How did Eastman's naming strategy contrast with many competitors around 1888?
Answer
Eastman chose sound over significance, unlike competitors using classical allusion.
A defining feature of the Kodak naming process was its deliberate break from contemporary branding conventions. In the late 19th century, many companies establishing themselves in emerging technological fields sought to convey gravitas and scientific authority by adopting names derived from Latin or Greek roots. George Eastman consciously rejected this approach. His focus was entirely on the phonetic impact, seeking immediacy and clarity through a manufactured sound, effectively choosing auditory appeal ('sound') over semantic depth or historical linkage ('significance'). This bold move created a unique semantic space for the brand.
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