As you may remember, I recently mentioned Thoof’s service, that enables you to discover interesting stories from around the web. Unlike similar socially built sites, this one is less likely to be hit by bloggers attempting to game the system. The system learns what sort of story interests you, and adjusts which are displayed accordingly. When you come across a blogger who submits their posts to Thoof, the badge they can embed displays how popular that particular post is.
However, what I want to know is why this personalized news service is called thoof? Well, my idea is relatively simple - it was not originally supposed to be called ‘thoof’. The founders of the company were sat round a table, brainstorming names for their new start up. Many were suggested, most were rejected straight off…. Then, in a flash of inspirtation, one guy spins round and starts to shout ‘how about the …..’. Unfortunately, blinded by the sheer amazingness of his idea, he neglects to negotiate the open kitchen cupboard door, which strikes him directly between his legs. So, his words come out as ‘how about thooooooooooof!’. Obviously that many o’s would be impossible for most people to reliably spell when visiting the site, so it was simply shortened to ‘thoof’.
Well, there you go, thats my idea, before you laugh, you try coming up with something better ;-P