Logo guidelines status

[chasd at silveroaks.com]

> I still wonder why a proprietary font was used for the
> logo of a project like Fedora

What font is used in a logo really does not impact the choice of other 
fonts used in a layout that includes that logo. In fact, it is my 
opinion that using a font in a layout that is the _same_ as the font 
used in a logo included in the layout dilutes the impact of the logo. 
These other fonts certainly could be fonts that are free to use.

In other words, why would you want to use the font from the logo 
anywhere else in a design ?

I would think the Fedora Project would want to control what other fonts 
are used in any layouts or graphics, so a consistent image is presented 
at all times. Is there any work being done on an identity style guide 
for the Fedora Project ? If you are not sure what I am talking about, 
Google "identity guide" and take a look how other organizations 
document best practices on the use of their logos, and creating 
documents or layouts to present a consistent visual identity.

> Fortunately, we have big images with the logo and is trivial to trace
> them (Inkscape, potrace, autotrace, etc.) and obtain a version in 
> vector
> format, at least this is what i did for my own use

Most organizations prefer to keep the reproduction quality of the 
graphics used in their visual identity at a high level. Re-processing ( 
as  the above quote suggests ) or modifying original graphics can lead 
to poor quality graphics, which can translate into a poor identity, or 
a negative reaction to the graphics. That is generally accepted as a 
Bad Thing. Most organizations that go through the effort to develop a 
logo or other visual identity also make the effort to make sure every 
use of their logo is up to a certain standard. I have heard the term 
"logo cop" used for individuals with that responsibility.

Using a poor quality Fedora logo could hurt the Project more than it 
would help promote it, if that poor quality logo degrades the visual 
identity of the Project.

It is unfortunate that the usage guidelines have not considered all 
possible usage cases, and that has caused delays in the ability for 
some to use the logo. With visual identity, you only have the first 
shot at making a good impression. Protecting the visual identity of the 
Fedora Project is nearly as important as protecting your personal 
identity, so I understand the care that must be taken here.


Charles Dostale
System Admin - Silver Oaks Communications
http://www.silveroaks.com/
824 17th Street, Moline  IL  61265