2005 namechange
From CGWiki
In 2005 Keenspace was renamed to Comic Genesis.
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Brand Confusion with KeenSpot
In late August of 2004, information began to arise about a possible KeenSpace name change. According to Chris Crosby, (one of KeenSpot's Fab Four), there were issues with brand confusion between the KeenSpace and KeenSpot sites. Additionally, many were under the influence that KeenSpace and KeenSpot were more directly related than they are, thinking KeenSpot was merely a showcase for the best of Keenspace.
Copyright Headaches for Keenspace
While most of the pressure to change the name was coming from KeenSpot, KeenSpace was having minor problems of its own. On several cases, spacers who had wanted to set up a both at conventions had been declined because the copyright on the KeenSpace name, logo, and brand was owned by KeenSpot. A similar problem affected the KeenSpace Sampler, a free magazine put out by the artists of Keenspace. The final version of the comic is actually called "Deadly Bear Attacks" and doesn't bear the KeenSpace name or logo.
Controversy
There was somewhat of a fuss raised when the change was proposed, as many forumites believed that the brand issues were merely a mask for a hidden objective, to distance KeenSpot from KeenSpace's reputation for low-quality comics. Several KeenSpotters had previously voiced an opinion that KeenSpace was an embarrassment to the company name, leading to strong resistance to the name change on the KeenSpace side.
Polling the Forumites
A large number of polls were taken on this issue. First a poll was taken on whether or not spacers were in favour of changing the name (they weren't). Later, a topic and poll were created by Phalanx to decide on which name we'd like to change it to if we had to. At first, our suggestions were not noted, and we were informed that the new name for KeenSpace would be ToonSpace. After much outcry, a poll was taken offering a choice between ToonSpace, and a new name, WebcomicSpace. Results were mixed, but the consensus was that people didn't like either.
Comic Genesis is Born
Eventually, after much protestation, Chris agreed to give people the choice of what had been the winner of Phalanx's poll, Comic Genesis. It was preferred by most, and since the ruckus mostly died down, it was adopted as the new name. Some people were still unhappy, but everyone was sick of the whole subject by then.
Repercussions
As of January 2006, the name change became mandatory -- .keenspace.com URLS now auto-redirect to their .comicgenesis.com counterparts on orders of Darren (aka Gav, one of the Keen Four). Thankfully, Kisai coaxed the server into redirecting where needed, but also offering .comicgen.com. For a time, .toonspace.com and .webcomicspace.com were availible, but it is unknown if Chris Crosby (one of the Keen Four) will renew the domains. STrRedWolf has removed the domains from the possible choices just in case they aren't.
However, despite all of the available choices, Comic Genesis is considered to be the official name.
