Contributions

We’ve started to receive some really great content from users here at the Mozilla Digital Memory Bank.  To date seven files have been uploaded, and if you browse via the map interface, you’ll notice that the site is now officially international (hopefully intercontinental isn’t far behind).  Most recently, Steven Garrity added several sketches made on notebook paper, which led to the creation of the Firefox logo.  Neil Marshall and AndyEd have contributed screenshots documenting other historical moments in the story Mozilla’s development.  These are great artifacts and are exactly what will make this project succeed as a central repository for Mozilla-related objects.

Thank you to all who have added to the DMB, and we look forward to many more.

On the Map

The Mozilla Map is now quasi-functional and has been integrated into the site (replacing, sadly, the fun map mock-up). Because few of our archive entries are geo-coded, the map is relatively sparse (get to it, people!). Also, there are some bugs to be worked out, including the map’s search function, but we’re getting there.

The completion of this portion of the site puts us one step closer to full functionality! The timeline is still under construction, so enjoy the Men At Work while you can…

A Name Has Been Found

Thank you for all your suggestions for a name for our new software product (see my previous post). The ideas ranged from the historical (“Vaultaire” and “Alexandria”) to the mythical (“Cerberus” and “Griffin”), to the brand loyal (“Memozilla” and “MoMem”).

Which leads me to a clarification: I should have explained that we want to stay away from using any permutation of the word “Mozilla.” Even though Mozilla was our first subject using the new software, it will not be the only subject that the product will feature. The product is simply an online collecting tool for our line of Digital Memory Banks. (Nor do we want to violate Mozilla’s clearly stated trademark policy by abbreviating or combining “Mozilla” with any other word or words.)

That said, I think Christopher Finke’s suggestion of “Vault” plays well with our Digital Memory Bank brand. So, after some consideration, we have chosen “Memory Vault” to round out the brand compatibility. It truly captures the essence of the product as a place to store, organize, and protect digital data and metadata. Thank you Christopher!

I also want to take this opportunity to ask all of you to visit the Mozilla Digital Memory Bank and contribute any stories, anecdotes, or testimonials you have about your experiences with Mozilla products. We appreciate your input!

~ Jim Safley

What’s in a Name?

I need your help.

Branding a project is among the most important actions a project manager can do. It gives the product a personality, and creates a culture where there was none. If conceived before major work is done, a brand name can define the trajectory of the project. This is a mixed blessing, however. I’ve seen too many products that were inspired by an imaginative name rather than an innovative idea. On the other hand, if conceived after major work is done, a brand name must define a hitherto nameless product, a product with an already evolved and mature personality. Naming such a project is almost an act of hubris.

This is my dilemma. The software that drives the Mozilla Digital Memory Bank needs a name. Basically it is an online repository for digital material. It was designed specifically to drive the Center’s line of Digital Memory Banks, projects that collect, present, and preserve testimonials and files from online users. However, it uses a generalized approach to collecting and storing data and metadata, meaning it can be adapted to the particular needs of almost any online collecting project. It is the younger, more streamlined sibling of ADAM, the Center’s first digital archiving software. There are more details, such as geolocation, categories, and a powerful administrative interface, but I’m sure you get the picture.

Unfortunately I did not have the foresight to name this product before or during development, and I am having trouble coming up with a suitable name. Considering my description of the software and your experience with the Mozilla Digital Memory Bank, what would YOU name this product?

I appreciate your input.

~ Jim Safley

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