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  STS-130: NASA names ISS Node 3 "Tranquility" (Page 1)

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Author Topic:   STS-130: NASA names ISS Node 3 "Tranquility"
Robert Pearlman
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posted 02-19-2009 11:30 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
NASA release
Be Part Of History -- Help NASA Name The Next Space Station Module

NASA is asking the public to help name the International Space Station's next module - a control tower for robotics in space and the world's ultimate observation deck.

Eight refrigerator-sized racks in the Node 3 module will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to the node is the cupola, a one-of-a-kind work station with six windows around the sides and one on top. The cupola will offer astronauts a spectacular view of their home planet and their home in space. In addition to providing a perfect location to observe and photograph Earth, the cupola also will contain a robotics workstation from which astronauts will be able to control the station's 57-foot robotic arm.

Individuals can vote for the module's name online, choosing one of four NASA suggestions -- Earthrise, Legacy, Serenity or Venture -- or writing in a name. Submissions will be accepted Feb. 19 through March 20. The name should reflect the spirit of exploration and cooperation embodied by the space station and follow in the tradition set by Node 1, named "Unity," and Node 2, named "Harmony."

The winning name will be announced at the Node 3 unveiling April 28 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The node is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy April 20 and is targeted for launch in late 2009.

ShuttleDiscovery
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posted 02-20-2009 11:31 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for ShuttleDiscovery     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I hope they name Node 3 Serenity!

It just follows the pattern of names ending in -y: Unity, Harmony and Serenity...

NavySpaceFan
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posted 02-20-2009 01:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for NavySpaceFan   Click Here to Email NavySpaceFan     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I sent in a vote for Serenity, then sent a second write-in vote for Grissom.

KSCartist
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posted 02-20-2009 03:21 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for KSCartist   Click Here to Email KSCartist     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Serenity makes the most sense as hopefully the view out those windows will give to crews a place to enjoy a serene view.

The only reason I'm against naming a piece of the ISS after any one astronaut is leaving out the others who deserve it also, "White, Chaffee, Williams", etc.

But I can get behind naming an Orion spacecraft "USS Grissom". How many of these are we building anyway?

Robert Pearlman
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posted 02-20-2009 04:27 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Personally, I suggested Tranquility, as it speaks to our past, our future and is synonymous with serenity.

cfreeze79
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posted 02-22-2009 04:12 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for cfreeze79   Click Here to Email cfreeze79     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Am I the only one who sees the connection with 'Serenity' to its former primetime TV series counterpart on "Firefly"? 'Serenity' was the name of the ship on the series, and I envision this naming op will enjoy the benefit of votes from a lot of Joss Wheldon fans.

NavySpaceFan
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posted 02-22-2009 06:06 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for NavySpaceFan   Click Here to Email NavySpaceFan     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Nope, I've seen the connection mentioned on other boards.

Jay Chladek
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posted 02-26-2009 10:36 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Jay Chladek   Click Here to Email Jay Chladek     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Lets call it "Shirley". (Sesame Street reference). Actually, Serenity sounds good to me and I can see it happening since there is a copy of Firefly's DVDs on the ISS for the entertainment of the occupants.

As for naming an Orion USS Grissom, sure, as long as a Klingon Bird of Prey doesn't de-cloak behind it and blast it into oblivion!

KSCartist
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posted 02-27-2009 09:39 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for KSCartist   Click Here to Email KSCartist     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Heck Jay, we don't have to worry about that for a few hundred years.

TRS
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posted 03-02-2009 04:50 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for TRS   Click Here to Email TRS     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I've suggested 'Resolution'

A few links - Cook's ship that followed on the explorations of the Pacific after the voyage of Endeavour (so a nice connection with the Shuttle delivering it there). Also the fact that many of the crew of Endeavour served on Resolution captures the sense of connection between one part of an exploration and the next step.

The meanings associated with vision and view as well as steadfast commitment to a task are also appropriate to it I think.

Resolution as clarity of vision as well as clarity of, and commitment to, a noble purpose.

