HoosierGazette.com editor to officially change name on April 1

By Klaus Von Vigo, THG Features

Due to the increased popularity of his website, HoosierGazette.com, founder and Editor-in-chief Josh Whicker has announced he will legally change his name on April 1.  From that day on, Whicker will be known as “Hollywood” Don Swanson.

The change is necessitated by the increased media attention garnered by the site, which has been viewed in 85 countries since its launch on November 16^th.  The name change is “purely for marketing purposes” according to Whicker.

“In today’s world, people are looking for something more spectacular than just plain old Josh Whicker.  I thought about incorporating my middle name, Lee, but that still didn’t have enough zing,” Whicker said recently.  “No one wants to talk to Joshua Lee Whicker, but I surmise everyone will want to talk to ‘Hollywood’ Don Swanson.”

The name change was a result of many months of research by local marketing firms.  Focus groups used determined the Swanson name was superior to the runner-up name, Don Vincennes.

Marketing executive Ray Childress of Infinity Marketing in Terre Haute said that Swanson as a name resonates with the public.  “If you’re going to stick out, you need something to grab attention,” Childress said, “it’s no different than selling a tangible product. In this case, Josh is selling himself.

Childress further stated that “if you’re trying to get media interviews and movie deals, you need a calling card that’s going to make you stand out.  Swanson, the name, does that.  Movie executives know many Josh’s, but there will be only one ‘Hollywood’ Don Swanson.”

As for his feelings on changing a name he’s had for 29 years, Mr. Whicker doesn’t feel any remorse.  “I did build up a lot of goodwill locally with the ‘Josh’ name, but I’m now ready to expand onto a national level. Let’s be honest, ‘Josh’ just wasn’t getting it done.”  Whicker went on to say he likes the new name most of all because “it’s a title, like ‘Lord’ or ‘Sir’.”

When asked why the moniker “Hollywood” was added to the new name, Childress stated simply: “It’s what he’s shooting for—movies deals and international fame.  If you aspire to something, you must tailor your image to fit. That’s what the ‘Hollywood’ does for him.”

Will it be a career boosting move?  Only time will tell.  If early feedback is any indication, the name is already a resounding success—many friends and co-workers say they like the concept.  To publicize the name, HoosierGazette.com will soon introduce a new concept in summer entertainment—“Swanson Fest.”

“The Swanson Fest” will be established to counter the many county fairs and festivals that occur throughout Indiana during the warm weather months.  “Let’s face it; most of those festivals are painfully boring.  You can only be interested in pig judging contests for so long,” Whicker said.  “We at The Hoosier Gazette wanted something to spice up the long, hot summer.”  Whicker would not reveal the theme of Swanson Fest, but did say “It will be mind-blowing, the best party in Indiana.”

Many details must still be ironed out, but the event shows much promise.  Hoosier Gazette webmaster Chris Kasinger said the name change is good for business.  “No one would go to a “Josh Whicker Fest”, but many will be enticed by “Swanson Fest.”

The date and location of the fest have not been announced.  In the meantime, the artist formerly known as Josh Whicker would like to remind the viewing public that he is still available to speak to small or large groups.  “I don’t care if it’s the ‘Indiana Gay League’ or the ‘Indiana Quilt Makers Association’, I’ll go and spread my wisdom to whomever wants it,” said Whicker/Swanson.

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