Ask HN: Burnout App Feedback

#1

Post by gloo » Wed, Aug 21, 2019, 2:57 PM UTC

We've spent 3 years developing a software that should help startups manage all processes in a single tool [1]. We are close to launch, but not sure about naming.

What do you think about Burnout name? Will it frighten people out? Do you think the idea itself is sound enough?

[1] https://burnout.so/

Re: Ask HN: Burnout App Feedback

#2

Post by tablet » Wed, Aug 21, 2019, 3:11 PM UTC

It's relatively funny, however negative connotation is there. It is hard to predict the launch, but usually name is not a big deal.

Re: Ask HN: Burnout App Feedback

#3

Post by mtmail » Wed, Aug 21, 2019, 3:17 PM UTC

Not sure I would use theranos as example company, from wikipedia "Shut down and liquidated; founder indicted for wire fraud and conspiracy"

The name sounded generic enough (so does 'Slack') but then near the bottom I see "Experience your last Burnout [..] But seriously, please take care " so now I think you really mean a wordplay mental burnout. One could also associate a tire burnout, then the wordplays can be related to cars, being fast, fun https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Burnout

Re: Ask HN: Burnout App Feedback

#4

Post by gloo » Wed, Aug 21, 2019, 3:20 PM UTC

mtmail wrote: post #3

Not sure I would use theranos as example company, from wikipedia "Shut down and liquidated; founder indicted for wire fraud and conspiracy" The name sounded generic enough (so does 'Slack') but then near the bottom I see "Experience your last Burnout [..] But seriously, please take care " so now I think you really mean a wordplay mental burnout. One could also associate a tire burnout, then the wordplays can be relat…

Thanks! We thought Theranos would serve as an irony. Will think about it.

Re: Ask HN: Burnout App Feedback

#5

Post by nik736 » Wed, Aug 21, 2019, 3:33 PM UTC

If you want to be taken seriously you change it and also change the Holmes example ;-)

Re: Ask HN: Burnout App Feedback

#6

Post by thecupisblue » Wed, Aug 21, 2019, 3:41 PM UTC

This is more a ShowHN than AskHN.

I like it, added myself to the list already. Love the name, you can have great marketing with it. Don't burnout, use burnout. Articles on burnout and mental context switching hell - burnout is the perfect solution.

Re: Ask HN: Burnout App Feedback

#7

Post by gloo » Wed, Aug 21, 2019, 3:50 PM UTC

thecupisblue wrote: post #6

This is more a ShowHN than AskHN. I like it, added myself to the list already. Love the name, you can have great marketing with it. Don't burnout, use burnout. Articles on burnout and mental context switching hell - burnout is the perfect solution.

Thanks! AFAIK Show HN allows to post only ready products you can have acces to. Burnout.so is not ready yet...

Re: Ask HN: Burnout App Feedback

#8

Post by afarrell » Wed, Aug 21, 2019, 3:57 PM UTC

I'm unsure if the name is a serious liability or merely tolerable.

Re: Ask HN: Burnout App Feedback

#9

Post by gloo » Wed, Aug 21, 2019, 4:00 PM UTC

afarrell wrote: post #8

I'm unsure if the name is a serious liability or merely tolerable.

We were inspired by Slack, it is somewhat negative as well. Also something that is associated with startups.

Re: Ask HN: Burnout App Feedback

#10

Post by afarrell » Wed, Aug 21, 2019, 4:00 PM UTC

gloo wrote: post #4

mtmail wrote: post #3

Not sure I would use theranos as example company, from wikipedia "Shut down and liquidated; founder indicted for wire fraud and conspiracy" The name sounded generic enough (so does 'Slack') but then near the bottom I see "Experience your last Burnout [..] But seriously, please take care " so now I think you really mean a wordplay mental burnout. One could also associate a tire burnout, then the wordplays can be relat…

Thanks! We thought Theranos would serve as an irony. Will think about it.

In communication, it is better to default to being straightforward. Irony relies on some amount of shared understanding, but you are trying to communicate with strangers.