The shared commitment and resolve of the many nations involved, together with the focus and commitment of those who are builders and crew of the ISS is reflected in the idea of resolution. And I think there's also a neat fit with the concepts of Harmony and Unity - Resolution conveys a shared committment to working together for a common purpose and a shared vision.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 03-04-2009 09:35 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
ColbertNation.com: Name the NASA Module After Stephen
You are officially mobilized to get the new NASA module named after Stephen. (02:27)

(As NASA is quick to point out: "Remember, these are suggestions and not decided by popular vote.")

kr4mula
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posted 03-04-2009 10:59 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for kr4mula   Click Here to Email kr4mula     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
How about "Crossroads"? Apropos for a node and for NASA's current point in history. I'll leave it up to you to decide any soul-selling inferences.

Jay Chladek
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posted 03-04-2009 08:39 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Jay Chladek   Click Here to Email Jay Chladek     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'm all for naming it Colbert!!! Anything but Xenu!

NavySpaceFan
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posted 03-05-2009 07:49 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for NavySpaceFan   Click Here to Email NavySpaceFan     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
At last check, "Colbert" was the number one write-in suggestion. Ah, the power of television.

FFrench
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posted 03-09-2009 05:22 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for FFrench     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'm all for "Serenity" as the best-sounding fit with the others.

I was, however, amused by the Colbert quip I read online:

"Earthrise, Legacy, Serenity and Venture? Those aren't space modules, those are organic teas!"

Robert Pearlman
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posted 03-11-2009 12:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
ColbertNation.com: Space Module Colbert - William Gerstenmaier
Stephen asks William Gerstenmaier to commit to naming the space module "Colbert," if he wins the online vote. (06:46)

ejectr
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posted 03-23-2009 07:23 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ejectr   Click Here to Email ejectr     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The winner... COLBERT!
The name "Colbert" beat out NASA's four suggested options in the space agency's effort to have the public help name the addition. The new room will be launched later this year.

NASA's mistake was allowing write-ins. Colbert urged viewers of his Comedy Central show, "The Colbert Report" to write in his name. And they complied, with 230,539 votes.

That clobbered "Serenity," one of the NASA choices, by more than 40,000 votes.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 03-23-2009 07:30 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Of course, it wasn't a popularity contest; the votes and the write-ins were only suggestions.

Still, part of me wants Node 3 to be named Colbert...

Robert Pearlman
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posted 03-24-2009 12:40 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
SPACE.com: NASA Might Name Toilet For Comedian Stephen Colbert
NASA may consider putting Stephen Colbert's name on a space toilet, after the comedian came out on top of the U.S. space agency's online naming poll for a new space module.

...NASA spokesman John Yembrick said the Node 3 naming decision would not be made until April and that the "highest voted names" were receiving the most consideration.

"As for the toilet rumor, we don't want to flush away any goodwill by announcing something before we are ready," Yembrick said.

Mercury7
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posted 04-01-2009 01:48 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Mercury7     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I think NASA should probably go through with the naming, based on the few times I have seen the Colbert report, he honestly seems to be a fan of NASA. His show is silly/funny but NASA did allow write in votes, perhaps for the last time...

It might be good for NASA to have an advocate even in comedy with a national exposure. Democracy in space rules.

issman1
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posted 04-01-2009 02:40 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for issman1     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
USS Stephen Colbert has a nice ring to it? If NASA was naive to suggest write-ins, it would be foolish to deny naming Node 3 after this gentleman.

Jay Chladek
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posted 04-01-2009 04:44 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Jay Chladek   Click Here to Email Jay Chladek     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
USS Steven Colbert? Hmmm, at the very least I know now what to name one of my upcoming Star Trek ship models.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-07-2009 08:49 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
ColbertNation.com: Space Module Colbert - Urine Processing Room
NASA, don't make Stephen launch an intern into space with a can of spray paint. (03:28)

Jay Chladek
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posted 04-09-2009 12:59 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Jay Chladek   Click Here to Email Jay Chladek     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
So, what the heck is a Buzz Aldrin anyway?

