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January 13, 2005
worst. logo. ever.
Here in Rochester, one of the major organizations for women in technology is the AWC--the Association for Women in Computing. It's a wonderful group that provides educational opportunities, business networking, and annual awards for women in technology. In fact, I'll be doing a workshop for the local chapter soon on social computing topics.
But despite my admiration for their activities and their goals, I haven't joined the AWC. Why? Because every single time I look at their web site, the first thing I see is their logo.
It's awful, isn't it? A Barbie-doll-shaped woman, apparently unclothed, kneeling in front of a computer with her head bowed. It makes my skin crawl every time I look at it. What were they thinking?
I realize it's just a logo. But a logo is supposed to be a representation of key aspects of a company or organization. What does it say about the AWC that they've chosen this logo, and display it prominently on all of their materials?
Eventually I'll probably get over my distaste and join the organization, since it supports so many activities that I value. But I'm quite sure I won't grow to love the logo.
Posted by Liz Lawley at 10:15 PM in Organizations | Permalink
Comments
She looks like she is wearing pants to me...
Posted by: B at Jan 14, 2005 12:40:00 AM
I agree it is awful, but then their website is also pretty disappointing for a computing organisation. I try my very best not to judge organisations by bad websites, since it's not always their fault, but I find it increasingly hard the more the web develops.
Posted by: Sally at Jan 14, 2005 5:01:02 AM
why don't you tell them, Liz?
Posted by: Julie Lerman at Jan 14, 2005 9:56:14 AM
I have told them, actually. I discussed it with people from the local chapter, and they said that the national group was pretty wedded to the logo, and that they required the local group to use it even though the local group doesn't like it. :/
Posted by: Liz Lawley at Jan 14, 2005 10:07:03 AM
I think she's supposed to be a goddess, not a barbie, but agree the pose is wrong.
Posted by: lisa at Jan 14, 2005 10:59:19 AM
Isn't this a riff on the famous cartoon in which evolution of man ends with a modern male human hunched over a computer? I thought it was kind of funny.
The waist... enh. I don't see it as Barbie-doll. The women on the public toilet icons don't have a very realistic waist either: http://www.bexley.gov.uk/service/parks/images/toiletsiconbig.gif
Posted by: vika at Jan 14, 2005 11:28:45 AM
Boy howdy, is she cruising for RSI, too. Clothed or naked, she should be more careful of ergonomics.
Posted by: clew at Jan 14, 2005 1:15:54 PM
i thought she looked kind of greco-roman, like a bas relief of an olypian athelete. it still doesn't look like a very good logo, but because of what i associated it with it wasn't offesive.
Posted by: quinn at Jan 14, 2005 10:57:54 PM
The best way to facilitate change...is to be part of it. JOIN the group, get on the
committee that does their website and design, and convince them how wrong this logo
is. There is power in groups...I'm in Rochester, I'll add my voice to yours, if you
like.
Posted by: Yvonne DiVita at Jan 15, 2005 10:44:09 AM
OMG, I laughed outloud when I saw our logo and your description of it. I say "our" because I am a member, a board member even, of the Puget Sound chapter. You know what? You're not alone in your dislike. However, the organization is great so for anyone who wants to take advantage of tons of networking opportunities and the chance to get information on different aspects of the industry.
But, yeah, even if the local board doesn't like it, the national organization is pretty fixated on it. The image of a woman kneeling in front of a computer alter is not the one I'd want to present as my message to the world.
Posted by: camey at Jan 15, 2005 11:14:30 PM
Liz,
I used to be a member of the Rochester Chapter. Don't let the logo deter you. Yeah it's not hot, and yeah the website is not great, but the group does some great volunteer work. Besides, maybe if you joined you could offer to reimagine the website at least, and make the logo a less prominent fixture. :^)
I agree with Quinn, I thought it a greco-roman inspired design. Not fantastic, but I think the group would benefit from your participation!
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