Last week's Question of the Week asked whether readers liked the idea of branding Helena as "The West's Learning Center for the Arts." Most did not.

Among 822 responses to this unscientific survey, 606 voted against the proposed brand, while just 216 were in favor.

No readers' comments were favorable:

- The proposed labeling of Helena does not capture the heart of the community, nor is it even an accurate description of the art community in Helena. Arts education? Heck, the public schools don't even provide an art education to our students.

- No, I like the idea of Helena the Queen City of the Rockies -- Home of Arts, Education, Recreation and more.

- No. For years, Helena has been promoted and known as "The Best Little Arts Town in the West." I like that designation and feel we have continued to move forward in that direction. The West's Learning Center for the Arts? That is a mouthful and doesn't have as nice a "ring" or feel to it. Why mess with a good thing?

- You've got to be kidding me! Is this what we paid the consultant to produce? A brand for a town may work if it appeals to a wide segment of potential visitors or sets us apart in some memorable, even whimsical, way that captures attention, but this proposal is vague, narrow in scope and comes off as remedial, dull and stuffy. How about "Home of the Marauding Urban Deer?" Now that would draw some interest.

- This whole branding effort is pathetic, absurd and a total waste of money. You earn a reputation by doing or being something special. If some expensive consultant tells you otherwise, and you believe and pay him, you are a fool. I'll bet you a beer most Helena residents are embarrassed by this stupid effort.