Hey, gang,

The editors have been discussing the current MR Logo, and wanted to get an idea what folks thought about it. Amongst ourselves, about all we've decided is that it looks like a thumb (rather reminds me of the recent Hitchhiker's Guide movie, actually).

Here it is: http://www.mobileread.com/forums/images/mr/misc/logo.gif

So anyway, please answer the poll, and let us know what you think. :nice:

How does the logo look on the Iliad?

I think it needs a little work. Maybe a little more detail and make it should look less like a thumb.

Guess what I voted for? :laugh4:

Now that the functionalities of the site have been fine tuned to an excellent performance, the time for that promised redesign has come.

Your comparison with something from HG is good. It also looks like something reminiscent of the sixties with the idolization of space travel and planet Saturn.

I don't have to guess, you went for the toilet thing, of course. :grin:

What's that Bible verse about the mouth speaking from the overflow of the heart? :laugh4:

Bob pointed out the thumb resemblance, no credit to me. :unafraid:

I've never really understood the logo. It doesn't help define what the site is all about as it could be used for any telephone-related site. This is a very distinctive site and needs a logo that proclaims what it is about.

After saying that, I must say that designing a good logo is a very, very hard thing to do.

My understanding is that it dates back to when MR was focused more on mobile devices, in a time when that mostly meant phones. The focus has shifted, or more accurately grown in other directions since then, which is what seems to have gotten Alex thinking about the possibility of changing it. I don't think the thumb thing is his real motivation, anyway. :grin:

I'd like to see a logo which reflects the current focus of the site on reading and eBooks; the mobile phone logo doesn't really indicate that.

It does look like a telephony enterprise/phone installing crew logo... or a drunk dismembered cockroach:laugh4:

To most logo designers, if you can't play with a visible concept related to the business, you just play with lettering appearances.

I voted for the middle option, because I agree that the logo doesn't really reflect quite special orientation of this unique website.

However I also subscribe to paulkbiba's point that designing a new one will be quite hard, especially in this case. Maybe some open contest for new logo would help it.

Quite simply:

it should look like an eReader (SONY or iLiad or both).

I would never read a book on my cellular phone!

Looks like a dizzy cellphone.:unafraid:

Quite simply:

it should look like an eReader (SONY or iLiad or both).

I would never read a book on my cellular phone!

I'd agree with that. Also, it needs some TEXT on it, that clearly marks it out as being the page of a book.

Quite simply:

it should look like an eReader (SONY or iLiad or both).

I would never read a book on my cellular phone!

I agree a stylised ebbok reader incorporating the elipses that the current logo already has would work I think. (and not too hard to design either)

Unfortunately I'm one of those horrible people that advocates a change but I am simply not creative enough to come up with an alternative :) Maybe an illustrated Sony/iLiad/Cybook being carried in a hand? Text should also be on the screen. Oh, shame in my lack of creativity!

Well folks, let's get going. Go one an design a new logo. Let's see what you can do. let's get that graphic talant moving in the right direction. A new logo would be very nice.

give me 2 weeks, and i will try to design a new logo. But i am too busy to do it right now.

I agree that it should be changed from looking like a cell phone to looking like something having to do with ebooks. I don't know how to make logos though.

I agree, a new logo is in order, but it doesn't have to look just like a dedicated reader. Keep in mind, people read on different devices... the key is "mobile," not dedicated.

I'll give a new logo a shot... I've already got an idea or two. Give me a week or two, and I'll send what I come up with!

The new logo doesn't have to be designed right now. Take some time to have a think. Even if you may not be good at actually making the logo, an idea of what it might be might give someone else the help needed to do a nice logo.

I'm with Jon... it will be great to see what people come up with, whether rough or finished.

I'd like to see something else too. I mean, the mobile phone even has an antenna! How...5 minutes ago :D

Seriously though, I'd love to see something else too and I'll see if I have any inspiration this weekend. Kinda busy with work that pays the bills right now :(

I don't think I would focus on reader hardware as much as the e-book concept, but that's just me. I'm a newcomer here, so my vote isn't worth a whole lot.

Something like an open book with a magnified spot on one page revealing 1's and 0's might be cool.

I don't think I would focus on reader hardware as much as the e-book concept, but that's just me. I'm a newcomer here, so my vote isn't worth a whole lot.

Something like an open book with a magnified spot on one page revealing 1's and 0's might be cool.

That is a positively good idea!

This is the kind of input needed for those who'll do the drawings. We need direction and criticism but mostly positive imaging... More!:yes:

When I do design for others, I always bang my nose against the same wall. People have more knowlege of what they don't like than what they do like. So you draw with suggestions of what you think the person wants, only to hear "Idon't like it" Then you go back to modify or do something totally different. Arrrgh!

Although I've joked around, the MR logo has become a symbol in my dayly routines, that represents anticipation towards "a good feeling is about to happen". Fits well with the expression "It grows on you".

Well you have enough space to show alot of readers there: the Sony, the iLiad, my Axim, gasp the iphone

Probably best not to show recognisably-specific devices. That way you don't need to change the logo when new things appear.

It's definitely looking a bit dated...

Maybe something based on an icon for a turnable page (one or two partly-turned corners) but in a sleek package. View partly from side/above to show it's sleek and slim...

lex

It was fine with me, but if you want to change it, maybe a book on legs. Many legs. like The Luggage (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Luggage). :D

I don't think I would focus on reader hardware as much as the e-book concept, but that's just me. I'm a newcomer here, so my vote isn't worth a whole lot.

Something like an open book with a magnified spot on one page revealing 1's and 0's might be cool.
Your vote is worth as much as everyone else's.

And actually, your idea for the logo is an interesting one. I'd like to see what someone could do with it.

It was fine with me, but if you want to change it, maybe a book on legs. Many legs. like The Luggage (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Luggage). :D

I've pictured the luggage a bit different. More like a suitcase made of sapient wood with legs.

Since we're on the web, an animated logo would be Tops! How about something like diabloNL's avatar as an idea? Without the PRS of course.

Would someone with an art gene try to draw a jeans pocket with upper half of something resembling an e-book reader (e.g. like Sony) - the lower half being inside the pocket? I would try to draw it myself, but then I would need even more text to explain what it actually is. No drawing talent. Zilch. :o)

change the logo? never! we will fight on the streets, we will fight from the hills, we will break for lunch

the current logo is so steampunk

Huh. Steampunk, now there's an idea!

Keep in mind that I have exactly zero artistic talent, but here's a quick Photoshop mock-up of what I was talking about.

http://www.jasonkchapman.com/images/mobileread.png

Ha, I wouldn't call that "zero artistic talent". It's a fine start!

I like the idea with the binary bubble from jasonkchapman, maybe i will snitch it for another try.

Mhm I don't know if the arrows add to much detail?

I like the idea with the binary bubble from jasonkchapman, maybe i will snitch it for another try.

Mhm I don't know if the arrows add to much detail?


