[geoaware]

The contest to create the official EarthCache banner is ON!

Goal: Create a banner that can be shared with other users to post at www.geocaching.com in their EarthCache submissions.
How to enter: This thread was created for the contest. Post your banner here to enter.
Deadline: 7 November 2010
Judging: The decision on the winner will be made by the EarthCache Reviewer team. The decision they make will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Incentive: GSA will mail a complete collection of GSA EarthCache coins to the creator of the winning banner!
Result: The winning banner will be posted at www.EarthCache.org for any EarthCacher to download and use. The final artwork will become the property of the Geological Society of America who will have the right to post, print, use, modify, etc. without the permission or consent of the original artist.

Required elements:
1. A heading that says something like “EarthCache”, “Official EarthCache”, “Proud to be an Official EarthCacher”, etc.;
2. The official EarthCache logo (the cutaway globe);
3. The Geological Society of America (GSA) logo;
4. The text “The EarthCache program is coordinated by the Geological Society of America, in conjunction with Groundspeak.”;
5. The link to the official EarthCache website: www.EarthCache.org;
6. A reasonable size—not too wide, not too tall, not too obtrusive;
7. An eye-catching, but uncluttered design.

Please note that designed need to follow the “no commercial content” in order to remain within the guidelines for what can appear on a cache page.

Optional element:
1. The name of the artist, i.e. “Designed by…”

Good luck! We look forward to seeing the entries!

This post has been edited by geoaware: 11 October 2010 - 12:08 PM

[MJSDB]

Hello.

Here is Our first Contribution to your EarthCacher Banner contest. We hope you like it and that it compares with your requirements.





Greetings from Germany
MJSDB

[Lostby7]

Great start MJSDB. It's a bit big but otherwise I love it. I hope some other folks try their hand as well...

[PaneledZero]

MJSDB, on Oct 15 2010, 05:41 AM, said:

Hello.

Here is Our first Contribution to your EarthCacher Banner contest. We hope you like it and that it compares with your requirements.





Greetings from Germany
MJSDB

Very cool! I could agree that its a bit tall, but who am I anyway. I don't know how to make banners. Great job!

[MJSDB]

First, thank you for the nice comments about my banner. I'm very happy about it
If the size is the only problem, then we have no problem!
Changing it, is very easy how you can see under the text.





Here is an other layout for the EarthCache-banner. This time we used a foto, that we took before. It shows some pieces of our fossil and stone collection. Hope you like it.

This post has been edited by MJSDB: 16 October 2010 - 10:02 AM

[jokergil]

This is my design, perhaps a little dark, but that we catching ideas for future designs.

Greetings to all

[jokergil]

My second design, a bit smaller and less dark (I think on a white background, is more cheerful).

Greetings

[Lostby7]

jokergil, on Oct 17 2010, 12:40 PM, said:

My second design, a bit smaller and less dark (I think on a white background, is more cheerful).

Greetings

Great designs...but I think using the word EVOLUTION is a bit too charged. EarthCaches don't promote evolution.

[jokergil]

Maybe you're right, but in speaking of fossils, or on the movement of tectonic plates (in the formation of a geographical area) ... we are talking about a kind of evolution.

Included me echo through these items (science, nature, evolution, geology), because I think it reflects the essence of the EarthCache.

But thanks for your comment. Maybe together, we find new items that define the essence even better.

I recognize that, as a designer, I'm pretty crappy, but I can always provide ideas for, new (and better) designers.

Greetings and thanks!!

PS: any other item in the place of "evolution?"

This post has been edited by jokergil: 17 October 2010 - 11:10 AM

[Fermentum]

Hello all,

Thought I would try my hand at this! I am still learning the art of Photoshop as you can see.

Hope you like it! Please tell me what you think!

Thanks
Fermi

[catsnfish]

Fermentum, on Oct 17 2010, 12:17 PM, said:

Hello all,

Thought I would try my hand at this! I am still learning the art of Photoshop as you can see.

