Slurls Unintentionally Hilarious Domain Names

It has been pointed out that there are similarities between Slurls and Googlewhacks.

OK, let's see what they have in common. Both are on the web, about language, unintentional, and difficult to find. But they part ways when it comes to sense of humour. Whereas your average Googlewhacker hangs out in libraries guffawing at "indiana paroxetines" and "insudate electrons", the Slurler will be seen at the local amusement arcade asking the kids if they've been to Pen Island yet. Whoops, I may have gone too far. But that's what Slurling is all about, if it ain't distasteful it's hardly a proper Slurl.

* Don't know what a Googlewhack is? It's a two word search that when typed into Google produces one, and only one, result. Google has several billion web pages in its index, so they are pretty rare. See www.googlewhack.com for examples like "episcopal brachiosaur" and "primp schadenfreude". And if you haven't read/seen Dave Gorman's Googlewhack Adventure, you are missing out. The man is a genius. Here is his book on Amazon.com and book/DVD on Amazon.co.uk.

Thanks for all the positive feedback. It's good to give back to the web community. Here's some more pearls...

Hard to believe that this is unintentional, Cumbria Storage Systems Ltd
www.cumstore.co.uk (screenshot)

I feel sorry for these guys. When Mr Childs set up his delivery company in 1891 how was he to know that words would get all run together 100 years later? It's so tragic.
www.childsexpress.com (screenshot)

MP3's Hits. Hmmmm.
www.mp3shits.com (screenshot)

I've seen it performed by Experts, and done for a Dollar, but I always knew it was pretty odd. The site compares betting odds, obviously.
www.oddsexchange.com (screenshot)

A small Minnesota-based firm that specializes in hybrid applications. Huh?
www.bitart.com (screenshot)
You might need to know UK slang to get the Slurl.

This one is not crude enough for my taste, but what the hell, you might like it. At Rate-a-Ten you can rate Guys, Girls, and "Other Types".
www.rateaten.com (screenshot)

Sometimes something looks like a Slurl, smells like a Slurl, and sure as hell feels like a Slurl. But it ain't no Slurl, no siree. Here are some common infringements:

1. The ex-Slurl. This is where the domain owner his come to his or her senses and changed the address. There are a few different types:
   
   
   1. Adding a carefully chosen hyphen or two (like Experts' Exchange)
   2. More drastic changes, when the chosen domain is particularly rediculous (like Mole Station Nursery).
   3. Shutting down the site completely. When you have got off to such a bad start, that could be the best way to go. Like Powergen Italia.
      
      
2. The fake Slurl. There are some sneaky people out there who would choose a domain with a double-meaning intentionally. How very dare they? There has been much debate about a firm favourite of mine - Pen Island. It's hard for me to admit, but it does seem like a hoax. That makes me used. And dirty. I need a bath.
   
   
3. The rubbish attempt at a Slurl. A good example is Lake Tahoe's visitor site - www.gotahoe.com. Don't misunderstand, I see the alleged Slurl, but I like my words spelled right, and having a garden implement doesn't do it for me.

This one has to be seen to be belived. It's a church in Georgia.
www.cummingfirst.com (screenshot)

If you can't afford an expert (see this post) you could try and get it done cheap here
www.dollarsexchange.com (screenshot)

This is such a great Slurl.
www.analemma.com (screenshot)
"With a few simple animations the analemma can be readily understood.", says Google, wisely. I'd like to see those animations.

Italian electricity generation company - now an ex-slurl, but it's been archived for our amusement
http://web.archive.org/web/20040522201412/http://www.powergenitalia.com/ (screenshot)

A plant nursery in Mole Station, Australia. Not child-friendly, I guess?
www.molestationnursery.com (screenshot) - this site is now at www.molerivernursery.com

I have to confess that this slurl had to be explained to me. It's a personal favourite.
www.northerngasheating.co.uk (screenshot)

The venerable law firm of Morrison & Foerster. Popular lawyers for gangsta rappers, maybe?
www.mofo.com (screenshot)

The official site of Marist College sports' teams. No hunting ban for them then.
www.goredfoxes.com (screenshot)

More to come soon...

The Experts Exchange - where programmers share tips and advice. I visited this site for years before I realised it's a Slurl. They have spoilt the fun now by adding a hyphen.

formerly: www.expertsexchange.com
now: www.experts-exchange.com

doh!

A slurl is a domain name (the first part of a web site address) that consists of two or more unspaced words ... sounds pretty boring so far, right?

Well, the twist is that because the words are not separated in any way, they can be read very differently to the way intended. All slurls are real websites with names chosen in good faith and genuine, clean purposes in mind.

Slurls are not always easy to spot - after all, the owner failed to spot their bad choice of domain name when they bought it. At Slurls.com I'll just give you the site's name and purpose - you'll have to figure out the Slurl yourself.

See what you make of these:

Pen Island, the best place to get custom made pens on the internet!
www.penisland.net (screenshot)

Therapist Finder, a California directory of mental health practitioners
www.therapistfinder.com (screenshot)

who Represents...? A reference site for finding show business agents, or perhaps a place to get a gift for a very special friend
www.whorepresents.com (screenshot)

If you find a Slurl, just add a comment to any post and I'll put it on here for all to see - with full credit to you of course.