I like it - what about removing the text from the middle and adding it to the right hand side or just removing the text altogether? Just a thought

Keep in mind that I have exactly zero artistic talent, but here's a quick Photoshop mock-up of what I was talking about.

http://www.jasonkchapman.com/images/mobileread.png

Not bad, what if you reverse it. fill the book with small 1 and 0's and where you have the magnifying glass, you see text.

More grist for the mill.

http://www.jasonkchapman.com/images/mobileread2.png

More grist for the mill.

http://www.jasonkchapman.com/images/mobileread2.png

First I thought of a crypto code; but then I understood the meaning of turning binary data into text. Cool idea!

Cool idea!
The hat tip goes to DeGodefroi. I was riffing on the idea of turning the text/bits thing the other way around.

maybe i will snitch it for another try.
Please do. I'm thinking of this as a visual brainstorming session.

I like the "circuit trace" look on yours. Combining that with the text/bits bubble might look really good.

Keep in mind that I have exactly zero artistic talent, but here's a quick Photoshop mock-up of what I was talking about.

http://www.jasonkchapman.com/images/mobileread.png

I like both.
Although if it were possible to combine a book from the first logo with binaries from the second logo where you can see letters through mag. glass...it would be even coller :)

Keep in mind that I have exactly zero artistic talent, but here's a quick Photoshop mock-up of what I was talking about.

http://www.jasonkchapman.com/images/mobileread.pngSome interesting ideas are coming out. This one, for example, has a nice clean look and sort of reminds me of the "Intel Inside" idea except it's a book that's "digital inside". The other variations also have brought out some new angles to think about. Keep 'em coming!

Maybe we could make a wikipage for the pictures? That would make comparison and discussion of seperate ideas easier, I think.

http://www.jasonkchapman.com/images/mobileread.png

http://www.jasonkchapman.com/images/mobileread2.pngI think we're onto something here! What about the original book, with the binary on the pages, and inside the magnifier it says ... wait for it ... "MobileRead"?

Dumdidum

I think we should not have the paper-looking book in the logo, since that's not really what we're about. Despite the little bubble thing, the overall look is still a regular book. I think this one makes the case stronger that we do "e" books, not regular books.


http://www.jasonkchapman.com/images/mobileread2.png

BTW, I'm curious what software you guys are using to make these logos?

I hope the new logo keeps the "Neptune Rings". That's what I notice, not the device in the center.

I think the rings should stay too, in some form, anyway. That is one of the things that is 'defining' of MobileRead to me too. :nice:

BTW, I'm curious what software you guys are using to make these logos?I use Photoshop.

What do you guys think of this direction?
eBook in hand (:2thumbsup) | happy tree (Meaning: no dead trees -- maybe the tree needs a smile?) | out and about (MobileRead)

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/1541/logo1jk5.jpg

Who made the original logo, and is there an editable file of it we could work with?

If people want to keep the rings, maybe just a small change to the device in the center is in order.

Here are some rings...

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/9315/logo2extj1.jpg

BTW, I'm curious what software you guys are using to make these logos?
Photoshop here, too.

I like the crisp look of your effort mercury7. Some have talked about incorporating ones and zeros; could that be done with out making it look too cluttered?

I like the crisp look of your effort mercury7. Some have talked about incorporating ones and zeros; could that be done with out making it look too cluttered?

I agree, I'd like to see that too. I'm too scatterbrained and busy right now to diddle with Photoshop myself...not that I'm that good but sometimes I stumble upon something nice.

My thought on this is something that is simple and visually indicative of what we're doing, but less hardware-specific:

I like the crisp look of your effort mercury7. Some have talked about incorporating ones and zeros; could that be done with out making it look too cluttered?How about this?

I like Steve's version with the hand and page a lot... just add the rings. Maybe with the ones and zeros like Mercury7 has. :)

Are you thinking of changing the favicon, too? It's not so indicative of the site right now, but I do use it to find the right tab if I have several up.

My thought on this is something that is simple and visually indicative of what we're doing, but less hardware-specific:...and a little further:

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/600/logo3lr3.png

...and a little further:

Nice. Add some floating control buttons, too!

Nice. Add some floating control buttons, too!Not sure I understand, Steve. Can you make a sketch?

Here's one with rings:
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/4885/logo3signalks5.png

Not sure I understand, Steve. Can you make a sketch?

Here's one with rings:
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/4885/logo3signalks5.png

I think he means to add a few buttons like in his logo, to make the page look like some ebook reader.

Thusly:

Or so-ly:

Maybe the bottom half of the page could be zeros and ones fading into letters and words in the top half. And MobileRead should be a bit bigger and bolder.

With buttons:
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/8933/logo3buttonsun0.png

Thusly:

I like those. Very nice. Device agnostic, but shows that it is a book in "e" form.

With buttons:
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/8933/logo3buttonsun0.png

Cool logo.

... is really nice. Needs the 3D, and gives the paper-thin feel.

Constructive comments:

-- the buttons scattered around do not add much; and imply a certain interface (why do I need buttons, why not just gesture across the screen to change the page?)

-- the oval rings behind give a nice continuity from the current logo (but they need to be hidden where they cross 'behind' the screen

-- many lines of text is a little too busy for a logo. Just put the words 'mobile read' in there? That may be a bit too empty .. so how about a graphic or an image below it? [hmm .. a simple tree?]. Books are not just text...

Lexico

I like the idea of text in the logo. Since there are readers from all over the world that check out this site, the text should be the word "Welcome" in different languages. Of course because of the size of the logo it would be very hard if not impossible to read it is the thought that counts.

I don't think the actual text in the logo is important... unless you plan on displaying it very large, no one's going to be able to read it anyway. At the size of the current logo, everyone will be able to recognize that it is text, even if they can't actually read it. (And at smaller sizes, it doesn't matter what language it's in.)

Personally, I don't have a problem with not carrying the rings over into a new logo. To me, the rings suggest wireless, but this site is about mobility, which isn't necessarily connected to wirelessness. OTOH, I wouldn't curse the gods if the rings were there. Maybe, instead of text on the screen, the rings would be on the screen as a logo...

Constructive comments:

-- the buttons scattered around do not add much; and imply a certain interface (why do I need buttons, why not just gesture across the screen to change the page?)

I put the floating buttons in, to make sure the viewer recognized that they were indeed looking at some type of electronic device (books don't have buttons). They are not necessarily logical, but visually they are iconic.

The reason I come here is the great content and the good people. I didn't even think about the icon until the question was asked.

At first I thought a thumb would be just fine. Then I fell in love with gingercat's beautiful avatar. Why not a cat? But after seeing Steve's futuristic icon with the shadow underneath, I think I could go with that. It is the cat's miao (my spelling is tending toward the Chinese).

I really like the suggestion of a hand in Steve's logo. I also liked the idea of the text fading to binary.

I agree with NatCh.

Don't forget, folks, a logo is simply supposed to be basic symbology that suggests a meaning. The text<->binary thing sort of puts the "e-" in e-book. Steve's hand and tilted, flat screen suggests hand-held mobility and electronic convenience. I think it works really well and doesn't depend on being large, high-color, or high-res to get the point across.

