GDF collaborative

[WannaBrie]

Ok, here we go with a poll, what do you all want to collaborate on? If you have other ideas not posted here, please post them. All ideas are welcome!!

[frankster]

hang about? I thought the gluenetwork was ust's idea. I was just sayig I'd seen similar things about, but not that benefitted charities. Having two choices in the same poll that are for the same thing will make the results bonkers.

[Red Kittie Kat]

I removed the double entry... it had no votes ;)

[urstwile]

Brie, it might be good to reference this thread in the originating thread that started it all. I'd bump it, but I thought you should have the honor since it was your idea. :)

[mac.FINN]

I suggest that we collaborate on all sorts of ideas for us to corraborate on and then not actually do anything.

[budafist]

I can't decide, but I'm happy to participate in whatever wins :) It's oh so close at the moment. I kinda feel bad for sitting on the fence.

[morea]

I think "my idea" is a good one, but I also think that it may be met with some resistance by the very people we want to help... at least, that was the case with my local group. They liked the idea of something being donated, but did not like the idea of helping to pay printing costs... and personally I am in a position where I can donate some of my time, but none of my money, so I voted for the glue network.

It's hard though because I think that any of these would be a good idea.

[WannaBrie]

I know you guys are gonna hate me for this, but, I can't post at work and I had this thought this morning...

I know its late in the game for this, but I had another idea, or maybe just an ellaboration of another idea. I heard something on the radio this morning that made me think. I know this is a very political subject, but I would like to do something about the war in Iraq. The U.S. government has poured over $600 billion into the war over there. As of January 21, 2006, 3,058 US Soldiers were Killed, 22,951 Seriously Wounded over there. US Troops Wounded - 22,951, 20% of which are serious brain or spinal injuries (total excludes psychological injuries) Non-US Troop Casualties - Total 253, with 130 from the UK. Journalists killed - 92, 56 by murder and 36 by acts of war . Journalists killed by US Forces – 14. Iraqi Military and Police Casualties - 5,984 Iraqi Civilians Killed, Estimated - A UN issued report dated Sept 20, 2006 stating that Iraqi civilian casualities have been significantly under-reported. Casualties are reported at 50,000 to over 100,000, but may be much higher. Some informed estimates place Iraqi civilian casualities at over 600,000. Iraqi Insurgents Killed, Roughly Estimated - 55,000 Non-Iraqi Contractors and Civilian Workers Killed – 452. Non-Iraqi Kidnapped - 299, including 54 killed, 147 released, 4 escaped, 6 rescued and 88 status unknown. You can read all about it here: http://usliberals.about.com/od/homelandsecurit1/a/IraqNumbers.htm (http://usliberals.about.com/od/homelandsecurit1/a/IraqNumbers.htm)

Iraq is still no safer now then it was before the war. This situation must end. Just think of all the good that money could go to, how many children could be fed, clothed how many other noble causes this money could go to, to say nothing of U.S. soldiers being wounded and/or killed. It turns my stomach.



So, on that note, I was thinking that a poster campaign might be a good idea. We could design as many as possible, maybe we could get some printing and/or paper companies to sponsor us and print out as many as possible and put them up all over the world. Now I know that this might not really evoke change, but then again, it might. We could also send a few (or maybe just pdfs) to the president, our congressmen, statesmen and any other world leaders. We could also post these on the internet. We could send them out in mass emails, etc…

I have some relationships with printers and I know there are some globally aware paper companies out there, so I would hope this is doable. Maybe I should set up a new poll? Or should we just forget this one?

[EC]

^ while a really noble idea, I personally feel I've already done pretty much all I can: I vote, I pay taxes. I ran a political blog during election year and spent quite a bit of time and money campaigning for change. I no longer believe that one person can make a difference, or even a million people with really big picket signs. Cynical, yes.

But if I donate my time and money to anything anymore, I prefer it to be something that I KNOW will have an impact and not fall on deaf ears. Anyway that's just my 2 cents. Then again, a "get out the vote" campaign would be cool -- that way it's inclusive of people on all sides of the fense.

[Ned]

I voted for Buda's Calender idea, but I think it should be a Bikini Calender. :D

[budafist]

Brie: Phew! At the start of your post, I thought it was going to be a pro-war rally. While I do feel strongly against war, I don't think this collaboration should have such a politcal agenda. Y'know?

