Web design & FOSS
Front-end web technologies and Free Open Source Software.
Thursday 7 May 2009, 9:09 AM
GIMP - what's in a name?
I believe in Free Software. This is a strange thing to say, rather like believing in air or water. As Rupert Goodwin pointed out in a recent blog entry “open source isn't about benevolence”; there is an advantage to be gained from the methodology and philosophy of Free Open Source Software, it is a way of making software that steps outside the paradigm of a money-making monolithic corporation into mutually beneficial networked cooperation.
However, as with all things Free, some decisions are less IMHO wise than others. My case in point is the GNU Image Manipulation Program, or rather, the name: GIMP. Okay, the acronym might have started out as a peurile teenage joke. But can anyone take it seriously no matter how good the software is? (And I do rate it most highly). The perjorative and sexual connotations of the word make it a Big No No.
You might say that I'm making a mighty storm in a tiny tea cup. But I recently started voluntary work at the local youth centre. I had to have a CRB check by the council, and there's a strict computer usage policy. I'll be working with children as young as 12, so I believe it would be unwise and unprofessional to install software named after a sexually submissive role.
So I installed Paint.NET instead.
PreviousComments on this post
I find it odd that you find the term GIMP potentially offensive. I can't place the term within any realm of common-use offensive terminology; perhaps it's a British thing? ;-)
Seriously, open source apps often have to resort to 'weird' names, because they otherwise run the risk of being sued for trademark or spurious 'IP rights' infringement. And unlike monied major-league software vendors, open source developers don't have the financial means to fend off such spurious attacks.
Soooo, the FOSS developers choose left-of-centre names, names that wont likely attract moronic legal threats.
ps: In case i was missing something with-respect-to this GIMP term, I googled 'gimp' and all I got was millions of hits related to this 'GNU Image Manipulation Program' that you didn't feel like installing for the kids ;-)
pps: my kids have been using The GIMP for years, and I don't sense any ill effects on their part through the use of this app ;-)
I'm pretty sure that the negative connotation of the name is indeed a British thing, although it doesn't ring any bells of that sort in my half-British brain (no, not British half-brain, thank you). In my half-American brain, GIMP used to be use as slang for someone who walks with a limp, such as one of the characters on Gunsmoke.
While I agree that the name shouldn't matter, within the bounds of common decency and good taste. I have to agree with Jake, when you are working with government organizations, charitable foundations and such, you frequently have to deal with bureaucrats and pencil-pushers who are easily scared off by such names.
jw
Totally new to me and I'm 100% British, born and bred.
Having said that the name is not very good, even if it is descriptive, but then again, who in their right mind would name a music player 'Zune' ?
Being a regular user of the GNU Image Manipulation Program, the only reason I don't advertise it more for people to use is its unfortunate name. If I do mention it, I say the full name as above. Saying that it is superb product for web graphics, icons etc. Just a shame the word has a negative connotation in the United Kingdom. Maybe we should grab the source and have an version for the United Kingdom called GNUmage or Gimage something.
I've never heard of the term GIMP other than in the software context (a Brit speaks). What joys have I been missing?
However, I agree that the engineer-led in-jokes were fine for OSS when it was confined to a few techies. I suspect now that a more user-friendly approach needs to be adopted. After all, instead of Linux, we now have prominence of names such as Ubuntu and Fedora, which carry either no or mildly positive connotations.
Instead of GIMP (and an all-caps name looks ugly too), I suggest PhotoSpirit. Ok, it's not great, but it took me 15 seconds. Your turn...
Con: > I find it odd that you find the term GIMP potentially offensive.
If the sexual connotations of the term gimp are recognised by a large proportion of people, then it _is_ a problem, particularly if you're teaching children and trying to promote the software. Maybe the solution in this instance is to ask the council's guidance? Maybe the original developers Spencer Kimball and Peter Mattis had no idea about the alternative definitions of the word? And if so, what difference does this make?
blackholesun: > grab the source and have an version for the United Kingdom called GNUmage or Gimage something
What about GNU IMP?
Sexual connotations? I'm British through and through, and have NEVER heard the term used in a sexual context. Methinks you are being too sensitive, and you are actually looking for trouble where there isn't any.
I'm currently making a documentary film, and I've been told by the client that I cannot mention that Guy Gibson's dog was Nigger. It's NOT a question of political correctness, it's a question of fact. Ditto the software, if that's what it's called, and it works, use it proudly.
I suppose you could always rename it after a Government minister, now that really WOULD be offensive!
:)
N
GOOD GRIEF... I just looked up GIMP in Wikipedia, and I am one!!!
N
A gimp is the guy (in black bondage costume) with an weird orange thing in his mouth.
However, we used the term *at school* as a general insult to people e.g. "Shut up you gimp" etc.
I can well imagine at school we would find the name hilarious, and no teacher would be able to stifle the sniggering if it was mentioned. Whether the term gimp is still fashionable at school I have no idea, but I totally agree with author of the article, it is a terrible name. Still, you can't stop scientists and engineers from inserting their comedy into everything. It keeps them happy. Just look at a genetic nomenclature:-
http://jpetrie.myweb.uga.edu/genes.html
1000238123: > Whoa, never knew biology could be that much fun ;)
I wrote to one of the authors asking whether they were aware of the connotations of the acronym, and he replied that "Obviously, neither definition was purposefully suggested". I'm not sure why, but I do think _intent_ is important, even though the name is unfortunate. As he signs off his email "I think the kids will remain safe." :)