When it comes to symbols, you can't afford to look at them too literally. We still call them e-books, even though they aren't "books" in the sense of bound paper. We still call comic books books, too. Fictionwise uses a quill pen. It's not literal, but it gets the "fiction" concept across.

I like Steve's MRlogo3-- the screen with the buttons and shadow. I prefer it to the second one because keeping the arrows on the right keeps them out of the shadow and makes them more distinct. It also helps that it represents text, but does not show any as the mock-latin used in place of text can be annoying.

Agreeing with me is an excellent way to get me to think you're a genius, jasonkchapman! :wink2:
... a logo is simply supposed to be basic symbology that suggests a meaning.That is a really important point, I think. If we get too complex, we lose the point of the logo: something which is quickly and clearly recognizable as being "of MobileRead."

I like Steve's MRlogo3-- the screen with the buttons and shadow. I prefer it to the second one because keeping the arrows on the right keeps them out of the shadow and makes them more distinct. It also helps that it represents text, but does not show any as the mock-latin used in place of text can be annoying.The mock latin is interesting (though I still favor the binary to text thing, personally -- they're not incompatible, I suppose), but I don't really like the arrows.

I really like the stylized hand, for exactly the reasons that jasonkchapman noted (though I hadn't gotten to putting the thought in words): "it suggests hand-held mobility and electronic convenience."

logo3buttonsun0 and MRlogo3 are the best so far IMHO :)

Agreeing with me is an excellent way to get me to think you're a genius, jasonkchapman! :wink2:
I took Advanced Suck-up 101 in college. It was part of the "Career Building Series".

logo3buttonsun0 and MRlogo3 are the best so far IMHO
Which one is MRlogo3?

Probably quite relevant to point out the logo being used by http://www.booksonboard.com/.
http://www.booksonboard.com/images/BodyBoB.jpg

Hmmm. Books and bits.... Now there's an idea. :oops2:

I agree with NatCh.

Don't forget, folks, a logo is simply supposed to be basic symbology that suggests a meaning. The text<->binary thing sort of puts the "e-" in e-book. Steve's hand and tilted, flat screen suggests hand-held mobility and electronic convenience. I think it works really well and doesn't depend on being large, high-color, or high-res to get the point across.

Good point, Jason. Also, the more basic the logo, the easier it "brands" into people's minds.

Pick any successful company. It's very likely that it uses a surprisingly "simple" logo (simple as in the degree of complexity).

Which one is MRlogo3?

MRlogo3 (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=91390&postcount=66)

Okay, based unashamedly on one of Steve Jordan's variants, and combining several other ideas kicked around in the discussion, here's my (really) rough example of how I see them going together.

If somebody likes the idea enough, and has better skills/tools/talent in the area and wants to clean it up a bit, please consider yourself gratefully invited to do so. :)

I'll also upload the "blank" I worked from for the rough parts in case that helps someone (I pretty much borrowed it whole from Steve :nice:).

Personally, I prefer versions without the hand. It just doesn't seem to fit for me.

Just an idea :)

Just an idea :)

Not bad :)

If you swapped it so the guy is walking the other direction (to the right) and stuck his leg out as though he were taking a step, then the pile of books would almost look like an "M" and the guy would almost look like an "R" -- very clever. :grin:

Okay, based unashamedly on one of Steve Jordan's variants, and combining several other ideas kicked around in the discussion, here's my (really) rough example of how I see them going together.

If somebody likes the idea enough, and has better skills/tools/talent in the area and wants to clean it up a bit, please consider yourself gratefully invited to do so. :)

I'll also upload the "blank" I worked from for the rough parts in case that helps someone (I pretty much borrowed it whole from Steve :nice:).

Priceless! We're back to the thumb!

Yeah, there is a continuity there I hadn't considered -- at least the whole thing doesn't look like a thumb!

Yeah, there is a continuity there I hadn't considered -- at least the whole thing doesn't look like a thumb!
The hitchhiker's guide to the . . . (world of mobile literacy?)

I like it!:thumbsup:

Maybe this: :thumbsup: would be a good logo :)

I think the current logo looks like a finger with an antenna attached. When (if) it looks like a mobile phone, it kind of leaves the other reading devices out. I think the logo should be created upon the idea of an ubiquous mobile reading concept.

A lot of folks clearly agree with you, Münchener. :nice:

The old logo (as I understand it) was created when MobileRead focused a lot more on phones, and some PDA applications. At the time, the phone thing was fairly representative. But things have changed with the advent of dedicated e-reading hardware (and some dandy multifunctional devices, such as UMPCs, that are pretty nicely serviceable as readers too) that folks can, and are getting excited about.

Which is what prompted us (Alex, actually) to start talking about a new logo in the first place. :grin:

Couple of thoughts.
The rings around the old logo represent waves as in communication's micro waves. Most of today's readers don't use them.
The best way to describe portability is to show a hand, it's the ulimate in clarity.

Ouch! I guess my symbolism is out of date if not actually threadbare. Towers with lines shooting out of the top meant radio; spheres with rings around them meant univerality, an encompasing . . .. Gosh, maybe I need another nap.

Has the quest for a new logo died? Or are people working away savagely in their celler?

I'm not sure. I hope it's not yet died. I'd love to see more.

Im just going to apologize up front / offer a disclaimer. I have very strong views on how certain tasks should be undertaken, and what the proper criteria are for certain organizational focal points. If I come off as overly aggressive, condescending, or megalomaniacal, it was not my intent.

When designing an icon, trade mark, or other branding image you need to keep in mind its purpose. To be identified with the organization! I love artistic imagery as much as the next guy, but almost everything comes second to the ability to tell that its your logo, at many sizes, printed on a tee shirt, stamped on someones forehead, made into paper weights...

It is helpful to include elements that people are familiar with, either representations of concrete objects, or geometric patterns that they can recognize. This part we have been doing well with.

An ideal logo can be put in a single or dual color format and still be recognized.

Text should be avoided when possible. Part of this is the saleability, but specific text makes the symbol less portable. Having a location where a name, or tag line is normally placed, and then putting it in the proper language seems to work much better.

-------on imagery--------

when talking about artistic imagery people need to reach a general agreement on what is important about their organization that you are trying to represent.

Do the electronics matter to this community, or is reading the only focal point. Is it specifically mobile devices that you want to focus on, or is the text content being portable more important? Do we care about the environmental impact of our movement, or is it more focused with the tech cool progress, or maybe just that books are being made available in a way that has no printing or distribution costs... basically, find a focus, or where the common ground is. Don't assume that it is known, unless there is a well circulated and commonly accepted central mission statement.

-------Criticism-------
Be as specific as you can. This has to do with proper communication as well as the psychological construct built up around sharing ideas. When someone puts their idea forward and it is criticized in a general way, they are likely to eliminate more ideas than were actually subject to the criticisms.
example:"I don't like the thumb"
do you not like the way it is drawn?
do you not like its location, or that it is a right or left thumb?
do you hate all thumbs categorically?

The hardest part of good criticism is taking the time to become comfortable enough with your own reaction to something that you can address its parts. The strongest reactions come normally from identifying something you all ready have strong feelings about, or by seeing something that conflicts with your expectations somehow. So really, look at it for a min or two, add or remove elements in your head for a while. If something dosen't look right print it out and add lines, white out parts... do what ever you have to do to not leave vague criticisms!