Hope you like it! Please tell me what you think!

Thanks
Fermi

I like your choice of a background photo. The suggestions I would make would be to have the globe EC logo about twice as large, the lettering there is a good size though. Possibly a shadow effect on the Official EarthCache to make it stand out a bit more from the clouds behind it. I like all of the other elements as they are. Good design!

[Fermentum]

Thanks for the positive feedback. I think your right the shadow look a lot better!

Thanks again!

Fermi

[jokergil]

Nice design, really, with the shadow, highlight the text more.

Too bad I did not fluent in Photoshop.

[Konnarock Kid & Marge]

Fermentum, on Oct 18 2010, 03:54 PM, said:

Thanks for the positive feedback. I think your right the shadow look a lot better!

Thanks again!

Fermi

You have my vote. The work is simply beautiful. Admittedly, we have a bias, but could you do one with a waterfall and a mountain? We are goofy over waterfalls.
P.S. Your mountain represents so many different kinds of ECs.

[MJSDB]

I'am happy to see other versions of the EC-Banner and they are not bad . I like the banner with the mountain, i wish i had some own photos with such a beautiful landscape.

Here is my new design of the banner, its like the first layout.

[Carbon Hunter]

do we have to choose 1 only? I like a number of them.
Well done guys

[GEO WALKER]

Fermentum, on Oct 18 2010, 11:54 AM, said:

Thanks for the positive feedback. I think your right the shadow look a lot better!

Thanks again!

Fermi

Very Impressive

[Lostby7]

Carbon Hunter, on Oct 19 2010, 06:19 AM, said:

do we have to choose 1 only? I like a number of them.
Well done guys

Right there with ya. The folks who need to pick one will have a hard time. There have been some great designs so far! I'd be proud to attach several of these to my cache pages.

[PaneledZero]

Carbon Hunter, on Oct 19 2010, 04:19 AM, said:

do we have to choose 1 only? I like a number of them.
Well done guys

I agree 100%! I had a feeling that people were going to do a good job!

[catsnfish]

MJSDB, on Oct 19 2010, 03:08 AM, said:

I'am happy to see other versions of the EC-Banner and they are not bad . I like the banner with the mountain, i wish i had some own photos with such a beautiful landscape.

Here is my new design of the banner, its like the first layout.

I like this one as well, it will not be an easy task to choose.

[Huntleigh]

geoaware, on Oct 12 2010, 03:29 AM, said:

Required elements:
1. A heading that says something like “EarthCache”, “Official EarthCache”, “Proud to be an Official EarthCacher”, etc.;
2. The official EarthCache logo (the cutaway globe);
3. The Geological Society of America (GSA) logo;

Is there anywhere to download the logos? I realise that they can be "borrowed" from the respective websites but I wonder about the quality and the legality of taking them from there.

[narcissa]

I really like all the designs shown here! Great work!

[Hesamati]

jokergil, on Oct 17 2010, 03:15 AM, said:

This is my design, perhaps a little dark, but that we catching ideas for future designs.

Greetings to all

Few of the design aspects need work and a dark background always creates difficulties but I like this one! It jumps out at you and nothing says Earthcache like, ...uh well - the EARTH! The white text looks great. Will GSA be happy with a monochrome logo? I suggest losing the "motto" and maybe squashing it a little.

[jokergil]

Thanks for the suggestions.
Here's the result: banner smaller, more detail of the earth, I removed the words "science, geology ...".
and other details.

Background remains black (difficult to integrate into the web cache), but I like a lot, and it was my first design ... remake!

Hope you like it more.

PS: the logo of the GSA is in monochrome, I like ... but if they want to color, it modifies.




I do not know why, but in the forum, the image is a little bigger than it is
link to image http://img709.images...annerfinalu.png

This post has been edited by jokergil: 22 October 2010 - 11:33 AM

[Huntleigh]

First cut - thoughts?

