As much as i want to call it a publicity stunt they must know alot more than the average viewer who complains about it to do the names for a 2nd year in a row. i say give it time and it will become a staple like the current Hurricane names we are used to every year.
The difference is that the government has a mandate to issue names for tropical cyclones, and, as such, they're recognized the world over, just as names issued by other governments in their own areas are also recognized. These winter storm names are coming from a private business, essentially, and are mandated by no one; in fact, they're actively rejected by the U.S. government. However, the press is increasing its use of them - not only NBC, for obvious reasons, but also various newspapers and other media. That alone may turn the tide into widespread acceptance of these names, even if they remain "unofficial."