OK, now that I got that out of my system, here is my whack at it.

I have been very happy with the ideas that have been thrown around. My frame of reference is that I like ebooks, and any new form of communication. What fascinates me most is the idea that publishers may have less roll in our literature than the writers soon :D

Artistically I too am more of a minimalist... and I think that the idea put forward by Steve Jordan was incredible. It had a great use of negative space, which I love, but understand that most people's eye are adverse to. I have tried to keep his theme, while removing even more of the dateable pieces of the reader. I imagine eventually all e-books will have 1-2 buttons that are barely visitable and use a touch screen to do almost everything, but most likely they will continue to be about book size, and have a screen... so thats about all I left.

I have tried to include a few minor variations, one is completely transparent, and I have added lines in one it imply text. I also also attached my original psd file so others can further edit the idea!

I kinda like the idea of the binary code going in and readable text coming out. I also have to agree with the majority of voters here that the current logo seems to be cellular-centric. Too bad I don't have Photoshop loaded up on an of my PC's (maybe it's on my Tablet that's gather dust...).

Anyway, here's my idea:

Keep the current swirl-type effect, but change it to binary swooping/curling in from one side and text coming out the other; perhaps some famous, yet small, quote from a book that's no longer under copyright.

In the middle, where the data is swirling into, have some device mocked up that has a neutral appearance; i.e., not a cellphone, PDA, Reader, Iliad, et al., just a mobile device. You could probably get creative and emblazon a logo on the top of the device that has the initials of the forum; perhaps a backward R connected to an M (probably shouldn't use an R connected to an M's right-side, this logo is already in use by Master Replicas among others). In keeping with Jason Chapman's first image, maybe put a circle in the middle of the device's screen, with a dissolve from binary to text, indicating the the conversion from bits to recognizable material.

Just an idea that sounds and, in my mind, looks pretty darn cool. Maybe someone can go with the idea. :thumbsup:

Edit: After catching up on page 2 of this thread, I really dug Steve Jordan's mock-up on the earlier posted device. Now going with that and changing the rings into what I described above would be cool. I also liked the idea of welcome in different languages, perhpas have those in the swirling out ring and the quite idea in the circle-dissolve on the screen of the reader. Cool ideas everyone!

aapezzuto, I like the one farthest to the right, with the lines. I think it really captures the essence of what we're all doing.

All it needs is a reference to MR, as it is it could be useful to any reader outfit. The first few words written should be Mobile Read with some new proprietary font.

But the fact that it is in your hand makes it mobile, and the suggestion of text makes it reading. The current logo doesn't have text in it.

Just has a cute little idea, thought i would sketch it really quick! (man I love my wacom tablet!!!)

I know what all of you are going to say to this one... the exact same thing my wife said. "a book that big would never be running, he would just sit around all day at the library!":smack:

But the fact that it is in your hand makes it mobile, and the suggestion of text makes it reading. The current logo doesn't have text in it.

No but this little drawing is placed in context on the top of the site's pages. Put it somewhere else and it has no meaning but to us. This logo could be used elsewhere where an ID has to be made, it is imperative to have a caption.

But the fact that it is in your hand makes it mobile, and the suggestion of text makes it reading. The current logo doesn't have text in it.The current one also doesn't have an image specific tie-in to MobileRead either.

As aapezzuto as correctly taken us to task (thanks for the re-focusing, by the way :wink2:) the idea is to make the image identify as MobileRead to the point that folks know what it is without the text. For instance, most everyone knows what this logo is for, without any text at all.

http://www.sdga.edu/images/PartnerLogos/Nike01.jpg

The more I think about it, the more I like the basic approach in post 104 (Steve's Idea), I like the one with the lines on it to simulate text (last one), best of the lot, I think.

The idea of combining the rings with the binary and text (i.e. imprinting the text and binary code on the rings, possibly one binary ring and the other text) is an interesting one, but keeping in mind the scalability concerns aapezzuto raised, I'm not sure it's worth messing with. I guess that would be a matter of how clever an artist we had attempt it -- any volunteers? :grin:

Put it somewhere else and it has no meaning but to us. This logo could be used elsewhere where an ID has to be made, it is imperative to have a caption.When we put it elsewhere, such as into an e-book we've generated & posted here, adding the URL along with the image would probably do the trick ....

so its been left alone for more than 24 hours... that mean people like the logo as is, or just people have more of a life than me :p

There are many good ideas, but nobody wants to push to hard for any of them. Is it possible to gain consensus without strong leadership? Stay tuned.
:unafraid:

I have tried to include a few minor variations, one is completely transparent, and I have added lines in one it imply text. I also also attached my original psd file so others can further edit the idea!

Excellent, just excellent, aapezzuto! If we were to vote, I'd pick your suggestion. :2thumbsup

Please don't take the current logo as a benchmark -- it was created at a time when handhelds still dominated our headlines.

That said, I am deeply impressed with the artwork you guys come with it!

I have a few more ideas combined with the main ones issued in this thread but I'd need time to perform. I'll try tonight.

Couldn't wait for tonight, anyway I'll be busy then.


Okay! first I'll ask questions.

Why draw unless it is, really, really artistic?
Why not animations, the web is the perfect place for an animated logo? Static logos are 'passé' just like paper books! Why keep with tradition? Aren't we about change?

Then, I wanted the reader to be suggested without real shape so as not to be limited to a specific type or make of device. We don't only blog about eink, we talk about smartphones, UMPCs, small laptops à la Asus EEE, PDAs... you get the picture. Some manufacturers have definite shapes that represent them, I wanted to avoid that.

I think this blog should be represented by lettering, just like the Reading we all affection. For this example I chose the most common font used, (Times New Roman) which BTW is my favorite and also I think Bob's:D But we should create one specific to us.

This is just a low res quick mockup for study, it should be reworked by a pro with fresher vision.

Click on the image to get animation.

I like it, very imaginative. :yes:

I think this first, rough emulation at it may be a bit too visually complicated for a logo (they should be simple and scalable, after all :wink:), but it's a good idea, and it bears thinking on. :nice:

Besides, it looks cool! :pleased:

Interesting take on the mobile reader; however, I wouldn't necessarily call this a Blog. My general idea of a blog has always been a single person carrying on sort of an online diary, this is actually a forum where many disparate people chat, converse, compare, and contrast many things revolving around mobile digital content.

I guess I think of it as a community blog. :shrug:

I love the animated picture with the hand and transparent reader. Probably needs some modification before being considered for the logo, but we'll have to see if we can find someplace where it does fit because it's really neat!

I rather like it (the transparent reader in hand with animated logo), too. But I think I'd like it better if Mobile Read morphed to a page from a popular ebook title. Say, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. ;) Okay, maybe "Chapter I. Call me Ishmael....."

Well, what we need is a static logo for the books posted here. The one on the site can be animated.

