Site logo Part 3!

[pdhaudio83]

Site Logo...Continued! The middle one was dropped because of copyright laws that may have gotten us in trouble. Rick merged ideas from both logos to create these two:

how are these?

I think in order to create the logo you see on the top left, we'd drop the text under the logos.

[DemonIAm]

#1

[CTt3P5]

#1

[pdhaudio83]

And do you like it?

[njaremka]

i like both, but i like #1 better. the orange seems to go better on the darker background.

[kansei]

I like the orange, hate the fake CF

I can provide tons of real CF macro photos for his use if needed :P

other than that I don't mind the logo.

would we be provided with a simplified logo as well i.e. something with just a couple colours, something that could easliy be done in vinyl?

Also, the big question: how much is this costing the site? I think it's a little misguided to be spending lots of money on a logo when that just might make the site prettier, and doesn't at all help get our name out. Things like sponsoring grassroots motorsport, promo materials, and other marketing ventures would actually reap some tangible benefits. Especially since at one point I know the money was referred to as a "marketing fund". I understand not wanting to proceed with marketing ventures if you hated the logo, but still we have talented members here and could have had a volunteer produce a logo, not costing the site a dime.

[CTt3P5]

^^^In addition to the site logo, I thought this design was also going to be used for tee shirts?

[iLisa]

#1 the best.. orange is #1..
but i'd kinda like a logo without a car on it..

[kansei]

yeah. It's still seems like a costly logo with the begging for donations every few weeks. $300/month is a lot of money considering how inexpensive hosting is. I remember the t-shirt design thread... people volunteered some REALLY nice t-shirt designs that didn't rely on a new logo.

As of right now, the current logo would look fine on a 1-color shirt, this new one.. not so much. That increases the costs of production a lot if we do screen printing, and the higher costs = less t-shirts sold. It's not that I think the logo I designed in 5 minutes just so that we had one is any good, but I don't think it's terrible either.

I don't see very many organizations using such flashy, complicated logos.
Flickr, microsoft, google, etc.. I could go on for weeks. All very simple logos. I just think all these logo designs go against a pretty clean looking site.


but I'll shut up now. I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers I'm just trying to understand why what seems like a lot of money is being spent on a logo and it was never OKd with the other admins or members. I'm just crossing my fingers that no money was spent on the draft designs.

[chico]

#1

[CTt3P5]

#1 the best.. orange is #1..
but i'd kinda like a logo without a car on it..

So #20 = #1? :p

I agree on the no car part.

And Chris, I understand what you are saying about monies spent. I have no idea what is/has been spent but figured the sale of shirts would help offset that cost. But like you said - complicated design + costlier shirt = less sales

[pdhaudio83]

I like the orange, hate the fake CF

I can provide tons of real CF macro photos for his use if needed :P

other than that I don't mind the logo.

would we be provided with a simplified logo as well i.e. something with just a couple colours, something that could easliy be done in vinyl?

Also, the big question: how much is this costing the site? I think it's a little misguided to be spending lots of money on a logo when that just might make the site prettier, and doesn't at all help get our name out. Things like sponsoring grassroots motorsport, promo materials, and other marketing ventures would actually reap some tangible benefits. Especially since at one point I know the money was referred to as a "marketing fund". I understand not wanting to proceed with marketing ventures if you hated the logo, but still we have talented members here and could have had a volunteer produce a logo, not costing the site a dime.

Define "lots of money"... I had asked you for contact information for the Mazdaspeed event you went to and didn't get a reply. Also, I don't know that a sponsor will fiddle with "smaller" sponsorships, and if they did, we'd be taking a risk of committing to a sponsorship, then what if donations fall flat? Promo materials, I've made some, I haven't heard anyone elses ideas... I can't be expected to come up with every idea and every solution for this site, it should be a community effort, and if I don't know the information or ideas others have, how can I be expected to do it all?

Its not that I dislike the current logo, its that to CREATE a good community, you need an image that will distinguish you from the rest... people may come here and think it doesn't look as professional as other sites.

