I know that the convention around MCO is to use MINI when referring to the "new" BMW-produced car, and Mini when referring to the now-classic Rover-produced car... but how come every automobile magazine I commonly read uses the more English-language-standard "Mini" when writing about our new MINIs?

In a way, I'm wondering 'cause while I like to use the proper terminology (and typography) whenever possible, given my druthers I frankly don't care for the all caps MINI convention. It looks contrived in the way that so many technology companies played/play with the language to insert/intermix capital letters in the name of their products (e.g. PeopleSoft, eLearning, etc.).

I suspect that this is the opinion exercised by the editors of Road and Track, Car and Driver, Automobile, etc. What do MCOers think?

 

I agree it seems a contrived bit of techno advertising, but apart from the need on MCO to distinguish the two brands, didn't BMW go for the all cap MINI as its copyrighted trademark? It was BMW that wished to distinguish the two brands (and as one used Lucas electric v. Bosch in the other, perhaps rightly so) therefore, I'd let them have their way with it. Its not our fault that the rest of the world can't distinguish between the two. Kind of like asking for a soda/pop in Georgia, "What kind of Coke would ya like, honey?" "Dr. Pepper, please."

 

I think the all-caps "MINI" is both relevant and valid. It symbolizes the new (and larger) style. There is no reason to confuse old Mini or new MINI when using the two names. Also, since the MINI is a half-German car, I think the Mini community as a form of Mini-exclusivity welcomes the differentiation.

Cheers,
Ryan

 

>>It symbolizes the new (and larger) style.<<

So do we have to start using bold type MINI when BMW redesigns the car and makes it 6 inches longer?

 

MGCMAN, I think you're right about the copyright thing...and that's why I've put up with typing MINI when I'd actually rather type Mini. But if it is copyrighted, then how come the trade rags don't seem to use it? You'd think that BMW would insist. (shrug)

 

When writing about the new Mini Cooper I would prefer to just use MINI, not in bold that would be too hard to do.
The classic Mini Cooper I usually just write Mini and that works well for me. Looking at the MINI clothes it is all uppercase.

 

I used to write for a magazine publication and I can tell you from first hand experience that it's the editor's fault. Take for instance the "simple green" cleaning product. Notice how it is all lower letters? Well the editor will change it to Simple Green for the writer when it goes to print, no matter if "simple green" is the actual way to write.

 

*rant on*
So many of these articles are written on Micro$ponge Word which assumes you can't type and changes these kind of things for you.
Also, probably the majority of readers of the articles wouldn't know a MINI from a Mini, or even from a bicycle!
:evil:
*rant off*

 

since i am so lazy i type "mini" all the time

 

Thank the BMW attorneys for MINI. So if you have a problem typing all caps, just do half and half, (MIni) that way you can refer to both types of the MIni. Can't believe I replied to this thread, I do have a life!

 

>> Can't believe I replied to this thread, I do have a life!

Oh, no! You've become one of us!

 

>>>> Can't believe I replied to this thread, I do have a life!
>>
>>Oh, no! You've become one of us!

 

I'm just glad that we're driving MINIs not 'the New Mini'...

Rocketboy_X

 

I like MINI. And I tend to correct anyone from the lay-population (including my wife) who may happen to write Mini.

 

I don't mind the all-caps MINI for the new car. The only problem comes when you want to refer to all Minis/MINIs, new and old. Then you have to do what I just did.

"The Mini is dead, long live the MINI!"

James

 

The MINI is very much alive but the Mini will never be dead.
MB

 

BMW has a history of making changes to the terminology and semantics. For instance, BMW does not refer to the X5 as a SUV, but a SAV, Sport Activity Vehicle. They don’t refer to their dealers physical location as a dealership but retail center, mechanics are now technicians, and salesmen are now client advisors (MINI as you know calls them Motoring Advisors). Spelling Mini in all caps is just BMW’s way of differentiating the old from the new and putting their mark on the brand.

 

>>The MINI is very much alive but the Mini will never be dead.
>>MB

By "dead" I meant ended production. I love the classic Mini and hope they never die. I plan to buy one soon myself.

James