I thought to check in and introduce myself. My interest in graphics is based around infographics -- information graphics. Also I'm interested in using graphics to persuade (captology) and motivate (desirability).

Naturally, I'm interested in those threads and topics which fit. Since these are few and far between, I thought to use this introduction to kick off some ideas. Perhaps you can give me ideas for topics I could kick off or expand upon.

-- What makes a logo a business identity in the customer's mind? I've read some good posts here already. Information design shows what happens. You choose that original color, the unique spiral and you get something you might not have planned. My first impulse is to do a competitive survey, then do something different.

-- Where are the infographics? I've seen a lot (a whole lot) of graphics forums - not many infographics. Okay I'm being charitable, no infographics. ...What gives? Anyone ever heard of Edward Tufte? Are there issues with infographics? If so, what? ...Basic types/categories? You never know, it could be an interesting topic or topics.

-- Ad Graphics. You're doing a web site design and have two sets of photos. Is a picture of the product really persuasive? What about a picture of the product being used? How about testing one graphic image against the other?

-- Visual thinking, art direction and visual merchandising. Not graphic design, what I'm talking about is different. Communication Nation is a nice introduction to visual thinking design. How are visual thinkers different?

-- Sequential art (comic books) and storyboarding. Uses, application, techniques?

These are, perhaps, unusual issues or concepts. Maybe you would welcome talking about something new. If so, perhaps we can start up a discussion in this thread.

Finally there is my site, which is about information design. However, I do some halfway passable illustration work in a variety of styles and am always looking to improve.

So ...um ...."hi there" let's talk.