We could have asked for volunteers, but without paying them, how could we expect them to get the motivation to make a nice looking logo?

Anyway, the logo was my doing. Do you have more time you can commit to doing site stuff? You've done a ton in the past, which has been awesome, but its an uphill battle with a growing to-do list being the one that does other stuff...

Not bashing anyone here, just laying it out.

[Focus]

I kinda like the CF logo !! I like all CF and Chrome...

[pdhaudio83]

Chris:

[paragon]

Rips off the MP3 badge too much, IMO

if you want my advice, take the MAZDASPEED logo, and redraw it as MAZDAFORUM
Same number of letters. Simply, clean, regognizable, distinquishable, and the forum's name is the logo....

A huge PNG of the OEM logo can be found here (http://img103.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mazdaspeed4cf.png)

[pdhaudio83]

Rips off the MP3 badge too much, IMO

if you want my advice, take the MAZDASPEED logo, and redraw it as MAZDAFORUM
Same number of letters. Simply, clean, regognizable, distinquishable, and the forum's name is the logo....

A huge PNG of the OEM logo can be found here (http://img103.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mazdaspeed4cf.png)

Unfortunately, that would likely put us in the same boat (copyright infringement)... if Mazda finds out.

[Judman13]

^
^
I understand the want for it to look professional and all but i found this forum by pure luck. I didn't even look at the logo. I didn't care about the logo. If someone is looking for information about their cars then that's what we need to present. Make it easier to find things about the cars and whatnot.

Promo items would be great. Not necessarily a window sticker or a vinyl cause some people don't see that, but maybe some sort of small hand out that have the site address and the things we offer like in-depth help with all kinda of Mazda's, friendly support and help with modding. Something that is general, but peaks interest.

You are right we are a community. I know i don't have much knowledge when it comes to web hosting or anything, but there are lots of people on here that I'm sure do. I'd love to learn and help out, but I have no idea what needs to be done!! So some sort of volunteer list would be nice. Make a list of things that THE COMMUNITY can do to help. I'd love to donate 20 bucks a week but I am starting college in a week and money is tight so that cant happen, but time is something i can donate and would love too.

Enough of my blabbing, but i think i speak for alot of people. let us know what to do so that we can make this the BEST Mazda forum out there.

[Riken]

dont like them

[fatti03msp]

They look Better then the other ones but like what kansei was saying its a lil to busy. I took 3 years of commercial art at my votech and they always taught us the this,

KISS= keep it simple stupid

I just thinks its a lil busy thats all.

[SpooledupRacing]

ok I put yes... however here is my take agian

the car is STUPID... use a car people know abotu if u are gonna use one or dont use a car at all.. I WILL NOT buy a shirt, hat, sticker or anything that has that car on it PERIOD..

I also agree that i dont think we need a new logo.. I would liek the t-shirt idea done with first and get some shirts to the members that IMO is way more important then a logo for the forum.

members wearing shirts = more attention then a logo..

If you need help with the forum or a todo list I have always been open to help out Pat, You know how to reach me I wil always lend a hand in any way I can.

back to business, #1 I like the best however I still say.. I would not like either to be used with that car on there..

I would rater wear a car with a protege on it then that car.
no offense to protege members just saying I knwo it wont be an rx7 but I HATE that car.. Ill take a protege or an Rx something on it or no car.

[paragon]

Unfortunately, that would likely put us in the same boat (copyright infringement)... if Mazda finds out.

The mazdaspeeddevelopment.com website is licensed under the Creative Commons License, which means anyone is free to make derivative works so long as they attribute the work to the original author or licensor, in this case MAZDASPEED MOTORSPORTS DEVELOPMENT

[pro5x2]

And I understand the concept of teh "new" mazda on the logo, but, other than TRUE mazda enthusiasts, whose gonna know what it is?

