The surge of new web applications is great, and I shun several software apps in favor of using fancy web apps instead. But the silly names have got to stop! Companies need to start using real words again. I beg of you. My brain just can't keep all the random syllables straight anymore.

Instead of using nonsense syllables, you can put two real words together (WordPress.com, FeedBurner.com). It'll help me (and other English-speaking web users) remember your site's name.

Even if the domain you want is taken, stick with the name and just slap an "HQ" or "It" on the end (BasecampHQ.com, BackpackIt.com). It's so much better than going with something that your 6-month-old said after eating some creamed corn one morning (Blummy.com).

Case in point...

I'm at a friend's and I want to log on to AIM. I know there's a cool web-based instant messaging site out there, but I just can't remember the name. I know the site has at least one or two "o's" in it. Hmmm.

Goowy? Nope. That's "a rich experience service that offers you a new way of expressing yourself and interacting with your friends and family." Close, but that sounds too much like charades, and I hate charades.

Squidoo? I don't think so. It's got some sort of flaming eyeball, and it's asking me to create a "lens." That's definitely not it. Damn. Think, think, think.

Rollyo? Ugh. That's just some site selling cream-filled fruit roll-ups or something. (Sigh)

I guess I'll break down and pray to the Google gods like I always do when I can't remember the two random syllables of the "Web 2.0" site name that I'm searching for.

Meebo! That's it!

Now I can't remember why I needed to log onto AIM.

Shit.