The IBS Network is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to IBS sufferers, and it does a great job - I often refer people to its helpline, staffed by specialist IBS nurses, and it produces a range of newsletters, leaflets and other publications about IBS. Self-help groups are co-ordinated through the Network, and the people who work there are lovely and always very helpful.
However, they have recently done something which I consider to be a Very Strange Thing. They have changed their name from the "IBS Network" to "The Gut Trust".
Now, to me, the "IBS Network" sounds just fine. It tells you that they're for IBS sufferers, and the network part sounds helpful and connected. It's straightforward and to the point.
But "The Gut Trust" doesn't give you the faintest clue what it's for. I suppose it does sound like an organisation for people with gut problems, but there are hundreds of gut problems, and I want one just for IBS and not for Crohn's or coeliac or colon cancer or anything else.
Plus, when you say it out loud it sounds like "Gut rust". Which may well be a nice description of the way my intestines feel sometimes, but it's not particularly helpful.
This is how the IBS Network have explained the name change:
"The bad news is that very few people know about us. Even if they do hear our name, they don't know what we do (is the IBS Network a bank? Is it a computer software company?). They don't like talking about bowel functions.
The first problem is the name. As anyone who tries to sell anything will tell you, a name that 'does what it says on the tin' is vital. But it must also be a name that is immediately recognisable to the wider world, which 'The IBS Network' is not. So the first decision we have had to make is the most difficult. After months of research, and months of work, we have decided to change our name. The new name is clear, utterly unambiguous, and uses words the rest of the world understands.
Changing the name, though, simply means that it is easier for people to understand who we are and what we do. After ten years, our look and feel had become confused. If we are to get more members, and be seen in the wider world, we must have a consistent look and feel so that we are immediately recognisable."
I have to say, I couldn't really disagree with that more. The Gut Trust is not clear, and is certainly not "utterly unambigious" - in fact, it is the exact opposite. It makes it harder for people to understand, not easier, just like it would make it harder for people to understand the purpose of my website if I changed the name to Gut Tales. It's called IBS Tales 'cause I have IBS. That's all.
Maybe the IBS Network wasn't a name recognised by the wider world, but I really don't understand why the Gut Trust will be more recognisable. Surely the only way to raise awareness of the name is through more publicity; the name itself can't do that alone.
What does anyone else think - am I being too harsh on the old Network, who I really do have a lot of respect for?
Oh this is a bit of a tricky one. I don't really like being a member of an organisation with 'gut' in the title. Call me picky but I don't really want to advertise the exact body part I have difficulties with.
If the general public don't know what IBS stands for a) are they going to be interested in the organisation anyway and b) I'm sure they could find out.
Guts are icky and the whole group may as well now be known as the Colon Collective.
I totally agree with Pinky, and our esteemed editor - I think it is an awful name - IBS was discreet but 'Gut' oh dear! it's the type of title that a child uses for any 'tummy' area/upset/pain , making the word a general term. IBS was recognisable and if the reciptient of the abbreviation doesn't know what those three letters stand for, there is general comprehension when explained. Will GP's shelve IBS- ( they have enough problems with the illness at the best of times,but to remember to change the term - well!!!) My 'in a hurry' card bears the IBS logo - is money going to be spent on reprinting all those, the stationery, the leaflets - Oh dear! I will now go and talk kindly to my 'gut', and let it know that it has a new identity when described - and I bet I'll pay for that tomorrow morning - just as well that I have a new Xword book in the loo, to keep me occupied while my 'gut' does its worst. Juliet.
I haven't been reading your blog for very long, so I haven't heard of the organization until now. Fortunately in this case, I think that makes me an impartial judge! :) I agree with you that "The IBS Network" just sounds more professional. However, I suggest a compromise to those in charge.
Title of Organization: The IBS Network
Subheading: A Place Your Gut Can Trust
I really enjoy your blog, by the way.
I love "A Place Your Gut Can Trust", that would make a great slogan! I'm still baffled by this decision - I was having a look today at a list of other patient support organisations, and they're all called things like Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Action for ME and Arthritis Care - in other words, the name of the disorder is right up front there so you know who they're working for.
I do agree with Pinky - if someone doesn't know what IBS stands for then surely they're not the people the organisation is aimed at anyhow. I mean, I don't really know a lot about Cyclic Vomiting, but I know that the Cyclic Vomiting Association supports patients who suffer from it.
I have to say I disagree, I like the new name, I didn't know what I had when I first got diagnosed, I wouldn't have known to look for IBS, but I knew I had a problem with my gut, so full marks to them for being brave enough to speak to the wider world.
I don't like the name change either. I joined everyclick.com (search engine that gives money to charity)and have IBS network as the charity I donate to specifically because the IBS network clearly refers to IBS. I feel the name change is confusing and unnecessary and I'm off to have a word.Thanks for pointing this out Sophie.
Hi Sophie and readers of Sophie's blog,
I just wanted to say that I've added a comment to the ‘A classic conversation with a doctor’ entry, in response to Liz’s story about what happened at the cocktail party. As this is now a few entries back, I didn’t want it to be missed.
Sophie – thanks as always. Your blog really cheers me up.
N.B. I too think that the name ‘The Gut Trust’ is rather confusing.
I think the word Gut trust is really not something that most people would understand. With more and more getting educated about IBS , it was better to stick with IBS word then to devise new ones
My mum rang the Gut Trust and yet she was told they are 'not medically qualified and don't give out advice' and were not very helpful to be honest. But that's just one opinion.. i have read others who have had a better response from them which is good to see.