Saturday, October 19, 2013

Tangy Taglines


Picture Courtesy Wikipedia

Like names, taglines stick. Crisp and clear ones are the most adhesive.When I christened my blog Freebird, my idea was to soar beyond the constraints of deadlines and word limits. However, the name Freebird was suggested by my son who had higher things on mind – like the song FreeBird by American Rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, which is one of the most-requested songs in the history of rock music.
Thereafter, a friend chimed in with an interesting suggestion, 'Alkaline – The basics'. I quite loved the idea inspired by my name. But like most parents who obey their children, I went ahead with Freebird.
The second, more difficult step was to coin a unique tagline. A true sentence. Something that worked in conjunction with my blog. Something that was memorable and witty.
Unlike professional blogs, taglines are not mandatory for personal blogs. Many bloggers stick with their blog name. Their blog name tells the story. Nevertheless, a catchy tagline helps. Such is the power of a memorable tagline that it becomes synonymous with the product.

Utterly Butterly Delicious, Just Do It, Connecting People, Thanda Matlab – Yes, you guessed it right.

Since the idea was to write and recharge my brain dead slapstick cells, I contemplated on Freebird: A Loose Cannon. But 'Loose Cannon' is Manas Chakraborty’s column in The Hindustan Times. Moreover, the tagline was not in conjunction with Freebird. Sometimes I wonder if there is anything from domain names to taglines that is not taken. As it happened, my search to fish out a perfect tagline led me to some interesting ones on the net.

Crisp and Clear

If you blog about technology or design, a crisp and clear tagline works well. For example, simple phrases like Gadget Guru, Venture Specialist, Copy writing Tips or A Social Media Guide are short but substantial. However, photography, food and travel blogs allow you to play with words - Eyes Travel Emotions Live, Eyes Like Shutter Mind Like Lens, Love Bites, Zen Habits and Life is Beautiful are short and sweet.

Clever and Whacky

You are witty. You know it. And you show it. But there is a danger of being too clever. It can fall flat with a section of readers. However, it is your blog and you have every right to play around with whatever fascinates you. Peddling with humor works well if you are young and phunny. For example: News for Nerds, Almost Worth It, Everyone Is Entitled to my Opinion, Theater of the Absurd or Because you are Ugly (Doubt if I'll ever read this blog).

Loaded and Powerful

Taglines that display verbal pyrotechnics go well with reputed professionals and intellectuals. They are like modern art. The creator leaves the ‘figuring-out’ process on the reader's intellect. For example: Cacophony Colonnade, A Joyous Alchemy, Snatched Vignettes.

Despite my dogged search, I was unable to coin that perfect tagline. It isn’t easy. Try defining yourself. It is like biting your own teeth. So digressing from the task at hand, I began relating following product taglines with celebrities. 

Rahul at Bedtime: Have I made it Large. (Royal Stag)

Modi Abroad:  Think Big (IMaX)

Media:  Gas and Beyond (Essar), Imagination at Work (GE)

Yogi AStop @ Nothing (A Star)

Irrfan Khan: High Performance Delivered (Accenture)

Arnab: Prepare to get assaulted (Euro Innerwear)

Ranveer Singh: Born to Perform (Jaguar)

Raghuram Rajan: Yeh to Bada Toing Hai (Amul Macho)



Finally, a tagline that sums the nation's current mood has to be - Overwhelmed by a Relentless God.

Is there any tagline that defines your current state of mind?
Life’s Good ?
Good.
Happy Holidays.

79 comments:

  1. Hahahaha, all my comments on your blog start with this. Hmm! So taglines...my blogs tagline was 'Something I recommend you NOT to read"....then very recently I did a blog makeover and came face to face with the fact that it was as lame as the real me, so I changed it to "The Red Handed Blog"...Still lame I know. :(
    Well I had once come across this line "A simple unconventional mind".....I am going to steal that line and use it to describe me!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keep smiling, keep laughing. Glad you liked it. So you agree that it is not easy to coin that perfect tag line.
      Love your tag line...clear and crisp.

      Delete
  2. Hahaha...that was one hilarious post yet so expressive, you have one awesome blog Alka..I believe, I am gonna take a day off and read all your funny posts..!! :)

    -Amrit
    Http://thoughtsaboveall.blogspot.in

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Amrit. You are most welcome.
      Love your blog name. Says it all.

      Delete
  3. Alka, I actually liked the tagline your header originally had under the blog title. "Sometimes contemplative, mostly refletive, but always tongue in cheek." I thought that was quite clever. And I kinda like Freebird more than Alkaline, it reflects the true nature of your posts that donot follow any norm or diktat neither they are concocted to bring about a revolution, they're just free words in a free world coming from a free spirit. I dont think you have any reason to feel otherwise. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Okay, so I am going to use that again. Thanks for the honest feedback.