Interesting take on the mobile reader; however, I wouldn't necessarily call this a Blog. My general idea of a blog has always been a single person carrying on sort of an online diary, this is actually a forum where many disparate people chat, converse, compare, and contrast many things revolving around mobile digital content.

The content of the caption can change but we need it, this site is all about reading so it is fitting that we use words.

I rather like it (the transparent reader in hand with animated logo), too. But I think I'd like it better if Mobile Read morphed to a page from a popular ebook title. Say, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. ;) Okay, maybe "Chapter I. Call me Ishmael....."

I agree too. It crossed my mind to do it but I didn't want to infringe on rights. My suggestion would be to ask our friend Steve Jordan to loan us the beginning of one of his ebooks.

Well, what we need is a static logo for the books posted here. The one on the site can be animated.

We can still do it with the last image composing the animation. The whole design can be reworked to be smaller, less complicated and fitting for lets say... letter headings.

My suggestion would be to ask our friend Steve Jordan to loan us the beginning of one of his ebooks.

Hey, I don't mind at all!

(Actually, I had to go back through this thread just to remind myself where we left off.) I'm leaning towards the handheld screen with the lines, though I'm not sure there's a need for anything legible on those lines (sometimes, the logo is going to be so small as to render any text unreadable).

The point of a logo is the same as a classical trade mark: To be easy to identify as to a specific maker or brand. We are effectively trying to brand mobileread. As far as text... i think that the recent fedex logo (4-6 years now:smack:) when they changed to a text based logo... what I love about it is the implied arrow with such a readable font. (see attachments) heck, if you really want to see the power of a decent logo go to http://www.logoquiz.net/ and take that quiz.

This is not to say that a good logo can't have a great interactive presence (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9203604581121284293&q=logo+animated&total=3802&start=20&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=6), but its base form needs to hold to the standard criteria.

I think that an animated logo like the one presented here (http://playgallery.org/videos/animation/164/) is a great example of how a recognizable logo in a rich setting made a catchy video. I think that if I could sit down with someone with decent flash mastery for 10-25 hours I could make any of these logos appealing.

heck, the one that I refined that people seem to like with "matrix" like code streaming down it would be awesome and hilarious. "MobileRead, Plug in and assimilate" I love the idea of bits changing into words, and that could be made into a nice pixilated to script version of the name...

I just got an idea, if we could make the ER between mobile and read into a book shape... Leave Mobile in a monospaced, old style electronic font, and the ead in read in a nice script... hmmm quick mock up... ok so the book idea is kinda forced, and im trying to do to much with it... Ill keep playing with the iidea of the words mobile read and the shape of a book, see what i can come up with.

time for some sleep now :freak:

Oh no! yvanleterrible is turning into a mime!

Oh no! yvanleterrible is turning into a mime!

:laugh4:

Hey! I make my living working with my hands, this seemed in the same vein!

I'd like to point something out. (pun intended with my previous post) The actual logo failed survival because of its physical link with technology. We are writing of things happening in a new, active, quickly evolving field. There is no telling where it will be in the next five years. Ergo our update of the logo should be thought out to survive trends. Hey! We might have to deal with holographic screens sooner than we think!

aapezzuto's play with fonts is a more appropriate approach and my main reason, at the risk of repeating myself, to use a faceless reading device... if we go graphic.

A 'forum' based on reading devices should have a logo representing it with words even if it seems retro. But we also deal with futurology and change which we are fierce defenders of. We must find novel ways of expressing them befitting of the mediae we use.

As far as text... i think that the recent fedex logo (4-6 years now:smack:) when they changed to a text based logo... what I love about it is the implied arrow with such a readable font.

Y'know, I don't think I ever noticed that arrow in there until you mentioned it here!

I'd like to point something out. (pun intended with my previous post) The actual logo failed survival because of its physical link with technology. We are writing of things happening in a new, active, quickly evolving field. There is no telling where it will be in the next five years. Ergo our update of the logo should be thought out to survive trends. Hey! We might have to deal with holographic screens sooner than we think!

aapezzuto's play with fonts is a more appropriate approach and my main reason, at the risk of repeating myself, to use a faceless reading device... if we go graphic.

A 'forum' based on reading devices should have a logo representing it with words even if it seems retro. But we also deal with futurology and change which we are fierce defenders of. We must find novel ways of expressing them befitting of the mediae we use.

Awful opinionated for a mime, aren't you? :D

Awful opinionated for a mime, aren't you? :D
Speaking of mimes, Marcel Marceau recently died.

I'd like to point something out. (pun intended with my previous post) The actual logo failed survival because of its physical link with technology. We are writing of things happening in a new, active, quickly evolving field. There is no telling where it will be in the next five years. Ergo our update of the logo should be thought out to survive trends. Hey! We might have to deal with holographic screens sooner than we think!Excellent point, yvanleterrible -- not the holographic thing, the rest of it. :wink:

aapezzuto's play with fonts is a more appropriate approach and my main reason, at the risk of repeating myself, to use a faceless reading device... if we go graphic.

A 'forum' based on reading devices should have a logo representing it with words even if it seems retro. But we also deal with futurology and change which we are fierce defenders of. We must find novel ways of expressing them befitting of the mediae we use.Retro isn't a bad idea, actually, reading itself is kind of retro. Folks have been doing it for thousands of years, and while the technology (walls, papyrus, paper, etc. all the way to computer screens and e-ink) has been changing continuously during that time, the actual act of reading, recognizing symbols which have meaning, really hasn't changed at all.

Maybe the juxtaposing ancient to future approach is something we should focus on.

Maybe the MobileRead font change idea could do a more gradual change. Perhaps the M in some sort of brushed letter, with dot-matrix worked in there in the middle somewhere and progressing to a nice reading font by the end ....

I like the book idea around the letters, but it may be too small to see properly. How about putting the whole thing on a book's pages, with a very obvious, perhaps retro, antenna coming out of one corner (or the spine) of the book, which would allow for keeping the rings around the tip of the antenna for visual continuity?

Awful opinionated for a mime, aren't you? :D

:tipsy::loco::gossip::yahoo::knuddel::party4::lock ed::idea2::whistle::argue::popcorn::dunno::ranting ::teleport::zoiks:




:dots:

Not that I am specifically pushing for it, because I don't know if I like it, but I would like to address some of the criticisms and give a quick recap of some of our ideas...

(see attached images)

Steve Jordan - proposed a reader being held in a hand, some text to show it was a book, and a neutral set of controls.
NatCh - blanked the text, and added MobileRead to the edge of the reader, making it apparent to me that the negative space was a problem.
Aapezzuto(Me) - implied the shape of the "reader" more, removed all apparent interface, and used lines to imply text, mostly focusing on saleability.


to address criticisms:

Its to obviously an ebook reader - I believe that it is obviously covered in text, as far as i can tell, it might be made of stone or clay.
It doesn't say mobileread - yep, I see that. So put mobile read above or below it when appropriate.
This is site is about reading, the logo can/should have words in it - Implying words is more scalable, and anything literary is being associated with mobileread on the whole. Deciding what to put on the device that actually represents this forum would be a lofty task.
its not "mobile" enough - showing the hand implies that it can be carried
without text you cant tell what it is for - I can find you Lots of great logos that this is the case with. But in places out of context it will need to have a super or sub text.