[Drazan]

You may be aware that no matter what charity or nonprofit we may give to - the realistic total will probably be between $100-$500 - I've yet a significant amount of money raised through any community based project.

I prefer it not to be political. Everyone has opinions and some very very strong opinions on what goes over in Iraq about US forces. And since this is a global community - would it be fair to ask all designers to help and support the US troops. (I know that there's more than just the US troops there, but on a whole its a sore issue in many peoples minds. I'd hate this to be about a war.)

Also note that sometimes up to 80% of money received at some charities goes to "administrative costs". There is ofcourse huge margins between different charities.

I also know that any type of big campain like that will envolve work by a real dedicated team of people. It could be a full time job for the person to just hang on to all the details of who's who - where's what - etc. Also if any real money is raised then the non-profit or taxes comes in to whomever is controling the situation.

I like smaller scale myself. :)

[Broacher]

Maybe we should start with something relatively sans politics--and a lot of fun!

I don't know what, but maybe something that gives us a chance to air some of the more humorous realities of being a contemporary graphic design at the beginning of a new century. Maybe something that helps us communicate in a very effective, but tongue in cheek way, some of the professional issues we share as a group, and presented as a kind of PSA to the public, our clients, in helping them gain understanding of these problems from our standpoint. Do a good enough job and the message will spread quickly.

Ironically, as a professional group of communicators, we seem to fall so short of communicating our professional viewpoints outside of our peer group.

Anyone here with good Flash or game programming skills? I bet we could get someideas going pretty quickly. It doesn't have to be a complicated thing-- in fact, it's better if it was working much more on pure information-delivered-strongly-and-in-and-entertaining-fashion type of solution. Collaboration might be addressed by designing a format that would allow each 'voice' to add a new dimension to a string of statements. Dang, I wish I could spend more time trying to explain this. Maybe tomorrow!

Oh, and could someone please summarize what those linked messages represent as choices in a sentence? (This might also be a good example of what I'm talking about).

[urstwile]

Although I'm against the war, I think that there are certainly a number of people who would disagree with me on this forum. I'd like to see this be a collaboration, so I think doing something in that direction would only serve to exclude some people from participating.

[budafist]

Maybe we should start with something relatively sans politics--and a lot of fun!

I don't know what, but maybe something that gives us a chance to air some of the more humorous realities of being a contemporary graphic design at the beginning of a new century. Maybe something that helps us communicate in a very effective, but tongue in cheek way, some of the professional issues we share as a group, and presented as a kind of PSA to the public, our clients, in helping them gain understanding of these problems from our standpoint. Do a good enough job and the message will spread quickly.

Ironically, as a professional group of communicators, we seem to fall so short of communicating our professional viewpoints outside of our peer group.


Now I'm thinking: all the things you wanted to tell your clients but couldn't say to their face. Or...all the things clients need to know about graphic design.

So many of the Soapbox posts could be made into a piece to educate clients.

[frankster]

how about "good day/bad day" as a theme? we certainly get a lot of that on "things that jerk my chain" and "things that make me forget I have a chain"

[WannaBrie]

I was not thinking about raising money at all... my point was just to produce these posters and put them up around the world. My idea was not to raise money, but to raise awareness...the poster idea was to araise awareness ... I understand that u want this not to be political, but isn't any cause we support political? No matter what we choose, it will have some political connotations, this is a GLOBAL issue, we are all effected. Our children are dying. This is an attrocity. A global attrocity. US forces are not the only ones dying. See the statistics I posted. Also, this is not the only war being fought. See Samakimoto's posts about what is going on in Africa. Anywhere ther are sons and daughers sacrificing their lives for whatever political cause, It is WRONG. This is about Peace NOW. End these wars, this fighting. Why is it wrong to do something just becuz it's too Political? What are we afraid of? I think this is where we should be... This is where we should be making our stand. What better arena to use our talents to communicate our beliefs?

[budafist]

I'd like the raise awareness about the skill it requires to be a good GD :) If we're not going to say it, who will?

Now I'm thinking Mr Skullhead (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Skullhead)

[Kool]

I was not thinking about raising money at all... my point was just to produce these posters and put them up around the world. My idea was not to raise money, but to raise awareness...the poster idea was to araise awareness ... I understand that u want this not to be political, but isn't any cause we support political? No matter what we choose, it will have some political connotations, this is a GLOBAL issue, we are all effected. Our children are dying. This is an attrocity. A global attrocity. US forces are not the only ones dying. See the statistics I posted. Also, this is not the only war being fought. See Samakimoto's posts about what is going on in Africa. Anywhere ther are sons and daughers sacrificing their lives for whatever political cause, It is WRONG. This is about Peace NOW. End these wars, this fighting. Why is it wrong to do something just becuz it's too Political? What are we afraid of? I think this is where we should be... This is where we should be making our stand. What better arena to use our talents to communicate our beliefs?