[njaremka]

i'm going to start sounding wishy-washy, but...

the site logo can be whatever. for a t-shirt, i agree that it should be simple and recognizable. use the current logo (themazdaforum.com) and have that printed across the back, and put "the enthusiasts' community" on the front over the heart. or, put the whole she-bang (themazdaforum.com / the enthusiasts' community) on the back / front. "KISS" for forum shirts.

[Red5_02]

I like what we got. Just text, no cars in the back ground. It's on all our cars already, it's simple and the contrasting colors looks good. Let's stop spending money on the logo and get some damn shirts!

[GOTBOOST]

I'm I the only one who likes #2?
If I had a spicey maybe #1 but the blue just looks better
IMO.
I'm all for going with a new look for Mazda rather than using
a silhouette of an obsolete model.
I love the RX7 and Protégé, but they don't make them anymore
so if your looking at making a new logo use a current or future
model. ( and not that dam new 6!!) something that gets back to
ZOOM-ZOOM not look ... I'm a Camry.

[SpooledupRacing]

And I understand the concept of teh "new" mazda on the logo, but, other than TRUE mazda enthusiasts, whose gonna know what it is?

Thats my problem.. I like to think of myself as an enthusiast and I still dont know what the hell that car is.

[SpooledupRacing]

I'm I the only one who likes #2?
If I had a spicey maybe #1 but the blue just looks better
IMO.
I'm all for going with a new look for Mazda rather than using
a silhouette of an obsolete model.
I love the RX7 and Protégé, but they don't make them anymore
so if your looking at making a new logo use a current or future
model. ( and not that dam new 6!!) something that gets back to
ZOOM-ZOOM not look ... I'm a Camry.


OK and who on here drives that silly ass car?

If you want it to pertain to the forum have a silhouette of a car that the people of this forum drive..

Lets not forget what this forum was started on and is based on..

[JC-MP5]

I like them both. I think the name should still be both colors in some way.

TMF (Furai Here)
themazdaforum.com

Maybe not the TMF, but definitely the whole name. If not I'll go with these for sure! :D

[Red5_02]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_Furai

[Judman13]

Okay, guys your inputs are great but how about getting a old tee shirt or something and doing a mock-up of what ya think it should look like??

Just a design on a piece of computer paper laid on a shirt. Get creative I'm working on something as I type this!!!

Hope it looks sweet but I'm a tard when it comes to things like this so help is needed.

[SpooledupRacing]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_Furai

DAMN howcome I have never heard othat before... 20B 3 rotor..


Ok I revoke all of my statements (yes I can do that)

Keep that car.. :)

[GOTBOOST]

OK and who on here drives that silly ass car?

If you want it to pertain to the forum have a silhouette of a car that the people of this forum drive..

Lets not forget what this forum was started on and is based on..
I know where your coming from Dave ... but it's "The Mazda forum"
not the Protege or 626 forum. I'm just saying that if they are going to change
the logo then lets look forward. I'm not saying use the concept car ... but
how about something from now? RX8? MazdaSpeed3? or something.

[SpooledupRacing]

na its ok 20B 3rotor is a good call.. I was stupid for thinking otherwise Futura fTMFw

haha..

and for this not being a protege forum it is VERY BIAS!!! lol

[Judman13]

and for this not being a protege forum it is VERY BIAS!!! lol[/QUOTE]

Well it does seem that the protege members are the most active so its not bias just that's the majority of the members!!??

[DemonIAm]

and for this not being a protege forum it is VERY BIAS!!! lol


Well.... do something about it..... Rotary MOD! :laugh:

A lot of the members here were invited by people on other forums. I'm sure there are rotory forums that you could pull people away from.

[Red5_02]

DAMN howcome I have never heard othat before... 20B 3 rotor..


Ok I revoke all of my statements (yes I can do that)

Keep that car.. :)

I was very concerned that you had no idea what car that was. I'm glad I solved your problem.

[pdhaudio83]

even more options now.

[Red5_02]

Oh god no

[DemonIAm]

the third is the best of those.

It reminds me of the graphic font used for th Wipeout games for Sony PS.