Ideas that have been floating around

keeping the rings
integrating a binary to text transformation
designing it so an animated form is possible
use old vs new theme somehow
play with font style (like the coca-cola symbol)
avoid devices that are tied to a specific trend in reading


If I missed anyones suggestion I apologize, i didn't take notes, this is mostly from memory, and I know how flawed mine is some times. Part of our problem is steaming from a lack of a clear and openly agreed upon central goal of the website. It would not surprise me if we remain at an impasse until such a central goal is developed.

Nice summation, aapezzuto. :yes:

Part of our problem is steaming from a lack of a clear and openly agreed upon central goal of the website. It would not surprise me if we remain at an impasse until such a central goal is developed.Well I suppose Alex would have to give the final word on that matter, as it's really his sandbox that we're building castles in. :grin:

However, I can offer a summation as to what I see MobileRead as being.

First off, it's a community. One made up of remarkably civil and intelligent (in some cases, very intelligent -- no, I don't mean me) members on the whole -- this has always struck me as the most unique aspect of MobileRead, and I point it out because I think it's one of the defining characteristics of the community.

As far as focus, it's pretty techno-focused, which takes in or touches on most gadgetry at various points, but particularly dwells on things that are related to reading or which affect reading in some way. And also paying particular attention to mobility.

So as I see it, the three boiled down, defining aspects of the community that is MobileRead are Books, Electronics, and Mobility.


The Books and the Mobility seem to stay very constant, the electronics seem to vary according to what's currently becoming available. The reason we have the "thumb" icon now, is that at the time, cell-phones were more the focus of the site, but it's been focused more sharply on reading for some years now. Longer than I've been privileged to be a part of it, anyway.


Other takes on the matter?

To further muddy the waters, let me suggest another logo variant: A book that is obviously a book (as in not electronic), held in a hand, such as Steve and aapezzuto have depicted, but with an antenna and perhaps the rings to indicate that this plain old books is somehow electronic. The contents of the cover could be chosen to emphasize MobileRead (some presentation of "MR" perhaps), or to further emphasize the joining of old and new, in some way.

I'd draw it, but drawing isn't one of my skills, I'm afraid.

Nice alternative concept NatCh.

I envision it as kind of a steampunk approach. :shrug:

Oooops, now there you went by me.

The idea is to make modern stuff to look like it's made of vintage materials, like a steam-engine. Here's (http://steampunkworkshop.com/) a good sample of it. :nice:

Well . . . I guess I'm a minimalist/modernist at heart. But I understand your point, and it could work very well.

An argument has been made against animation for the reason that we could not use it in eBooks. I think we could use a still version of the icon for eBooks and have something interesting for the site.

I envision (light heartedly) an electronic book seen from the back, tilted toward us, as in a reading position. It might have swirling electrons on it or the name Mobileread moving in a circle. Above the book, a pair of eyes oscillating back and forth. Below the eyes, moving lips.

It seems though, that we are reaching a point of summation and decision. There have been a lot of great ideas posted here.

In light of some of the comments, re: Name legibility, modernity, simplicity, etc... here's one more shot from me.

Steve, there is a three dimensionality there that is barely visible on my monitor because of the light shade. Another color would be good. The idea is appealing.

Steve, there is a three dimensionality there that is barely visible on my monitor because of the light shade. Another color would be good. The idea is appealing.

I threw it together quickly. Yeah, it could use tweaking... but not tonight, I'm going to bed!

I'm glad I'm not the only one attacking this with the graphical tools. Here is the promised version of the words "mobile read" played with till I could make their shape reflect something. Although not as stylish as my other prime submission, I think this offers all the requirements I have brought up, and should meet most of the concerns I have heard voiced. With my noob rank in number of posts... I'm just hopeing that all this work nets the the mad karma :D !!! Like before I have posted source with all my markup during work, so that it can be further edited, or perhaps just learned from.

Looking at the posted image I can see so many errors with my perspective warping of the letters, but I learned a lot about style while doing it, and I can promise that if this is a choice people get behind I will make it darn near flawless!:thumbsup:

Looking at the posted image I can see so many errors with my perspective warping of the letters, but I learned a lot about style while doing it, and I can promise that if this is a choice people get behind I will make it darn near flawless!:thumbsup:
Could you try it as an electronic device in landscape mode? That might work better.

Here is the promised version of the words "mobile read" played with till I could make their shape reflect something.

This the first logo made by you that I like :)
Please don't get upset, but I didn't like previous ones.
However, this one is really good.

Well imho :p

I still don't know if i like the first set that I made, but I wanted to refine that idea some, and all I have decided about it is that it is a better logo than previous concepts.... the new one is a completely different direction.

I would prefer not to put this on a mobile device, because that would remove all the text styling... and what fun is that. I will not claim that I am as cool as the people at coke, who managed to get their font trade marked.

What I really want is enough feedback to know if it will be worth the time to get that logo near perfect, or if it is to simplistic, and wont be able to garner adequite support.

(for future reference I don't take criticism of my work as a personal attack, unless the criticism is a personal attack... such as "I cant imagine anyone with half a brain would ever come up with that!" Even then that would mean... I hate it, and I normally think your smarter than that... also small font is fun) <- wow its getting late, im getting silly

aapezzuto, I liked the earlier design better (Pad with lines), as it looks electronic, or at least modern and non-printed, which I think is key.

aapezzuto, I liked the earlier design better (Pad with lines), as it looks electronic, or at least modern and non-printed, which I think is key.

Which one is it?

Another possible route toward the "electronic book".

I don't want to cast a stone in the pond but one of our dearest objectives is ecologically transfering the 'written word' from paper to electronic format. Picturing a paper book as a logo that represents us seems a little 'out of way' whatever is featured on its pages.
Although I wouldn't mind seeing that same book picture on an electronic reader shape like the third of # 137.

If I put myself behind the eyes of a person who knows nothing about e-readers and look at the logo on post # 139, nothing there, to me, would suggest 'electronic reading' ! When seeing it my thought would be :
"Mobile Read... Heck, I do that all the time on the bus, what's new to do about that?" Then I'd skip to something else.

And if I look at #156 my first thought would be "Electronics learning books".

The point is that the name Mobile Read doesn't necessarily mean 'electronic way of reading' to anyone but us; it has to be suggested by graphics, we can't get out of it.

Side note: To help aapezzuto clarify points and speed his work, I'd suggest to every one who talks of a previous logo to refer to it by the post numbers of this thread. Please go back to your posts and 'number' your references if you may.

BTW I have a little sideways anecdote.
On this site, to speed our writing, we refer to Mobile Read as MR. Every time I saw it at first, I used to have a thought bugging me in the back of my mind; that MR was familiar, and I couldn't find out what. After over a year I did. MR is a button you find on every calculator of the world. "Memory Recall" with the pun too. Really got a good laugh out of that one. :grin:

Which one is it?

Post 137, third graphic.

Post 137, third graphic.