(Seaward Kaikoura range - the Australian/Pacific plate boundary)

[SeekerOfTheWay]

jokergil, on Oct 22 2010, 11:27 AM, said:

Thanks for the suggestions.
Here's the result: banner smaller, more detail of the earth, I removed the words "science, geology ...".
and other details.

Background remains black (difficult to integrate into the web cache), but I like a lot, and it was my first design ... remake!

Hope you like it more.

PS: the logo of the GSA is in monochrome, I like ... but if they want to color, it modifies.




I do not know why, but in the forum, the image is a little bigger than it is
link to image http://img709.images...annerfinalu.png

Love this one! Nicely done! I think the size is better now but I did like the motto, including evolution!

[Corfmania]

Is there a high quality version of the EC logo anywhere?

[PaneledZero]

Huntleigh, on Oct 23 2010, 01:29 AM, said:

First cut - thoughts?

(Seaward Kaikoura range - the Australian/Pacific plate boundary)

I like it, personally. The only concern would be the color of the lettering. Other than that, I like the the look. Great job!

[mtbikernate]

Lostby7, on Oct 17 2010, 10:56 AM, said:

Great designs...but I think using the word EVOLUTION is a bit too charged. EarthCaches don't promote evolution.

They may not promote it, but the ones that take you to fossil beds can demonstrate it.

It's a word that's going to generate some awful strong opinions either way. I'm doing my best to avoid voicing my own.

[MJSDB]

So i will know join the discussion about the logos. I "borrowed" it, like someone said, from the internet and I have no problem to use it for my banner designs. The organizers of the contest challenge us to use the logos but when they don't provide the logos, we have to borrow them. I assume that the competition is discussed with the partners, so that we have the permission to use theire logos for the contest. But i don't know whether we can change them ( for example the color) or not.

For myself I rather have the problem, with using foreign pictures. Because I know how difficult it is with the licences. Sometimes you can use it, then you can just use it, when you name the owner and the source where you found the picture. This is not a criticism, just a note and a piece of advice for those who did not know this.

I hope I didn't discouraged anyone, i really llike the other designs and hope to see more variants.

Greetings from Germany



Note: I hope you understand what I want to say, because my english is not the best.

[formicaPL]

With reference to all projects that have been submited so far I have to say that all are great, but I just love two of them!

First:

jokergil, on Oct 22 2010, 09:27 PM, said:

It has such an amazing energy - it feels dynamic and strong. Plus - it has a gorgeous font

and Second:

MJSDB, on Oct 19 2010, 01:08 PM, said:

The idea is great - simple and clear. I like the graphical style of it.

Good luck to all contestants!

...

I wish I had some time to also participate in this contest

[Konnarock Kid & Marge]

MJSDB, on Oct 19 2010, 07:08 AM, said:

I'am happy to see other versions of the EC-Banner and they are not bad . I like the banner with the mountain, i wish i had some own photos with such a beautiful landscape.

Here is my new design of the banner, its like the first layout.

I hope I'm not dooming it, but this is our favorite!

[jokergil]

I appreciate your comments!

Let 's see if before November 7, we see new designs ... well have to choose from.

[Lostby7]

To clarify...we do not get to vote on a design.

Quote

Judging: The decision on the winner will be made by the EarthCache Reviewer team.

[geoawareHQ]

The designs look very good so far, keep them coming!

Sorry for the delay in this, but here is a link to the GSA logos, along with the usage guidelines. I know that I'm posting them publicly here, but it'd be great if we can keep them semi-private, for the use of this contest only, if you know what I mean
http://www.geosociet.../logo_usage.htm

Also, here's the best EarthCache logo I could find (for now):


Or this one (not sure if they're exactly the same size/quality):


If I find a better (higher quality) version, I'll post it here. (A NEWER VERSION SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IN A DAY OR TWO.)

