What do you think of the current MobileRead logo?

[NatCh]

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.

[mogui]

Originally Posted by NatCh

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 ).

Priceless! We're back to the thumb!

[NatCh]

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

[mogui]

Originally Posted by NatCh

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?)

[NatCh]

I like it!

[mogui]

Maybe this: would be a good logo

[Münchener]

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.

[NatCh]

A lot of folks clearly agree with you, Münchener.

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.

[yvanleterrible]

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.

[Oh, Why Not?]

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 I guess my symbolism is out of date if not actually threadbare.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.

[Oh, Why Not?]

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

[JSWolf]

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

[aapezzuto]

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!

[aapezzuto]

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

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!

[Azayzel]

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.

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!