I can see the benefit behind these arguments. However, we are already high up on Google's ranking for the searches "Sonic Wiki" (we're top), "Sonic the Hedgehog Wiki" (second after Wikipedia), and "Sonic the Hedgehog" (first page), so we're already highly visible. I also like that we have a unique name that sets us apart from the myriad other (inferior) Sonic Wikis out there. Other thoughts? -- Supermorff (talk) 08:26, August 5, 2012 (UTC)

• Considering the Google search ranking, the name of the Wiki, and how long it has been around (almost six years!), I think a name change this late in the game may actually prove to be detrimental. It'd be like, say, Wookieepedia deciding to change its name to "Wookieewiki" or something like that. After five years, you've already made an impact, and have cemented yourselves in Google pretty darn well. Hell, when I do certain image searches, guess what images tend to show up most in the results? Yep. SNN. If this wiki were a year old, a name change could be plausible. But, going on six? Best keep the current name. Sure, it doesn't quite scream "wiki," but you had better believe that people will remember it better because it's unique. Trak Nar ^{Ramble on} 08:34, August 5, 2012 (UTC)

I think we should change it. Does a Google ranking really matter?? I mean, the URL pattern is enough to draw in users by simply typing in Sonic.wikia.com. Also, I don't like to think of Wikia's as information sites. I mean, imagine if Wikia's never existed, and someone created some sort of "ultimate Sonic site". I'm pretty sure it would end up being just like this one, because information is quite plentiful. I mean, it's certianly plausible for visitors to come here specifically for music or (in the future) things like gameplay videos, world records on Sonic, and we can already socialize. So basically, if we decide to change it, try something without -pedia in it, because I like the special name too!!!

My suggestion is that we make it something like Super Sonic Zone, because that actually references Sonic. I mean, what's the point of having a unique name if the only unique part about it is "Sonic"?TheAwesomefroggy (talk) 13:57, August 5, 2012 (UTC)

I wouldn't mind having the name changed at all. The "News" part of our name always felt rather contradictory to the Wiki's purpose, because in my honest opinion this Wiki is far from a news site for the Sonic franchise. If we do change the name, I got a few different names I think we could probably use (I personally think that "Sonic Wiki" is a bland name, and if possible I'd like us to still have a unique name of some kind should we get rid of our current one):

"Sonic Encyclopedia Network"

"Sonic Encyclopedia"

"Sonic Database Network"

This is all I got so far, but I'm sure I might be able to think of a couple more if necessary. Lloyd the Cat"I don't die. I just go on adventures." 12:27, August 5, 2012 (UTC)

I'm not gonna get involved with this so I'm just gonna say this plain and simple. Nothing wrong with the name - no need to change it. But that's just my opinion. -- Murphyshane - 熱! Don't click here 12:32, August 5, 2012 (UTC)

From what I could recall looking into Our Founder's contributions, SNN was initially an actual "News Network", supplying information through blog-type updates. I don't believe after the wiki began attracting more users that there was much beef over changing the name to "Sonic the Hedgehog Wiki". Technically, I believe our current title describes the wiki quite efficiently, due to pages supplying "news" on new games/merchandise/etc. on Sonic the Hedgehog. I think I'll oppose the name change. Template:Sig/SG79 12:44, August 5, 2012 (UTC)

I actually like the name of the wikia as it is now as "Sonic New Network" is a original name. Sure, may not scream "Wikia", but it is intriguing and something that is our own. Besides Sonic the Hedgehog Wiki sounds really boring. Though, if we are going to change the name, I think we should keep the "network" part, so we have "Sonic (Black) Netowrk".Ultrasonic9000 (talk) 13:14, August 5, 2012 (UTC)

Ima just remain Nuetral. PitsBrother ¹⁴³ 13:56, August 5, 2012 (UTC)

To people suggesting a name change to another unique name (other than Sonic Wiki or whatever): This would be a major branding disaster. We would not only not be making the name more obvious by describing what the site is (i.e. solving the one identified problem), we would be discarding the brand identity we've built up over 7 years for no gain. The options are: stick with what we've got, or change to the generic-but-descriptive Sonic Wiki. Anything else is just a bad idea. -- Supermorff (talk) 15:05, August 5, 2012 (UTC)

In that case I guess I'll change my vote to oppose, then. Sure, I still think our current name is a tad misleading, but the name still has a nice ring to it and as I stated earlier I'd rather go with just about any name besides the generic "Sonic Wiki", and if sticking with what we got now is the only other good alternative then so be it. Lloyd the Cat"I don't die. I just go on adventures." 17:19, August 5, 2012 (UTC)