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-10-2009 02:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Astronaut Suni Williams will be a guest on The Colbert Report on Tuesday, April 14 at 11:30 p.m. EDT when NASA will announce the name of Node 3.
NASA to Announce New Space Station Module Name April 14

NASA's newest module for the International Space Station will get a new name on April 14.

The agency plans to make the announcement with the help of Expedition 14 and 15 astronaut Sunita "Suni" Williams on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report." The program will air at 11:30 p.m. EDT.

The name, which will not be publicly released until the program airs, was selected from thousands of unique suggestions submitted on NASA's Internet site, nasa.gov. The "Help Name Node 3" poll asked people to vote for the module's name either by choosing one of four NASA options or by offering their own suggestion. The poll closed on March 20.

"The node naming poll was organic and took on a life of its own," said Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "We received more than a million entries, in large part because social media Web sites and television programs, such as 'The Colbert Report,' took an interest. This spread overall awareness of the International Space Station."

NASA originally planned to announce the node's name on April 28 after it arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. However, the node's arrival at Kennedy is delayed until May, so the announcement moved to April 14.

The show's producers offered to host the name selection announcement after comedian and host Stephen Colbert took interest during the census and urged his followers to post the name "Colbert."

"I certainly hope NASA does the right thing," said Colbert. "Just kidding, I hope they name it after me."

Node 3 is a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the space station's life support systems. Attached to the node is the cupola, a one-of-a-kind work station with six windows around the sides and one on top. Node 3 is targeted for launch in late 2009.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-14-2009 08:21 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
collectSPACE: NASA names space module for moon base ...not Colbert
Houston, Tranquility Node 3 here, the COLBERT has landed.

Displaying both a sense of history and humor, NASA on Tuesday revealed "Tranquility" as the name of its newest space station module, while christening a new astronaut exercise device after the comedian whose name led their public opinion poll for what to name the orbiting outpost's new room.

NASA release
NASA New Space Station Module Name Honors Apollo 11 Anniversary

The International Space Station module formerly known as Node 3 has a new name. After more than a million online responses, the node will be called "Tranquility."

The name Tranquility was chosen from thousands of suggestions submitted by participants on NASA's Web site. The "Help Name Node 3" poll asked people to vote for the module's name either by choosing one of four options listed by NASA or offering their own suggestion. Tranquility was one of the top 10 suggestions submitted by respondents to the poll, which ended March 20.

"The public did a fantastic job and surprised us with the quality and volume of the suggestions," said Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations. "Apollo 11 landed on the moon at the Sea of Tranquility 40 years ago this July. We selected 'Tranquility' because it ties it to exploration and the moon and symbolizes the spirit of international cooperation embodied by the space station."

NASA announced the name Tuesday with the help of Expedition 14 and 15 astronaut Suni Williams on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report." The show's producers offered to host the name selection announcement after comedian Stephen Colbert took an interest in the poll and urged his viewers to suggest the name "Colbert," which received the most entries.

"We don't typically name U.S. space station hardware after living people and this is no exception," Gerstenmaier joked. "However, NASA is naming its new space station treadmill the 'Combined Operational Load Bearing External Resistance Treadmill,' or COLBERT. We have invited Stephen to Florida for the launch of COLBERT and to Houston to try out a version of the treadmill that astronauts train on."

The treadmill is targeted to launch to the station in August. It will be installed in Tranquility after the node arrives at the station next year. A newly-created patch will depict the acronym and an illustration of the treadmill.

Tranquility is scheduled to arrive at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in May. There, it will be prepared for space shuttle Endeavour's flight, designated STS-130, which is targeted for launch in February 2010. Tranquility will join four other named U.S. modules on the station: the Destiny laboratory, the Quest airlock, the Unity node and the Harmony node.

Tranquility is a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the space station's life support systems. Attached to the node is a cupola, which is a unique work station with six windows on the sides and one on top.