      Delete
  4. I had also written a similar post about taglines.. this post reminded me tht i have to change mine.. :(.. nice post as usual.. :) :)

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  5. I never thought of a tagline...either for my blog or the one that defines me...so, am I the undefinable? A wonderful post as usual.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A personal blog need not have a tag line. And yes, it is not easy to define oneself. It is like biting your own teeth.
      Thank you Janaki.

      Delete
  6. I liked Arnab's best-it clicks smartly.

    ReplyDelete
  7. bhai, that tagline given to asaram is d best! :-D.......hilarious! :-D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. Given the number of potency tests he is clearing it suits him .

      Delete
  8. Hi Alka

    I enjoyed every bit of this post! u write so well :)
    I love that name for Rahul G, the royal stag! awesome !

    ReplyDelete
  9. This was such a lovely post as usual, loved the concept of assigning our famous 'celebrities' with tag lines of their own :D

    As for my personal blog tagline, I think my url http://mahabore.wordpress.com is tag line in itself, don't you think :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are anything but a Mahabore. But I love the name. It registers.

      Delete
  10. Freebird is good but Alkaline is even better. But we Moms are destined to follow our progeny's wish.

    I had coined the tagline for my blog a couple of months after I started blogging and haven't changed it since :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nothing needs to change Purba. We love A-Musing.
      Its just perfect the way it is.

      Delete
  11. Freebird is the best at least it does not need a litmus test like Alkaline:)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Superb taglines those :)

    I am no good either - but somehow my "Life is Like This" seems to hv found favor with people :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your blog name and blog content stands out. Nothing needs to change.
      No wonder readers love 'Life Is Like This'.

      Delete
  13. 'Alkaline' is DEADLY! Kudos to your friend who suggested it. But, I completely empathize with your decision to go with Freebird which is great, too.
    Loved your retrofitting of taglines on some of the celebrities we know and may or may not care much for! I am sure there is photo somewhere on the internet of Asaram Bapu riding (no pun intended) a Mahindra.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Asaram on a Bike - Mahindra Rise!
      They should contact him for endorsing the product. The son can pillion ride along with Daddy Cool.

      Delete
  14. Always Great(AG) is apt for your blog.
    Talking of tagline I am reminded of a story of a fish seller putting up a board 'Fresh fish sold here'
    Someone said why put 'here' when everyone sees your shop.He removed the word.
    Who sells stale fish.Remove 'fresh' another pointed out
    Remove 'sold' as fish is not given free was another's suggestion
    The 'fish' smells from a distance.All will know fish is sold here.He removed 'fish' also
    The board was now empty and taken out

    An amazingly good (AG) and popular blog like yours doesn't need a tagline.Haha
    I liked your post that was different and enjoyable

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love the story, but that is high praise.
      Thank you.

      Delete
  15. Another fantastic read, Alka. The taglines for the famous folk are so appropriate!
    I love working with taglines - had fun working with some in my earlier work. Since I took to blogging, I tried out a few for my blog until I settled on the present one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 'Keeping Life Simple, Authentic and Holistic' is just perfect. It is in conjunction with what you wish to say on your blog.
      I am still struggling, hence this post.
      Thank you for the tweets.

      Delete
  16. Hahahaha! I for nuts don't know how to work taglines. This was such a fun read and so creative!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your content is so powerful that names and taglines don't matter Bhavana.You are beyond such gimmicks.
      I salute you for your dedication towards causes. It is easy to sit and write but how many can convert words into action?

      Delete
  17. haha U really made me smile broaaaad today specially at that Asaram's tag line
    LMAO !

    Interesting post as always. I still cant think of a great tag line for your blog but an intelligent one just struck me
    Freebird - "Birds of my feather and from hither and thither flock here " :)

    Not sure if u will like it ;)
    but Alkaline is also a grt idea
    hav fun

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is so sweet Afshu.I am still struggling to coin that perfect tagline, hence this post.

      It is too late to change the blog name.I don't wish to mess with the blog name.

      Delete
  18. Tag lines are tough to be coined for individual blogs as our contents evolve every day. So does our moods. But if we are sure of what we are and what we say, then yes, we could work on it. Enjoyed the tag lines of celebrities, esp Arnab and asaram's.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are right Vaishnavi. All blogposts cannot be defined by one tag line. But a catchy tag line gives a fair idea about what your blog is all about.

      Delete
  19. I hope you find a good one soon. Go by your gut feel and don't search the net. It is confusing.

    ReplyDelete
  20. hehe I absolutely loved the taglines you shared. On another note, I think not the catchiest blog names or taglines can make one read a bad blog. Hey and Alkaline is a really cool name! I just wish Goutam hadn't come up with another one :). And surprisingly, it was never difficult for me to coin taglines for both my blogs.