I oppose, per Sacor. --MetalMickey272 15:10, August 5, 2012 (UTC)

Template:FreeSmudger

I oppose. We've had this name for 6 years according to Trak and personally I like the name Sonic News Network a lot more than just Sonic Wiki. It makes this wiki unique. Template:Darkness

I oppose: per Shadow, Trak, and Ultrasonic. Template:Signatures/Glitchguy 16:14, August 05, 2012 (UTC)

I still feel like our name is misleading. "News Networks" are usually blogging sites or sites with a news format. We are a wiki, not any of those. I support a name change, personally. Sonic Wiki works for me. --Template:BFSig 16:47, August 5, 2012 (UTC)

I'm going to remain neutral for now. Though I have always thought that the name was a little odd, however I think that Trak Nar makes a good a good point that we are firmly ebstablished in search engines as Sonic News Network and changing the name may cause problems. Myself 123 18:05, August 5, 2012 (UTC)

I oppose. Sonic News Network makes the name unique, and we're prevalent enough that "Sonic Wiki" brings us up first, then our affiliates. There's no point in changing it.--Kagimizu-Seeya 'round 04:39, August 6, 2012 (UTC)

Per Bullet. --Willaca (talk) 05:37, August 6, 2012 (UTC)

Per Kagimizu.--Akamia^{(Talk)(Want to see what I've been doing?)} 05:41, August 6, 2012 (UTC)

Per Kagi Template:KatSig

Most people seem to be opposing, but let's make it clearer. -- Supermorff (talk) 10:27, August 6, 2012 (UTC)

Considering it says SonicWiki in the http box this conversation is abit strange!

Edsta (talk) 19:25, August 6, 2012 (UTC)

That's our URL, the discussion is about changing the actual name of the site. Myself 123 19:28, August 6, 2012 (UTC)

Im neutral on the matter. As I said before it was a matter of curiosity. But I believe that a name like "Sonic wiki" will make us more reasonable of a Sonic fan site and not sounds like a news channel or a website done by a 10 year old with a fan character made on MSPaint. However I understand some prefer the name as it is now so I find it more of a site cosmetic thing, which is why I am neutral on the matter as I see equal ammounts of both pros, cons and oppinions on the matter.--Mystic Monkey is a proud MonoBook Wikian. 22:09, August 6, 2012 (UTC)

I appose. I think our name has character and stands out in the big blend of Sonic wikis. --!--->SilverPlays97<---! (talk) 22:23, August 6, 2012 (UTC)

Agreeing with SilverPlays97...This wiki those stand out! Edsta (talk) 11:45, August 7, 2012 (UTC)

Summary

Signatures only please.

Support - change name to Sonic (the Hedgehog) Wiki

• --Template:BFSig 19:33, August 6, 2012 (UTC)
• Willaca (talk) 04:57, August 7, 2012 (UTC)

Oppose - keep name as Sonic News Network

• Supermorff (talk) 10:27, August 6, 2012 (UTC)
• Kagimizu-Seeya 'round 19:22, August 6, 2012 (UTC)
• Edsta (talk) 19:23, August 6, 2012 (UTC)
• Template:Sig/SG79 19:39, August 6, 2012 (UTC)
• Template:FreeSig 20:21, August 6, 2012 (UTC)
• We all have our own styles we won't change 20:32, August 6, 2012 (UTC)
• MetalMickey272 20:39, August 6, 2012 (UTC)
• --!--->SilverPlays97<---! (talk) 22:23, August 6, 2012 (UTC)
• -Please leave a message after the tone. 22:56, August 6, 2012 (UTC)
• Template:Darkness 23:13. August 6, 2012 (UTC)
• Time Biter "The Rift" 23:18, August 6, 2012 (UTC)
• Template:KatSig
• 'Mariosonic15I always race to win! 01:34, August 7, 2012 (UTC)
• Template:DFSig 01:36, August 7, 2012 (UTC)
• Akamia^{(Talk)(Want to see what I've been doing?)} 01:39, August 7, 2012 (UTC)
• Template:Signatures/Glitchguy 19:55, August 07, 2012 (UTC)
• PitsBrother ¹⁴³
• Trak Nar ^{Ramble on} 02:15, August 7, 2012 (UTC)
• Lloyd the Cat"I don't die. I just go on adventures." 02:51, August 7, 2012 (UTC)
• Ordinary user 06:56, August 7, 2012 (UTC)

Result

Given that all but two of the votes are in opposition, no further edits have been made since the 7th, and the three day minimum is up, I will (attempt to) close this discussion.--Kagimizu-Seeya 'round 00:02, August 10, 2012 (UTC)