Suni Williams made the announcement on "The Colbert Report" two years after running the Boston Marathon in space on a station treadmill similar to COLBERT. Video of Williams' run and the name announcement on "The Colbert Report" will air on NASA Television's Video File.

ilbasso
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posted 04-14-2009 10:59 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ilbasso   Click Here to Email ilbasso     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
When can we get the COLBERT patch they showed on the program this evening?

mjanovec
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posted 04-15-2009 12:33 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for mjanovec   Click Here to Email mjanovec     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I had hoped NASA would have had better sense than to recycle a name that already has more important significance to the space program for another reason. Now whenever I will hear "Tranquility" mentioned with regards to the space station, it will only serve as a reminder of a time when the manned space program wasn't stuck in low earth orbit.

You also gotta love a government agency that asks people for their opinions on a name, gives out four primary suggestions, collects thousands and thousands of votes, then chooses the 8th most popular suggestion (which also wasn't among the original four).

At least the name for the treadmill showed some originality...and will probably end up being much more memorable in the long run.

jimsz
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posted 04-15-2009 06:18 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for jimsz   Click Here to Email jimsz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
More stunts from NASA to try and drum up interest and excitement into a tired out low earth orbit space program.

Why not just go all the way and have a reality series on the Discovery Channel? The taxpayers already have paid for a hotel for millionaires to spend a week in, why not a reality program where someone wins a trip?

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-15-2009 07:24 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
ColbertNation.com: Space Module: Colbert - Sunita Williams
However far the space station goes, Stephen's treadmill will always have gone a few miles more. (06:33)

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-15-2009 08:33 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by mjanovec:
Now whenever I will hear "Tranquility" mentioned with regards to the space station, it will only serve as a reminder of a time when the manned space program wasn't stuck in low earth orbit.
On the other hand, there hasn't been a time in our history since Apollo when we have had more people actively working to return us to the Moon than now (and I am not just referring to NASA's efforts).

I think there's something appropriate about having one of the last pieces of the current program serve as a symbolic bridge to the next one. But then, I wrote pretty much the same thing almost four months ago:

Personally, I suggested Tranquility, as it speaks to our past, our future and is synonymous with serenity.

mjanovec
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posted 04-15-2009 11:42 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for mjanovec   Click Here to Email mjanovec     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
No offense Robert, but in my opinion the word tranquility already has such an important significance to the space program that it should not be recycled over and over again. I won't go so far as to suggest that "Tranquility" is a sacred name. But I do feel that it's re-use for an ISS node somewhat lessens the significance of that name's connection to the Apollo program.

Also, as I mentioned earlier, I think it's somewhat silly to ask the public for their input and then ignore the most popular choices...especially among the four suggested names...and go with the 8th most popular write-in choice. This was a chance to give the public a voice to participate in the space program and make them feel connected to the ISS. And NASA effectively said the public's wishes be damned, even if it was clear that Serenity was by far the favorite pick of the four suggested names. The contest wasn't even close. Instead, they decided it was more important to go with a name less popular than "Myyearbook" and "Buddy" in the write-in category.

spacecraft films
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posted 04-15-2009 11:54 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for spacecraft films   Click Here to Email spacecraft films     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Should have gone with Colbert.

If you don't want the answer, don't ask the question. But then again I've never been a big fan of the "naming" contests, etc. If the naming is supposed to evoke honor and dignity in some fashion, then subjecting it to a popularity process diminishes the result from the start.

These sorts of contrived processes end up leaving little satisfaction, even though it sounds so very good by committees sitting around conference room tables.

My bet is that by counting news clips this is considered a big success, but in the end it shows a disregard for their constituency.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-15-2009 12:10 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I think if NASA made any mistake, it was to put their example names up for vote at the same time as accepting write-in suggestions. I think that the agency should have used an open form, blind ballot, ruling out any indication of popularity (as they did not intend it be a contest, rather it only appeared that way).

I don't think that it can be said however, that NASA ignored its constituency. Keep in mind that the number of votes does not equal the number of people, as multiple votes were permitted. As Colbert himself joked last night, "fart monkey" got seven votes, but only because he voted seven times.

There's no telling how many people actually voted for "Colbert" versus how many people submitted "Colbert" multiple times (as fans are more apt to do in situations like these).

On the other hand, "Tranquility" did not have a campaign attached to it, and could not be seen as an option until after you voted.

Regardless, the intention of the poll was to provide suggestions to NASA for a name, not choose a winner. In that sense, the poll did succeed, as "Tranquility" was not among NASA's own examples.