Sorry Brie, not gonna happen. I admire your passion but it looks pretty much unanimous against this. People want this project to be fun and there is nothing fun or amusing about war. http://home.comcast.net/~rnick9/koolsmiley.gif

[WannaBrie]

Ok, so am I being too passionate about this? I can't stand the thought of any of our children dying needlessly..for any reaon... I know this is a very debated topic...am i way off base? I think if we raise awareness for this or any cause, we are raising awareness for gd...This is our purpose, isnt it? to communicate what we belive in?

[Drazan]

Your beliefs and my beliefs are quite different on how to go about things. War has never ended in the time since humans begun to think. And it will be a long time hence before there is ever any real peace. Don't assume "our beliefs" are the same. It's a pet peive of mine.

Not saying that you have a good point and a good heart to want to help.

But this is an open forum for voting options. :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


how about "good day/bad day" as a theme? we certainly get a lot of that on "things that jerk my chain" and "things that make me forget I have a chain"

Now that sounds like a lot of fun!!

I like Broachers Idea too. GD infomercial!
(btw I do edit movies/audio/flash for interactive cds)

=)
Jade

[WannaBrie]

Kool, I'm sorry, you are right, there is nothing amusing or fun about war. I didn't intend my post or this project to be inclusively about fun or amusing. After reading some of the other posts, I had hoped that we might do something that might affect us all globally. Something that meant something. Fun? I like to have fun, but, I can do that on my own time. I had hoped that we could do something that meant more here. My original idea had no global or even political aspirations, but after having debated this idea for a bit, I have hoped that we could think above, or around the original ideas... I think that if we are goning to do this, it should be for something that shakes things up...What are we if not here to make our voices Known? We must speak out... We must communicate. That is who we are..We are the COMMUNICATORS. All we are is what we say, what we do...It is up to us to show the world, tell the world what we think,....

[balou]

If my poster communicates a different message than yours Wannabrie, will it be rejected?

[morea]

my religious beliefs require that I steer clear of political involvement like this... if that's what you guys want to do, I definitely understand, but I will need to bow out.

I tend to think that other people might feel the same, albeit for other reasons.

[Kool]

Honest Brie, you've made your point well. It's just that nobody else, at least so far, wants to do it. I'm afraid if you keep pushing it the whole thing will die. I've been watching this idea from the start and wanted to participate in whatever the final project is but I have no interest in doing an anti war thing. Sorry. http://home.comcast.net/~rnick9/koolsmiley.gif

[Broacher]

Good day/bad day? I don't know--much as I really enjoy exchanging trade 'war stories' with the troops, I was thinking less lament, and more of a progressive project to reach out and show people how we really add measurable value to the process of communication. Also, how to measure the cost of not getting a pro to do the job. If we do the stupid client vs. graphic designer route, that would be going backwards. I think we need to show we understand business more--not less.

[morea]

I agree with Broacher... the main 'cause' that we all share is GD more than anything else, and one of the biggest problems we face as an industry is the whole "oh, I'll have my nephew do it" mentality... essentially, we are not widely viewed as professionals by other industries. It would be nice to be able to do something that might affect that misperception, to educate potential clients about the value in what we do.

[Red Kittie Kat]

If I participate I prefer it be something we can all back 100% without feeling we need to tread lightly around explosive subjects. I am all for lighthearted and humorous. ;)

[rickself]

I've been sitting on the fence on this topic for a while and as good as an idea the project may be, taking on the war isn't in the good interest of a group as a whole because the group is too diverse with too many religious beliefs and political agendas to make it work. I respect your opinions, brie, but I doubt you would respect mine or a lot of others worldwide. Heck, my wife and I can hardly see eye to eye on the mess the world is in right now. It would be too difficult to be the judge to say "I like your idea so you can participate, but I don't like yours, so scram." We would start to find out what prejudice really entails. If you really want to participate in something like this, get involved with a political party or cause. My 2¢ worth.

