Think catchy is easy? Try it

Maybe the Olympics left us all a tad skeptical about the current state of contests.

Or maybe the onset of spring has everyone distracted.

Those are two possible explanations for why only about 200 people entered the contest to name Hernando County's new bus system.

A more probable reason for so few entries could be that it's not as easy as some people think to come up with an idea that is catchy, accurate and also lends itself to a recognizable logo.

I know it's not easy because I tried. It wasn't an official attempt, you understand, because Times employees, like county workers, are forbidden from participating in the contest sponsored by the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

But in preparation for this column, I gave it my best shot and discovered quickly that coming up with legitimate ideas was much more difficult -- and a lot less fun -- than cracking wise with suggestions you know will never be seriously considered.

For those who may not have kept up with the news stories and advertisements about the contest, it works like this: Residents were asked to name the bus system, which is expected to start rolling in September. Twenty-five buses will run between various Brooksville and Spring Hill locations for 50 cents per trip, or $1 for an all-day pass. The name of the transit system should be memorable, create an identity and be reflective of the county and its people. The entry deadline is today. A committee will review the entries Monday, and the list will be whittled to three finalists. The winner will be selected by the County Commission on March 26, and that person wins a free, six-month bus pass.

Most people who have lived or visited up north understand what the county is after. Something like the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority), or the MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), or SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority). You get the drift.

And most of the entries the county received were in that vein. Some were valid and some were vapid. Here's a sampling:

The A.C.T.S. (All-County Transit System)

The BATBUS (Brooksville Area Transit Bus)

The BHL (Blue Hair Line). (In the same vein, one entrant offered the Grayhare Express and another suggested The Silver Streak)

The ECHO (because it goes out and returns!)

HAT (Hernando Area Transit)

HART (Hernando ARea Transit)

The Hernando Hopper

The Freedom Ferry

The Hernando Joy Ride

Glide Ride

Jolley Trolley

Hernando's Sun Coaster

HIP (Hernando Intercounty Public Transportation)

The HUBS (Hernando Users Bus)

The SAINT (Spring Hill Area Integrated Transit System)

I doubt there are a lot of copywriters losing sleep about the pool of talent in Hernando County, but you have to remember these are not professionals who took the time to share their ideas. Just regular folks who guessed they might do as good a job as the next guy.

I'm no pro either, and out of a sense of fairness, I figure if I'm going to poke fun at others, I should embarrass myself in the process. Check out these losing gems (I'll leave it to readers to decide which ones are sincere and which are intended to elicit a groan):

CC Rider (Coast-to-Curb Rider)

The BUM (Bus Users Metro)

The HOLE (Hernando OverLand Express)

HI RoadS (Hernando Intercounty Road System)

The HIRE (Hernando Inter-local Rapid Express)

SHOP CART (Specialized Hernando OPerations Cart)

The HOT-E (Hernando Overland Transit Express)

PMS (People Movers Service)

The NATCAT (Nature Coast Area Transit)

The BUTT (Brooksville United TransiT)

HUMP (Hernando's Unbeatable Mover of People)

Like I said, this is not easy.

Think you can come up with something better? Be my guest. Like one of mine? Take it and put your name on it.

The county will accept written entries that are postmarked by 5 p.m. today. If you prefer to fax your submission, the number is 754-4420. Or you may e-mail your idea to www.mpo@hernando.fl.us.

Just remember: If you don't participate, you're just going along for the ride.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright