greek Mythology, the Titans were the culmination of an abuse of power and the original "WMD's". Heh, go for it.

I think before everyone gets too hasty with dispatching the "Weapon" name, perhaps we should see what it is that we're naming.... Just sayin' I'm betting "Weapon" is very fitting.
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And a multi-cam setup could be called "Weaponry" '-)
 
Naming is not easy, that's for sure. Back in the heyday of dot-com, my company used to get upwards of $150K just to come up with a name. I agree with Jeff on the general point that you can't name something you know very little about. As important, also, is the context in which it "lives." I respect that the RED team knows all that better than anyone. I just think the context they have created is not empowering to build their brand.

Personally, I think marketing, and branding in particular, is important and often under appreciated. As much as I love the technology created by RED, I have always disliked the brand image. There are ways to do the "bad boy" / anti-estasblishent thing without looking like a cross between Hell's Angels and Freddy Krueger with a pinch of "Shock and Awe."

I am incredibly impressed with Jarred's openness to re-visiting the name. I hope it leads to a great place for all involved.

Maybe a space theme since RED was chosen by NASA to go to space?
 
I just voted and I urge everyone that feels passionate about this to let your voice be heard.
No matter how silly or genius the names have been in the past, this is obviously the first time such a massive reaction has happened. And I'm happy we are being heard.
I remember first time I heard the Epic name, it made smile a little bit. And I thought that it better deliver great pictures. And it did. Now the next camera will be another leap forward and it needs a name fitting great accomplishments.
for those wondering what it is that is being named here, it is obviously a camera body. We don't know the numbers and specs, but we know it's a camera body that will house the Dragon and the next sensor, so it will be with us for a little while.
 
JANNARD! just posted "We are at war with conventional thinking." Leave the name as it stands.
 
Patrick Grossien said:
Curt, quite a story you got there! Didn't want to be in you're shoes. U.S. police are a bit too quick with the whole pulling and pointing the gun situation.

PS like your truck! :)
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Patrick, I personally think the name "Weapon" is pretty cool! I just know the realities of working and having to deal with idiots! I've since removed my "Stingers" from a Pelican case, and they now hang in another compartment without a case at all! My friends, family and crew members LOVE to hear and see me tell that story, because it's so much more animated! I condensed it too... but man, it was crazy! It actually CHANGED how I think... I try to look at things from another's perspective now...

Thanks for the comments on the "Fuso"! I like it too! She's bad ass and one of a kind! She's my One, Epic, Titan of a production truck Weapon, named Scarlet!
 
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