[Exodus]

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/9863/powderedtoastmangt1.jpg

[Drazan]

ooh sparkly hunk-o- toast

[Ned]

Okay, you got me. Who is PTM? I know Ren & Stimpy, but I haven't seen that guy before...

Primal Toast Man? Am I even close? :D

[urstwile]

Got no frickin' clue, Ned. :D

I see the calendar idea is edging along in the polls. Frankly, this seems like the best idea of the lot, in terms of being easy for people to jump in on. If there are two few responding, then some who are inclined can do more than one, if there are two many, than just add more months. The structure and size of the CD sized calendar would make it easy for most to just simply add months.

[Ned]

The structure and size of the CD sized calendar would make it easy for most to just simply add months.

...because we all know that 12 months in a year simply is not enough!!
Though, I would prefer more hours in the day, personally.

[urstwile]

...because we all know that 12 months in a year simply is not enough!!
Though, I would prefer more hours in the day, personally.
Really? I'd rather be able to function on less sleep. Think of it in percentages. If you work 8 hours out of a 24 hour day, and base it on percentage, than would that mean that you'd work 10 hours a day if the day was 30 hours long? :eek:

I think I'm in one of those existential moods tonight. :D

[Ned]

Sleep less? Naw... I'd rather sleep all day. :D

(and if I don't get to bed soon, I just may have to... up at 7am tomorrow...)

[urstwile]

I love to sleep in. I wish I didn't. I feel like I'd get so much more done.

[Ned]

What you need, Urst, is to learn how to enjoy getting nothing done as much as I do.

[urstwile]

Um yeah.

That's what scares me. :D

[Ned]

That's the Zen philosophy, isn't it? Something about a state of nothingness... ;)

[urstwile]

Hmmm.....I don't have the right medication to get into it right now. ;)

I sometimes wish I could do with less sleep during the week, and just catch up to it on the weekends.

Anyway, enough hijacking.

[frankster]

Oh don't get me started about sleep! It's my not so secret fantasy since having kids.

[urstwile]

Now there's a world I can't even relate to anymore. Oddly, I could relate to it much better when I was a teenager and in charge of watching my younger sisters. No sleep to be had for me when I was 14 and my parents were working late (wee hours of the morning) and I was sleeping on the couch listening for the young 'uns.

[Ned]

Oh hell... When I was 14, I was out at the all-night coffee house with my friends until 3 in the morning. :D

[urstwile]

Yeah, I had to wait until I was 16 to do that.

I take it you were an only child Ned? Either that or you had sisters who took care of the babysitting responsibilities.

[Ned]

1 sister, but a year and a half older than I.

(BTW, she was the responsible one... :D)

[budafist]

Oh hell... When I was 14, I was out at the all-night coffee house with my friends until 3 in the morning. :D

That sounds classy for a 14 year old. When we were 14 we sat in parks til late smoking....ahem...not tobacco...No babysitting responsibilities for me luckily! Lucky for the kids I mean :D

[Ned]

When we were 14 we sat in parks til late smoking....ahem...not tobacco...

You were already smoking Opium at 14!?

[budafist]

:D No, the other one...

[Ned]

Crystal Meth!? :eek:

Kids just started smoking that around here like 5 years ago...

[Exodus]

Okay, you got me. Who is PTM? I know Ren & Stimpy, but I haven't seen that guy before...

Primal Toast Man? Am I even close? :D

Close, Ned. Powdered Toast Man! :D

[WannaBrie]

Mea Culpa everyone, You are all right, the war thing was not a good idea for this project and I am sorry I was pushing it so hard. Sometimes I latch onto an idea and get very passionate about it. Plus,I had a few drinks last night and I’m dealing with some crap at work. (more about that in another thread!) When I drink I have a tendency to get pushy and opinionated. So I’m sorry if I came off as pushy and opinionated. So please forgive me. Ok, on with our original ideas! At what point do we decide to tally the votes? It looks like Buda's idea, the calendar is winning, so what now?

[Drazan]

((hugs)) we all do it at one point or another Brie. No worries on my part.

Start a new thread and have people sign up for the project and set a deadline to work with. If it's a "18 month calendar" July 07 - Dec 08. Have the dead line a month before and see if anyone want's to sign up as editor.

Your in charge Cap'n Brie! :D

[WannaBrie]

Thanks! Uh, oh, me? cap'n? can I be cap'n crunch? BTW Drazan, I'm going to the Renn. fest in gainesville this weekend. Can't wait! I used to do all the shows from Va. to S. fla. before I had my son, as a merchant selling my 16th century lace jewelry (tatting with a twist!).

