SciFi Channel becoming Syfy: So yeah, f*** you
The Sci-Fi Channel is going through its fourth logo in a decade, and its third network name. It was created as the Sci-Fi Channel, then became just Sci Fi, and as of June 7th, 2009, it will be known as SyFy.
Yes, we know April’s fool isn’t for two weeks. This is, sadly, real.
Response to the change has been, shall we say, unenthusiastic.
One commenter noted that the new name stands for "so yeah, f*** you" since they feel as if that’s what the attitude toward their fanbase seems to be, noting their horrible fan relations as compared to, say, ESPN. Another noted that it’s yet another attempt to remove the science from science fiction, which certainly seems to be working well over there.
Apparently, one of the reasons for the name change is that you can’t trademark Sci-Fi. To quote the press release, SyFy "firmly establishes a uniquely ownable trademark that is portable across all non-linear digital platforms and beyond, from Hulu to iTunes. Syfy also creates an umbrella brand name that can extend into new adjacent businesses under the Syfy Ventures banner, such as Syfy Games, Syfy Films and Syfy Kids."
So SyFy is just CyA, as it were.
In other news, the parent company is changing their name to NyByCy, so they can compete in Australia.
I'm actually kind of okay with syfy, but the logo is awful.
The dumbest thing I seen or heard so far today. And I work on a tech support hotline.