Delta7
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posted 04-15-2009 12:13 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Delta7   Click Here to Email Delta7     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'll be willing to bet this kind of contest won't be repeated.

I like "Tranquility"! I wouldn't worry about "diluting" the name. A hundred years from now John Q. Public will still associate the name with the site of the first human steps on the moon, and only space geeks and historians will associate it with an ISS module as well. If we can have 2 Columbias, 2 Challengers, 2 Endeavours, and 2 Orions, I think we'll survive 2 Tranquility's.

spacecraft films
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posted 04-15-2009 12:34 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for spacecraft films   Click Here to Email spacecraft films     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
I don't think that it can be said however, that NASA ignored its constituency. Keep in mind that the number of votes does not equal the number of people, as multiple votes were permitted.

I understand the thinking behind your point, I really do... I didn't vote but watched what happened with interest. I knew they weren't going to name it "Colbert," but thought how great it would be if they summoned the guts to do so. Now that would have been a magnificent story.

Obviously it isn't possible to ascertain how many non-voters who heard about it took away a negative. Most of those will probably never hear (or care) that the contest wasn't binding. Only that "Colbert" was the winning name and they chose something else.

Just another tiny chance to connect - on a level embracing a wider audience rather than sticking to the same old conventions - missed. As a New Media person I know you understand sticking to the same old conventions is one of the reasons the newspapers are dying off.

Through these tiny chances can grow movements.

Robert Pearlman
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posted 04-15-2009 12:50 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by spacecraft films:
Just another tiny chance to connect - on a level embracing a wider audience rather than sticking to the same old conventions - missed.
I would argue that they already connected, name or no name. Had NASA deleted "Colbert" from the results while the poll was underway, it would represent an Old Media approach. Rather, the agency didn't object and even played along, booking guests on the show.

Which will the average member of the "Colbert Nation" member care about more: that the node was not named for Colbert, or that the COLBERT is on the ISS? Did it really matter to them what was named after Colbert so long as it was going to space?

mjanovec
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posted 04-15-2009 05:13 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mjanovec   Click Here to Email mjanovec     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
There's no telling how many people actually voted for "Colbert" versus how many people submitted "Colbert" multiple times (as fans are more apt to do in situations like these).

The same could be said of the other names as well. Come clean, Robert...how many times did you vote for Tranquility?

I agree that it was a mistake to make the voting seem like a contest, especially when results are displayed according to popularity. Clearly, one could easily get the impression that the public's desires would have played a larger role in the naming of the node...especially when NASA sets up a poll under the title "Help NASA Name Node 3." For NASA then to choose to ignore the most widely popular names (both among the suggested names and the write-in candidates) is going to be a big turn-off to those who felt their participation in the polling actually meant something.

Plus, I would think NASA should be breathing a sigh of relief that one of the Scientology-inspired names didn't actually win the popular voting. I imagine the disappointment among that community of voters (had they won the voting, but lost out on the naming) would have been more of a PR disaster for NASA.

gliderpilotuk
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posted 04-16-2009 01:41 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for gliderpilotuk   Click Here to Email gliderpilotuk     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Oh I dunno. "L-Ron" has a certain ring to it (switching off mind-control now)

webhamster
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posted 04-16-2009 11:08 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for webhamster     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
To be honest, I don't think anyone who voted 'Colbert' had any expectation that it would actually be named that, even if it won... even if they didn't read the information about the poll. If they did, they really need to have their heads examined. And, frankly, I think Colbert himself (the comedian... not the character), would have been horrified if it had. He does it for publicity for his show, like the time he tried to get a Hungarian bridge named after him when he learned Chuck Norris was leading the write-in. It's meta-satire on the cult of personality that exists around some people.

Sometimes I think people confuse the man and his character just because they share the same name. The man is a nerd and geek and would never have allowed the name to go on it (even if the result had been binding).

Now, however, I'm in a bind. I'm renovating my bathroom and was going to pick up for NASA and name it "Colbert" when it was done. Now, I guess I'll name it "Serenity".


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Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.47a





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