Why “Comrade Brad”?

Coming up with a website name isn’t easy.

At first, I registered my new site under the domain “jbradleyporter.com”, as it mirrored my email address (jbradleyporter@gmail.com) and I figured it would be simple enough to remember.

This was the opening header that I originally designed:

I let that stew for about a day or two, but it all just didn’t sit right with me.

I didn’t want my site to simply be my name, as that seemed too generic and boring. And “the life & travels of J. Bradley Porter” may be the literal representation of this blog, but it just comes off much too stuffy, as if I’m a traveller from decades past. And that’s not the feeling that I want my site to reflect!

So I started thinking of a site name that would be a representation of my life and travels, yet also be memorable and catchy… and “Comrade Brad” is what I came up with.

I know, some of you are probably wondering “why comrade? Doesn’t that mean a fellow soldier, or even worse, a Communist!?”

Okay, sure, the word “comrade” can also be used in those ways, but the reason I chose this adjective for my site is not because of its governmental associations, but, as Dictionary.com defines it:

A person who shares in one’s activities, occupation, etc.; companion, associate, or friend.

An apt enough word, as my goal for this site is to share my life and travels with people who I’ve made connections with and would or could consider as friends. I’d like you all to be able to live vicariously through me, if possible! ?

Oh, and the fact that “comrade” rhymes with my name might have also played a small part as well. 😛

Now that I’ve handled the branding of my site and feel like it’s in a decent place, I think it’s time to finally release it into the wild! *gulp*

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always struggled with being able to speak up and share my thoughts, feelings, and opinions, especially when it comes to my personal life. But what’s the point of living if you constantly hide who you truly are and can’t be yourself?

Here’s to changing that.

See you on the flipside!

– “Comrade” Brad

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