What do you call your examples?

[Jim Barrow]

>From: Sarah Bouchier <Sarah.Bouchier at exony.com>
>
>I can't be the only person with this problem.

Oh no, we all go through this. [looks skyward and whistles]

>I have a tutorial all planned out in my head, and then sit and >stare at a blank page for ten minutes because I don't know what to >name the examples. 

The next time this happens, tell you neighbors that you had an argument with the font and you're not letting it back onto the page until it apologizes.

>Example users are easy enough (Though JohnSmith1 and JohnSmith2 >may be pushing it slightly) but with company names I'm always >worried in case I use the name of a /real/ company.
>
>What does everyone else do?

Most of the companies that I've worked for were in the entertainment industry, so I'd use character names from their television programs.  It got the job done and also promoted their Fall line-up.

When that isn't possible I usually put a twist on the names of semi-famous individuals that I'd like to pay homage to:  Percy Spencer Microtronics (Percy Spencer invented the microwave oven).  If using his real name makes you nervous, change it to Percy Spensor Microtronics).

- Jim