This post has been edited by geoawareHQ: 26 October 2010 - 12:05 PM

[geoawareHQ]

Another logo:

http://rock.geosociety.org/g_corps/documen...hCacheLogo3.gif

And another:


http://rock.geosociety.org/g_corps/documen...CacheLOGO75.jpg

[geoaware]

PLEASE NOTE : The use of the EarthCache globe and the GSA logo is limited only to the creation of these banners. Having this access does not give anyone the right to use those logos, both the trademarks of the Geological Society of America, for any other purpose unless the you seek and receive written permission. This includes their use FOR ANY purpose such as trinkets, geocoins, T shirts,display on websites etc.

We enforce the correct use of our trademarks to the full extent of the law.

[Konnarock Kid & Marge]

geoaware, on Oct 27 2010, 03:48 PM, said:

PLEASE NOTE : The use of the EarthCache globe and the GSA logo is limited only to the creation of these banners. Having this access does not give anyone the right to use those logos, both the trademarks of the Geological Society of America, for any other purpose unless the you seek and receive written permission. This includes their use FOR ANY purpose such as trinkets, geocoins, T shirts,display on websites etc.

We enforce the correct use of our trademarks to the full extent of the law.

I know you don't mean too but why take a lot of the fun out of the contest?

Are you saying that although these banners are being created by earthcachers and the earthcache globe and GSA logo must be on them, you then own the banner? Why are your use rules so stringent, especially compared to GroundSpeaks?

Here is what GS expects: (non-commercial)
"We are also willing to make allowances for those of you who have creative ideas and want to do something fun for your friends and fellow Geocachers. The Groundspeak Geocaching Logo may be used only on non-commercial items. These items may include, but are not limited to shirts, hats, coins, logbooks, stickers and cache containers."

Why are you so protective of the icons?

Question: If Marge got delirious and wanted to make me a tee-shirt sticker/iron-on out of the winning banner, you would take her to court? How about if she wanted to surprise me (hint, hint) with 100 pathtags with the banner used?
Suggestion: loosen up and follow GroundSpeaks lead. Thanks.

[geoaware]

Konnarock Kid & Marge, on Oct 27 2010, 12:14 PM, said:

geoaware, on Oct 27 2010, 03:48 PM, said:

PLEASE NOTE : The use of the EarthCache globe and the GSA logo is limited only to the creation of these banners. Having this access does not give anyone the right to use those logos, both the trademarks of the Geological Society of America, for any other purpose unless the you seek and receive written permission. This includes their use FOR ANY purpose such as trinkets, geocoins, T shirts,display on websites etc.

We enforce the correct use of our trademarks to the full extent of the law.

I know you don't mean too but why take a lot of the fun out of the contest?

Are you saying that although these banners are being created by earthcachers and the earthcache globe and GSA logo must be on them, you then own the banner? Why are your use rules so stringent, especially compared to GroundSpeaks?

Here is what GS expects: (non-commercial)
"We are also willing to make allowances for those of you who have creative ideas and want to do something fun for your friends and fellow Geocachers. The Groundspeak Geocaching Logo may be used only on non-commercial items. These items may include, but are not limited to shirts, hats, coins, logbooks, stickers and cache containers."

Why are you so protective of the icons?

Question: If Marge got delirious and wanted to make me a tee-shirt sticker/iron-on out of the winning banner, you would take her to court? How about if she wanted to surprise me (hint, hint) with 100 pathtags with the banner used?
Suggestion: loosen up and follow GroundSpeaks lead. Thanks.

This is a discussion to be had in another thread....and not related to the topic at hand.

This post has been edited by geoaware: 27 October 2010 - 04:17 PM

[Lostby7]

Konnarock Kid & Marge, on Oct 27 2010, 03:14 PM, said:

Are you saying that although these banners are being created by earthcachers and the earthcache globe and GSA logo must be on them, you then own the banner?

Yes they are saying just that; it's in the rules.

Quote

The final artwork will become the property of the Geological Society of America who will have the right to post, print, use, modify, etc. without the permission or consent of the original artist.

