On Two and a Half Men, MusicAlgorithm.com demonstrates the principle that while the literal approach to business branding is boring, it’s often better than the alternative. Also, why you should always do a web search on a domain name or URL you’re uncertain of instead of visiting it directly.
Show & Episode:
Two and a Half Men- The War Against Gingivitis (S09E18)
How is MusicAlgorithm.com used?
When Walden Schmidt’s ex-wife contacts him over Skype to arrange a meeting with his ex-business partner Billy Stanhope (guest star Patton Oswalt), Walden wants nothing to do with him. After Alan asks, Walden shows him why via YouTube videos of Billy ranting about how Walden sold him out, in some cases literally talking out his butt.
However, Billy shows up anyway with an idea too good to pass up, and after an apology and scuffle the two start reminiscing about their partnership and the start of their Zune-destined application. The personalities of the partners are revealed with the suggestions for the name – Billy’s was MusicAlgorithm.com, while Walden’s was SongSnatch (unfortunately not given as a domain name.)
They ended up with BlunGoGo.com, which is the sound Billy makes when Walden chokes him.
I took him more seriously with the beard
Breakdown:
The Domain
Here’s another instance where the producers either figured the domain name was already registered or didn’t think it was worth checking. Either way, WHOIS results show that the domain was registered the same day the episode originally aired (February 27, 2012) by a company not associated with the show.
Currently, MusicAlgorithm.com is pointed to a page that serves as an advertisement for a celebrity-type website. [CAUTION] is used in this post title because the domain name is not used with a website related to the show, CBS, or Warner Bros. Entertainment. Visit at your own risk.
So what do you think? Did the producers assume MusicAlgorithm.com was registered based on the generic nature of the name, that it wasn’t worth registering, or that it just slipped through the cracks? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Related - BlunGoGo.com