[budafist]

Crystal Meth!? :eek:

Kids just started smoking that around here like 5 years ago...

You think you're so smart don't you Ned? :D

[Drazan]

Thanks! Uh, oh, me? cap'n? can I be cap'n crunch? BTW Drazan, I'm going to the Renn. fest in gainesville this weekend. Can't wait! I used to do all the shows from Va. to S. fla. before I had my son, as a merchant selling my 16th century lace jewelry (tatting with a twist!).

Fun! I wish there were more fairs around here. I just partnered with another mailler in CA for a 15 fair run this year. I won't be going out there personally, but my stuff will be!

Dressing up I assume?

[WannaBrie]

I haven't dressed up for the last few I've gone to, only becuz I was going as a visitor and not a merchant, plus I have no costume for my son, but I do have 2 outfits hanging in my closet...maybe I will this time! There are still quite a few here in fla. so whenever there's one that's within 3 hrs drive, I try to go. I really miss being a part of it though! That's cool that you worked something out and your stuff is gonna make the rounds without you, good luck!!

[PrintDriver]

Powdered Toast Man.
Sheesh.
But you were close.

[Ned]

Damn good try, eh? :D

At least you can't say I'm not trying!!

[WannaBrie]

ok, so I guess I'll start a new thread (if that's ok with everyone) asking for signups, etc... since buda's idea (the calendar) was the winner thus far, that's it. Is this ok with everyone?

[PrintDriver]

You have 18 voters and 12 months...
(don't count my vote, I just place one to see the results;))

[budafist]

I didn't vote because I couldn't decide, but count me in!

PD, you don't have to vote to view results, juts click View poll results :)

[WannaBrie]

Your're right PD, but we could always have alternate pages. By that I mean, everyone picks a month and as long as all 12 are taken, then after that, people just pick whatever month they like and then when the calendars are assembled, each individual could pick whatever design they like for that month. Or, we could have several versions showing all variations for the months that are duplicated. Or, we could do an 18 month or 24 month calendar...even better if it lasts for 2 yrs, right?


"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistant one"
Albert Einstein

[morea]

I've seen 18 month and 24 month calendars before... though if we got enough volunteers I think we could try a weekly one, that would allow for 52 participants (come on guys, you know you wanna ;) )

[PrintDriver]

yeah, I'm a forum illiterate when it comes to pushing buttons...
:D

[morea]

you're not fooling anybody, Mister 8400 posts.

[budafist]

I have a 52 page calendar on my desk. I love it.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crackpot-Calendar-R-Klanten/dp/3899551567

[WannaBrie]

well, there are 52 weeks in a year, right? or am I being dislexic once again?

"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistant one"
Albert Einstein

[Drazan]

yes 52 weeks in a year.

=)
Jade

[budafist]

Ok, new poll for people to just say yes, count me in to do this thing.

Then we can figure out if we can manage a 52 week calendar. Of course, anyone that wants to can do more than 1 page.

[WannaBrie]

ok, so should I do a new poll? for calendar 52 pages? and then how to assign pages /and how to figure out leftover or pages over/undr 52?

[Kool]

Not a poll, just a sign up sheet/thread.

Buda, give us all the specs for an individual week. Size, resolution, etc. Somebody needs look at a calender and post the dates in each week. Is there any image guidelines or do we get full license? :)

[Ned]

Is there any image guidelines or do we get full license? :)

Yes, Kool. You must post yourself in a bikini. :D

[budafist]

What day should we start it at? Perhaps we have it start mid-year, gives as a couple months to design it and another month to print it? or something...

It's like we need a vote for every question...

We can post a list of the weeks with week 1, w2, w3 next to each week. First in first served on choice of week I guess?

[WannaBrie]

What day should we start it at? Perhaps we have it start mid-year, gives as a couple months to design it and another month to print it? or something...

It's like we need a vote for every question...

We can post a list of the weeks with week 1, w2, w3 next to each week. First in first served on choice of week I guess?

Ok, so I'm totally confused. I feel like I need someone to lay it all out for me...

[morea]

first let's just start a thread called "GDF Collaborative Calendar" and see who wants to sign up. That would be a good way to find out how many people want to commit to it, and then we can go from there. ;)

[WannaBrie]

Ok, sounds good. I will start that if that's ok with everyone.