...also Geoaware (representing the GSA) and other companies must make protective statements or the courts will consider their claim to the icons as not strictly prohibitive and thus the owners lose the strength of their claim over their intellectual properties...so expect this type of response from most any business entity which has a logo. Trust me if you try selling hundreds of Ground Speak's logos on t shirts you will get a kind letter from their lawyers...that GS allows us to have limited use of their logo is very generous on their part.

This post has been edited by Lostby7: 27 October 2010 - 04:31 PM

[Konnarock Kid & Marge]

Lostby7, on Oct 27 2010, 08:25 PM, said:

Konnarock Kid & Marge, on Oct 27 2010, 03:14 PM, said:

Are you saying that although these banners are being created by earthcachers and the earthcache globe and GSA logo must be on them, you then own the banner?

Yes they are saying just that; it's in the rules.

Quote

The final artwork will become the property of the Geological Society of America who will have the right to post, print, use, modify, etc. without the permission or consent of the original artist.

...also Geoaware (representing the GSA) and other companies must make protective statements or the courts will consider their claim to the icons as not strictly prohibitive and thus the owners lose the strength of their claim over their intellectual properties...so expect this type of response from most any business entity which has a logo. Trust me if you try selling hundreds of Ground Speak's logos on t shirts you will get a kind letter from their lawyers...that GS allows us to have limited use of their logo is very generous on their part.

You didn't understand my post or I didn't communicate well enough. I know it's the rules and that is no defense! The rules are exactly what I am challenging!
Secondly, just where did I suggest anyone sell hundreds of anyone's t shirts? Beside, Marge can't make that many! Remember, I quoted Groundspeak's non-commercial rules and as generous as they are, I agree with you that selling "hundreds of t shirts may cross the line! For the record, GSA isn't a company!
Now if your want to avoid the comparison between GS's, generous use of their logo and a small reminder that they are a for profit business (big difference) to GSA's over-protective approach, that's fine but it doesn't address the problem.
Yes, I know all about logos. I worked under a lot of fine ones all my business life!
Now to the point that this "is not related to the topic at hand." Well, I didn't post the rules and certainly the rules are in play because they are indeed an intricate part of the contest and after all, the "contest" is the topic! That's isn't much of a defense either, just avoidance. An honest question was posed and there is no way it is off topic. The rules are as much as part of the contest as the entries and the contest winnings!
As a non-profit, there's no reason why the rules cannot be relaxed. Oh, did I mention Groundspeak?
Sorry, I not only think the rules are pertinant and should be discussed, there was no need for threats!
"We enforce the correct use of our trademarks to the full extent of the law."
Thanks.

This post has been edited by Konnarock Kid & Marge: 27 October 2010 - 05:46 PM

[geoaware]

Konnarock Kid & Marge, on Oct 27 2010, 05:37 PM, said:

Lostby7, on Oct 27 2010, 08:25 PM, said:

Konnarock Kid & Marge, on Oct 27 2010, 03:14 PM, said:

Are you saying that although these banners are being created by earthcachers and the earthcache globe and GSA logo must be on them, you then own the banner?

Yes they are saying just that; it's in the rules.

Quote

The final artwork will become the property of the Geological Society of America who will have the right to post, print, use, modify, etc. without the permission or consent of the original artist.

...also Geoaware (representing the GSA) and other companies must make protective statements or the courts will consider their claim to the icons as not strictly prohibitive and thus the owners lose the strength of their claim over their intellectual properties...so expect this type of response from most any business entity which has a logo. Trust me if you try selling hundreds of Ground Speak's logos on t shirts you will get a kind letter from their lawyers...that GS allows us to have limited use of their logo is very generous on their part.