I like that one too. Or I would also like the same graphic with the right edge of the reader/viewer completed with the line going all the way.

Post 137, third graphic.

Black and white, I like it too.

Picturing a paper book as a logo that represents us seems a little 'out of way' whatever is featured on its pages.I think aapezzuto's #149 may be a partial response to the suggestion I made in #139, namely that we look at trying to tie the old notion of reading to a modern and futuristic vision of it.

#149 is an impressive bit of graphical work, and I like it just because of that, but I do think it needs to tie in better with a the more modern idea ....

Uh-oh, thought coming on ... what if the right-hand half of the book were changed to a generic screen type display? As if half a book and half an e-reader were grafted together? :chinscratch:

Or is that a totally bogus idea?

How about a MobileReed? :D

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/6606/mrlkb9.jpg

I think aapezzuto's #149 may be a partial response to the suggestion I made in #139, namely that we look at trying to tie the old notion of reading to a modern and futuristic vision of it.

#149 is an impressive bit of graphical work, and I like it just because of that, but I do think it needs to tie in better with a the more modern idea ....

Uh-oh, thought coming on ... what if the right-hand half of the book were changed to a generic screen type display? As if half a book and half an e-reader were grafted together? :chinscratch:

Or is that a totally bogus idea?

Not bogus at all.

In an other note, it was said that reading is dated. I don't quite agree. Sure we have movies television and radio to communicate ideas but there are some abstract principles that can only be explained by metaphors for which only written words can convey meaning. Unless there is a brain connection machine somewhere, words are the most precise way of conveying some types of ideas.

First, tying old paper ways to modern e-ways is only a short term proposition until the ebook is popularized, we're in an education phase. But as soon as the ebook is fairly well known, that phase would be 'passé' and leave the logo to be redone. There goes the endurablility again.
That second is not bad either but joins the first in duration. Still it's a better iteration. The morphing of a book into an ereader is a good idea if care is given to define a generic shape for a reader. To that I'd add aapezzuto's #128 text logo, that is in the same 'old to new' morph style.

Another possible route toward the "electronic book".

Respectfully, many of these images look like a dead tree book (as someone has put so very well) about electronics or computing. Not an ebook about...whatever. I think that's the impression that a non-MRer would get, too.

I like many of the other designs presented so far. They are very clever and some rather artistic, really. But sometimes it's hard to tell just what's being held in the hand. If it was just a bit more clear that it's an electronics device displaying....well, an ebook, I think I would like them more.:)

In an other note, it was said that reading is dated. I don't quite agree. Sure we have movies television and radio to communicate ideas but there are some abstract principles that can only be explained by metaphors for which only written words can convey meaning. Unless there is a brain connection machine somewhere, words are the most precise way of conveying some types of ideas.
I'm with you there. Can anyone think of a book that wasn't dumbed down when it was made into a movie? I think reading will be the medium of choice for intelligent people for a long time.

First, tying old paper ways to modern e-ways is only a short term proposition until the ebook is popularized, we're in an education phase. But as soon as the ebook is fairly well known, that phase would be 'passé' and leave the logo to be redone. There goes the endurablility again.

I'm not so sure of that. The book is still iconic, and will probably remain so for a long, long time. Fictionwise, and many writing-related companies, use a quill pen as part of their logo. The quill pen not only represents a writing instrument, but is further overloaded with a sense of artistic writing, like poetry or fiction.

The meaning of a lot of icons survive well beyond the usefulness of their physical representation. How many e-mail programs and operating systems use envelope icons? It conveys the meaning of "mail" without the viewer having to decode it.

I'm with you there. Can anyone think of a book that wasn't dumbed down when it was made into a movie? I think reading will be the medium of choice for intelligent people for a long time.
I have a movie for you that came to me reading your post... The Green Mile.

I have a movie for you that came to me reading your post... The Green Mile.

God I LOVE that movie, in fact I find most of his work to be better in well adapted screen versions... but thats probably more to do with his style than his content, I just don't like how he writes... him and steinbeck!

Back to the case at hand... The long and short of it is that any symbolic icon without frame of reference of some sort is just geometry. Take the quill, without a historic frame of reference, I wouldn't know a feather with strange end was for writing. Without the zoo, or history I wouldn't know feather got big enough for this to be feasible, and without earth I wouldn't probably know what the hell a feather is.

So, as long as it is easy to recognize (not what it is... but that it is the same on 2 things) It meets our basic need. Next it needs to look nice to us... after all we are going to be recognized with it. Last (im pushing my priorities here.. and I know it... but i only do it cause I'm right :p) is its artistic meaning. Honestly I couldn't care less about books environmental impact... anyone who throws away a book should be shot, or at least shown how to read. I do care about shipping costs, space conservation, and media integration. Until e-books are a norm, people are gong to keep having to pay for things that should be free. For me a set of esthetically pleasing lines that represent progress to us, and squiggles to other people would be awesome. Ive been messing around with other things because as an artist I'm craptacular, but I am a damn good artistic technition, and I need the chance to hone my skills where I have them.

This thread is getting long enough that I almost want to start another one with a more directed purpose... and some guidlines... but that would require a benevolent dictator to set them up. True democracy only can survive in groups of 3 or 5.... past that its very ineffective. Heck Congress is practically the opposite of progress. We are on so many different "pages" here that we will continue to disagree and go different directions until there is a stronger push in some direction.

At some point we need to come up with a process and guidelines for this mess... this may not be now, soon or ever... But realize that once I get my readers, my extra energy will be elsewhere... and eventually this thread will drive itself in circles till everyone but the thrill seekers want to get off. (Even they will throw up a few times)

I say all this, not because I want the process to end, but becaue right now there isn't a road map, and the destination is only as clear as "we are going to that place, with the roof... the big roof" !!! We don't know vehicle we want to use, or even how long the trip is... This will continue to be a great, fun trip... because the company is good... but the end destination is moving away from us faster than we are moving towards it.

This thread is getting long enough that I almost want to start another one with a more directed purpose... and some guidlines... but that would require a benevolent dictator to set them up. True democracy only can survive in groups of 3 or 5.... past that its very ineffective. Heck Congress is practically the opposite of progress. We are on so many different "pages" here that we will continue to disagree and go different directions until there is a stronger push in some direction.

At some point we need to come up with a process and guidelines for this mess... this may not be now, soon or ever... But realize that once I get my readers, my extra energy will be elsewhere... and eventually this thread will drive itself in circles till everyone but the thrill seekers want to get off. (Even they will throw up a few times)

I say all this, not because I want the process to end, but becaue right now there isn't a road map, and the destination is only as clear as "we are going to that place, with the roof... the big roof" !!! We don't know vehicle we want to use, or even how long the trip is... This will continue to be a great, fun trip... because the company is good... but the end destination is moving away from us faster than we are moving towards it.You took on quite a task. I would have liked the challenge because I've done logos before but I have no time to do this one. And frankly the bank who owns me won't care much of any result coming from it. :grin2:
I have a few suggestions.
Your idea of starting a new thread with strict guidelines is perfect if you want to keep your sanity.:grin: It should be the only way to go, feel free to ask editors how to proceed, they're all helpful.
Next, since this thread is your reference material, I would suggest you print it. Go to the second menu and look up 'Printable version' under 'Thread tools'. Then you can highlight all usable references to the subject at hand and have them immediately under your eyes for perusal.
And last, make 3 to 5 logos that you put to vote on a polled thread. Then it's up to the powers that be to make a decision.