    ReplyDelete
  21. You are right right Rachna. Content is the back bone of any popular blog. Everything else is secondary. I am often tempted to change it to Alkaline but I guess it is too late. Meanwhile the tag line search continues. Imagination at work.:) :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Love Alkaline. Maybe, apart from your blog, you can have an online newspaper called' Alka-line', much like NewsLine, etc. If this article is anything to go by, it will be the best thing that happened to the world of media, and the readers! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most readers love Alkaline. But it is too late to change!
      Big time confusion.
      Thank you for reading.

      Delete
  23. Replies
    1. Has anyone changed their blog name after 3 years?
      I am in a dilemma Ruch.

      Delete
  24. Alkaline?
    I have always maintained.....it is the content and not the number of comments

    ReplyDelete
  25. The first and the last take the cake!

    I think Freebird is self sufficient, and every post exemplifies it.

    Mine is still, like my tagline, 'A million little things'

    Cheers,
    Blasphemous Aesthete

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You.
      Your blog name stands out Anshul. It is unique and different.
      Love the tagline too.

      Delete
  26. Hmmm....."Alkaline: Neither Acidic, Nor Basic" would have worked but there is this flaw - If I am not wrong then all alkali are basic but the corollary may not be true....ok I shall shut up now.
    But interesting....imagine everyone having a personal tagline on their Aadhar/UID Cards. And since I am looking for an advertising/branding related agencies as my first preference for job after completing the MBA degree...I guess you might be using my jingle in your post a couple of years from today. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmm...I should keep Alkaline but coin a new tagline. Any suggestions from a soon to be MBA in advertising?
      And you don't need to shut up. A growling cub is more endearing than a quiet one!
      Good luck for a bright future Prateek.Thank you for stopping by.

      Delete
  27. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  28. Freebird is way better than Alkaline. It sums up your topics, treatment and themes. Absolutely unshackled by constraints. Pure, unadulterated delight in every sentence :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Rachna. Coming from you, it is very reassuring. Moreover, content matters at the end of the day.

      Delete
  29. When I created my blog, my tagline came easy to me. Not sure not it turns out to be difficult.. and, yes, Alkaline was surely a good option.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Diwakar. I guess, it is too late to make any changes in the blog name.

      Delete
  30. haha :D what a funtastic tagline attack! I loved Alkaline too mainly because it includes your name and at the same time snappy :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My head is spinning. Great confusion but no conclusion.

      :) Thanks Jas!

      Delete
  31. Haha. Tell me a good tag line and I will change...........

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arrey, I am the one who is looking for that perfect phrase. You are supposed to help me out here.

      Delete
  32. hahahaha... superb!!

    Yours is a win win blog Alka!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When it comes from you, I am winner. Thanks Deepak.

      Delete
  33. Love your blog and this post. The celebrity taglines were bang on! My blog's not so tangy tagline is "Simplifying Parenting:From Toys to Trends". Thought it fits what I do. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How beautifully it sums your blog Swapna. It is just right.
      Thank you for stopping by.

      Delete
  34. hilarious post, and very impressive!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you like it Rachna. Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  35. haha...it was fun reading your post Alka...perfect tags! :D

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  36. Great post Alka.Enjoyed reading it. I like freebird more:-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your first time here, I guess. Thank you. Freebird stays.

      Delete
  37. Happy Diwali, Alka. There is a surprise for you on my blog.

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  38. Ha ha, Awesome post Alka. You-know-who and Asaram had me in giggles! Too good.

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  39. Enjoyed this taggy post tons..hwz bout making Pappu and Feku taglines for 2014? I took almost one year to come up with a name for ma blog, newkidontheblock, though I am not a new kid but pretending to be one neither I'm standing on a block. I love Free Bird:)

    ReplyDelete
  40. First, Thank you Alka for sharing this. It's perfect for the kind of "inspiration" I was looking for. You have a way with words and humour and satire is - YOU ! I also love the ALKALINE name , that's awesome. On a separate note, suddenly I am feeling a bit conscious about my blog's tagline :) Once again, great post. Enjoyed it

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    Replies
    1. Your your blog is so popular now that a tag line is inconsequential. Glad you liked this.

      Delete
  41. I think just make Alkaline your tagline. That way you have best of both worlds. :D

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  42. Too Good Alka. Loved the 'tang' of it, refreshing yet chatpata! Sets you thinking about all the taglines you ever heard, and if you havent, you will after this one. Happy Diwali!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Too Good Alka. Loved the 'tang' of it, refreshing yet chatpata! Sets you thinking about all the taglines you ever heard, and if you havent, you will after this one. Happy Diwali!

    ReplyDelete