You didn't understand my post or I didn't communicate well enough. I know it's the rules and that is no defense! The rules are exactly what I am challenging!
Secondly, just where did I suggest anyone sell hundreds of anyone's t shirts? Beside, Marge can't make that many! Remember, I quoted Groundspeak's non-commercial rules and as generous as they are, I agree with you that selling "hundreds of t shirts may cross the line! For the record, GSA isn't a company!
Now if your want to avoid the comparison between GS's, generous use of their logo and a small reminder that they are a for profit business (big difference) to GSA's over-protective approach, that's fine but it doesn't address the problem.
Yes, I know all about logos. I worked under a lot of fine ones all my business life!
Now to the point that this "is not related to the topic at hand." Well, I didn't post the rules and certainly the rules are in play because they are indeed an intricate part of the contest and after all, the "contest" is the topic! That's isn't much of a defense either, just avoidance. An honest question was posed and there is no way it is off topic. The rules are as much as part of the contest as the entries and the contest winnings!
As a non-profit, there's no reason why the rules cannot be relaxed. Oh, did I mention Groundspeak?
Sorry, I not only think the rules are pertinant and should be discussed, there was no need for threats!
"We enforce the correct use of our trademarks to the full extent of the law."
Thanks.

I am sorry you feel so strongly - but in this case, the rules are the rules and not open to debate. Like all competitions when an organization is putting up a prize, it is their right to set the rules. If you are unhappy about the rules for this competition, then please don't participate in the competition.

GSA has the right, like any organization, to protect its intellectual property.

[Konnarock Kid & Marge]

geoaware, on Oct 28 2010, 06:03 AM, said:

I am sorry you feel so strongly - but in this case, the rules are the rules and not open to debate. Like all competitions when an organization is putting up a prize, it is their right to set the rules. If you are unhappy about the rules for this competition, then please don't participate in the competition.

GSA has the right, like any organization, to protect its intellectual property.

Yes, I do feel strongly, but it is obvious the rules will not be loosened. That's fine and I will drop it, but it seems like you and/or GSA feel as strong.....maybe even stronger or otherwise the following would have not been necessary with a fun loving, honest, geocaching community!

"We enforce the correct use of our trademarks to the full extent of the law."

Frankly, that statement is what triggered my question. Most of us feel threats are unnecessary!

P.S. Where did I even say I was entering or thinking about entering the competition of which you quickly discouraged? I was wondering about the results of the competition and the use thereof! I guess if you do not want to take a page out of Groundspeak's playbook that is your prerogative and we will just have to live with it! Thanks.

This post has been edited by Konnarock Kid & Marge: 28 October 2010 - 01:35 PM

[Huntleigh]

geoaware, on Oct 12 2010, 03:29 AM, said:

The contest to create the official EarthCache banner is ON!

Goal: Create a banner that can be shared with other users to post at www.geocaching.com in their EarthCache submissions.
How to enter: This thread was created for the contest. Post your banner here to enter.
Deadline: 7 November 2010

Right!

The final cut — with two variations on the Earthcache logo - sizing is 640 pixels wide but the original is much greater.



OR




And a mock-up of what it might look like in practice:


Cheers

Huntleigh

[drdan01]

Can't wait for the results -- hope to add it to an EC I'm working on now!

[Fermentum]

Good luck to all who entered!

Fermi

[Corfmania]

I can't wait any longer... who wins?!?!

[geoawareHQ]

Okay, the contest is officially CLOSED!

A big thank-you to everyone who submitted designs and helped make this a very positive event!

We will be working this week on reviewing the final entries and determining the winner.

Stay tuned!

[drdan01]

geoawareHQ, on Nov 9 2010, 08:21 AM, said:

Okay, the contest is officially CLOSED!

A big thank-you to everyone who submitted designs and helped make this a very positive event!

We will be working this week on reviewing the final entries and determining the winner.

Stay tuned!

I'd like to offer two thoughts if I could:
- Have you considered soliciting the opinions of the EC community regarding which to pick? Thinking about how it is ultimately us who will choose to place it on our EC listings or not it might be beneficial to you to have a feel from the community what we think of them.
- Would you consider the possibility that there is more than one official banner selected. I'm thinking that I'm not alone in saying that I liked multiple submittals and would love to use several of them.

Thanks!

[geoawareHQ]

Hi DrDan,

Both comments will be taken into consideration as we review the banner entries. Thanks!