I have a movie for you that came to me reading your post... The Green Mile.
I think that was a Stephen King story, but I never read it. The movie was absolutely great!

Movies are a great medium for entertainment, but not so good for expressing intellectual content. The book, "Beautiful Mind" was much deeper than the movie. If they ever make a movie of "State of Fear" (Chrichton) you can bet it will only be about ecoterrorism. They will leave out most of Chrichton's ideas about doing good science, science by consensus, and politicized science.

I think most would agree that there is usually a great difference between a science fiction novel and the movie made from it. SF is mostly about ideas. I have read several Stephen King novels, and they are devoid of ideas, but are interesting artistically. The movie, "The Green Mile" succeeded in arousing great feeling in the viewer. The book probably did the same.

I still like the right-most image in #104 best.

Ok, before I go and too make this striate forward and organized, can someone link me to anything that would show the purpose or goal of mobileread? I have not been able to find a mission statement, or mantra anywhere... but then again I haven't looked all that diligently.

Thank you in advance... whoever is able to do this :grin2::wall: :rifle:

Your shelf on the road - nice line :)

I have been talking to alex about this, and he is going to talk to some of the other editors. We should be able to set this up in a way that wont meander aimlessly for weeks/months. In the mean time my efforts in this thread will be on hold, so that I can focus on making sure the process is as effective, inclusive, transparent and fruitful as possible!

I want to again specifically thank you for your efforts in providing us some direction here, aapezzuto. It's much appreciated. :yes:

It's probably best to table it for a bit, the 505 has us all in a tizzy, and if the rumors are right, we'll soon have the Kindle to distract us.

I just noticed yvanleterrible's new avatar! This is like what I think the logo should be like. Cheers and kudos to yvanleterrible.

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/image.php?u=5460&dateline=1192219645

You took on quite a task. I would have liked the challenge because I've done logos before but I have no time to do this one. And frankly the bank who owns me won't care much of any result coming from it. :grin2:
I have a few suggestions.
Your idea of starting a new thread with strict guidelines is perfect if you want to keep your sanity.:grin: It should be the only way to go, feel free to ask editors how to proceed, they're all helpful.
Next, since this thread is your reference material, I would suggest you print it. Go to the second menu and look up 'Printable version' under 'Thread tools'. Then you can highlight all usable references to the subject at hand and have them immediately under your eyes for perusal.
And last, make 3 to 5 logos that you put to vote on a polled thread. Then it's up to the powers that be to make a decision.

By God! You are turning into a mime! But it is brilliant!

But, we need a static logo for placement in books. So while it may be a noce logo, we also need a second one for sure.

By God! You are turning into a mime! But it is brilliant!

Does this have anything to do with garden gnomes??? :laugh4:

yvan, your avatar has a mistake on it that really should be fixed. We are not a blog. We are a forum. So where it says a blog about... should say a forum about...

yvan, your avatar has a mistake on it that really should be fixed. We are not a blog. We are a forum. So where it says a blog about... should say a forum about...

Noted. I think its been discussed before.
There was also a discussion on text being too small to read on such a logo, that's clearly not the case. Well at least you've managed to read it but the size of characters will have to be bumped up, that's for sure, and maybe moved a little to the right. Its was just a basic idea.

Speaking of which, that transparent reader could be constructed with technology existing today. Remember that thread on transparent batteries? The other one on flexible circuits? Buttons can be replaced by a touchscreen, which is transparent.

I meant this logo to bring us in the future of devices but this one, with clever solutions could be manufactured... next year... if someone was up to it that is.:grin2:

Yep, it's kinda tough to categorize us, isn't it? Part forum, part community, part resource, part blog... Certainly the points that have been made about wanting to nail down what we are and what we want the logo to represent are heard. The problem right now is that we neither have "good" answers, or the opportunity to focus on that at the moment. I suppose we're guilty of laying back to see what all you creative folks come up with, and I'd say it's pretty impressive. It will definitely shape our thoughts. ;)

I think, personally, that the whole transparent or abstract reading thing is pretty cool. I like to think that we will progress with devices until they are form factors (or [I]non[I]-form factors like holographs!) that we wouldn't even recognize now.

For myself, I don't think I'm comfortable with that much "hand" in the logo. I like an abstract hand better. But the concept is nice, and some of the others are very intriguing also.

While it sounds like a cop out, I think we want to present several things (not that we have come up with a "real" list by the editors, but just my off-the-top-of-my-head):
* A simple and memorable logo that is easily recognizable and pleasant to see all the time.
* Something that reminds one of mobile reading, but is abstract enough that it can represent all kinds of present and future types of devices
* Something that has a wireless or electronic or handheld flavor to it, even if just slightly implied or included. Our roots include a lot of computer/handheld topics, and many of our readers and staff still have those interests. I'd like it to appeal to more than just hard core reading folks.

In general, logos need to be "catchy". Whether it's text based like Google or FedEx, or whether it's completely abstract like the Red Cross logo. Or mixed like BMW. The whole point is to associate the logo with the actual site, and to feel good about it. After it grows on you, it should have that nice feeling like when you come home from a trip and see your living room again!

The funny thing about logos is that they are like art -- there is both a first impression and a lasting impression after it's viewed many times in many situations. The "nicest looking" is not always best. And some of the least popular at first glance can turn out to be excellent over time. The other odd thing is that the technique and execution of the actual finished version is so important that sometimes it's also hard to see from a mock up how well it will turn out.

And probably the toughest thing of all is trying to get a handle on a unique way of communicating a concept in the right way with only a suggestion, which is generally what a logo is.

Again, this is not meant to speak for the others, because we haven't worked it out on our side yet, but wanted to provide a little input because the member input has been pretty spectacular and the whole topic is definitely something we are as interested in resolving as you are. A really good logo would be something we can enjoy for a long time, but the last thing we want to do is grab onto something just because it's "better" (almost anything is better than the current one, I suppose!)

Good summation, Bob... and I know that's pretty much the way I was thinking of it.

Does this have anything to do with garden gnomes??? :laugh4:
I do occasionally blog here. I can't help myself. Is a garden gnome a Chinese lawn jockey?

Who can create a logo that can depict our theme with the fewest lines?

Speaking of which, that transparent reader could be constructed with technology existing today. Remember that thread on transparent batteries? The other one on flexible circuits? Buttons can be replaced by a touchscreen, which is transparent.

In fact, LCD screens have always been built upon transparent films (activating the element makes it opaque). Generally, the manufacturer puts a light background behind them to make them readable. But if you look around, you can find things like digital LCD clocks that are "see-through," ie, with no background layer behind them.

Everyone - your call for a new logo was too loud to be ignored. :p

So here we go... we just launched a logo contest:

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17156