Sometimes I can’t resist no matter how hard I try. So, I’m just going to ask, what the heck was Yahoo thinking?

Monday the company announced enhancements to its core shopping capabilities, calling the service the “Shoposphere.”

Now, I’ve been covering technology since 1987 so I’ve seen my share of off-color, inappropriate and down right stupid names for both products and companies. I have to say this one is right up there on my list of annoyingly lame names.

I’m willing to let cute slip by now and then. I’ll even tolerate (barely) those made up words that mash together some Greek or Latin word with supposedly powerful sounding vowels. But committee-generated pseudo-clever rarely gets a thumbs up from me.

Yahoo is clearly trying to capitalize on the word blogosphere. Too bad most people have no clue what the blogosphere is or if they do they feel like an idiot saying it. If they don’t feel self conscious saying it then they are likely one of those “inside baseball” bloggers. It’s kind of like each time I utter the word digerati - I really want to slap myself.

It looks like I’m not the only one that thinks the name Shoposphere is sort of ridiculous. The folks at Threadwatch.org also weighed in briefly on this one. Warning: Don’t click on this link if you’re offended by swear words or explicit language.

Let me know what you think. lisap@revenuetoday.com