[JC-MP5]

I'd like the bottom one as a vinyl......

[Red5_02]

What's wrong with what we had, this is just getting ridiculous. Just colorful text.

[pdhaudio83]

I guess I should stop trying to please everyone. I haven't realized it'll be impossible.

[drivebybiped]

Please no, those are both bad.

Fake carbon fiber 'look' = lame.
I also don't like the Furai sketch. I don't think it has the right 'feel'.

[SpooledupRacing]

I just dont like either of the banner designs. I love the original one. now if u wanted to "tweek" the original one a bit that maybe..

how abotu putting the car in silhouette behind the current banner? that would be VERY cool!

[iLisa]

I guess I should stop trying to please everyone. I haven't realized it'll be impossible.
this is so true. You cant please everyone... you'll ware yourself trying.
Opinions are like a**holes.. everyone has one. :D

[njaremka]

Opinions are like a**holes.. everyone has one. :D

yeah, everyone has one, but no one else likes to hear it.

[Jackelope]

I think the problem with using 'TMF' in any logo, is people will tend to think 'TMF' and go to http://www.tmf.com/ (which is Technology Market Force Inc) instead of http://www.themazdaforum.com

[pro5x2]

yeah, TMF is not soo good. If you want it to actually advertise, it should say themazdaforum, or, how 247 has it, all of their shorty versions they own the url's to.

[pdhaudio83]

I think I'm going to simply give up trying to please everyone (realizing it will never happen) and pick one.

[pro5x2]

the answer to your question is no. You can post as many polls as you like, but, no, you will never be able to please us all.

Especially the foreigners!!!

(I KEED I KEED! lol)

[iLisa]

I think I'm going to simply give up trying to please everyone except Lisa and pick one.

*fixed* :D

[SpooledupRacing]

hahaha.. Lisa fTMFw

I say lets ponder the idea over a drink tonight?

[CTt3P5]

Out of that new batch I like the last one for vinyl.

And honestly I like the current logo as is and think it would look great on the back of a shirt with something from the new batch on the chest or sleeve.

[SpooledupRacing]

the new batch I pick the last one for vinyl also..

I still say the current one with the car behind it :)

that woudl be new, fun yet classy!

[Jackelope]

I say the current one w/ *slightly* thicker font. :) and out of the last batch, the bottom one would make a cool vinyl... but.. we need to buy tmf.com haha

http://www.websiteoutlook.com/www.tmf.com < only $2100!.. .offer 'em $350

[pdhaudio83]

site LOGO has been chosen. Decals will remain the same. Logo may OR may not appear on t-shirt apparel.

[iLisa]

my vote.. keep current decal design for cars... it is simple and can be done in many colors to suit everyone....

and site logo, use..
http://www.themazdaforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2717&d=1218468783

[njaremka]

site LOGO has been chosen. Decals will remain the same. Logo may OR may not appear on t-shirt apparel.

so, whens it gonna change?

[SpooledupRacing]

yeah whats the choice?

[pdhaudio83]

it will be changed soon, we have a few surprises.

[Judman13]

it will be changed soon, we have a few surprises.

Awesome i like surprises. And we will just have to deal with whatever you choose!!!

[Focus]

Awesome i like surprises. And we will just have to deal with whatever you choose!!!

I agree, whatever is chosen in the end... We will all get used to it !

[pdhaudio83]

I agree, whatever is chosen in the end... We will all get used to it !

:thumb:

[njaremka]

ha-ha, that would be better is she had "TMF" tatoo'd you know where... :D

[SpooledupRacing]

tmf tramp stamp fTMFw

[RockinVs]

I don't like the car. What was wrong with the original #2? Copyright for what?

[01protegemp3]

i like the blue one:) i may be bias

[bermankahns]

they are both great... i cant decide which one i like best.

[bermankahns]

ha-ha, that would be better is she had "TMF" tatoo'd you know where... :D

it does make it better... take a look at this...

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/3531/pd030461gy9.jpg

[bazooka joe]

great!! either one works for me!