The orange name idea, might have been good at one point, however the idea completely failed practically. All it has done is create another status symbol on NS, and that is one thing this site really does not need. Just look at how much 3/4th of the donators bitched about letting new people donate. If you don't believe it is a status symbol just go look at the top rated members, notice that about 30% are orange, then notice that 1/5th don't do anything but post team updates, and one quite the site 2 years ago since he hated it. Then you see threads such as the one nominating some random kid for an Orange name because he 'kills it' what the fuck I know plenty of people who 'kill it' but they really have nothing to do with the industry other then getting some cheap/free product.
The worst part about it is that it is not even a real status at all. It does not seem that you really need to be in the industry to actualy have one. and by in the industry I don't mean sponsored because that just means you gave a rep or team manager a better blow job then the next guy (but that is a whole other rant).
If the orange name is actually supposed to do what it was intended to there will need to be some tighter limits place on what qualifies as an orange name. The Orange name was originally designed to allow members to be able to know who to direct their questions towards regarding news relating to a company, product information, etc etc. If this is to be the case then it would be a good idea for people to be able to tell who the fuck you are and why you have an orange name. This should not require anything more then either reading the persons name or a quick glance at their profile. Someone should not half to go digging around the site in order to find out what this 'orange name' does and if they are the correct person to send their question(s) to. With that in mind it would also help if the people with orange names were people who questions should be directed towards. This is usually not team members, pro skiers, or others like that. If I wanted to know who to talk to regarding warranty issues, a team member is usually not the right person to ask since they don't usually deal with that sort of thing and may not even know the correct answer. A rep or someone similar is going to know the answers to those questions.
Another thing to consider with making a name orange is the company actualy in the ski industry or not just some kids calling themselves a company with no real idea about what they are trying to attempt to do (read: RMU).
So yea the Orange name idea failed. It could have worked, and it still has a chance to work but some changes need to be made. Right now it is just another status symbol of who know how to give a good blow job and who does not.
Thats my rant for tonight. Peace
P.S. Since I know it will be brought up that I am envious of the people who are orange names and want my name to be orange, I don't, I probably could be, but don't want to, even if I would get access to the 'industry insiders forum.'