Full Idea
What is important about Kripke's theory is not that the use of proper names is 'causal' - what is not? - but that the use of proper names is collective.
Gist of Idea
Kripke's theory is important because it gives a collective account of reference
Source
report of Saul A. Kripke (Naming and Necessity lectures [1970]) by Hilary Putnam - Explanation and Reference II B
Book Reference
Putnam,Hilary: 'Mind Language and Reality: Papers vol 2' [CUP 1975], p.203
A Reaction
This is the best response to Kripke. Reference is achieved by thinkers and speakers, but it is also a team activity, as in the case of the elm, or of Amenhotep II.