On Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 10:15 PM, Satoru Matsumoto <helios_reds@gmx.net> wrote:
I have many artworks such as wallpapers, icons, cliparts, etc. with modified Geeko, which are distributed mostly by individuals on the Web. But how can we know whether they are permitted by Novell or not ? People might easily misunderstand that they can freely modify Geeko and logos without permission by Novell, when they see those artworks on the Web. I think it's practically impossible to limit those anarchic modifications and usages.
Well, we might be able to make exceptions (*might*) for something like wallpaper. And, it should be pointed out, we're not seeking to restrict individual use. So, if you make wallpaper or a t-shirt for yourself, that should be fair use. But, combination in a project logo is a different thing than a wallpaper. And we want to have distinction between things that are "official" and not. This shouldn't be taken to mean we're suddenly going to be sending a bunch of nastygrams to any user who happens to be hosting an image that isn't in line with the artwork guidelines. That's not the point.
In other words, many people love Geeko and want to use Geeko as a symbol for spreading (open)SUSE. Therefore, they sometimes want to modify Geeko or use it combined with some other elements in order to make it more attractive.
I hope the branding policy will not disturb people who will spread (open)SUSE, but will help them.
That's the intent, but we can't just say "unlimited use" or have separate rules for "community" use vs. "business" use because the lines are very fuzzy there.
You mean, the round button can be freely modified as we wish without permission by Novell, but "entire body" of Geeko can't be, right ?
According to the guidelines on that page, the "head" logo can be modified, yes. BTW - please note that those policies/guidelines (AFAIK) had been in place before I joined Novell, so I can't say in every case what the intent or thinking was behind them.
If so, IMHO, it should be clear, where and how to ask permission to modify "entire body" of Geeko for some special purposes and in which case we can ask permission.
If you need permission right now for something specific, let me know, and I'll get a response. Who should, ultimately, decide on trademark issues? Probably the board.
And, as you recognized above, many modified Geekos already exist all over the Web. I don't think all of them are given permission by Novell. Or, are they all accepted as accomplished facts ?
No, they probably haven't been, but their existence doesn't mean we shouldn't set a clear guideline.
IMHO, we don't need the articles such as "minimal external spacing" for spacing, articles described in "Things to Avoid", as far as the purpose is for openSUSE related project's or community's activities.
The Marketing Communications folks would disagree with that. :-)
I'd like to beg Novell peoples again, the branding policy will not disturb people who will spread (open)SUSE, but will help them. That's my hope. ;-)
That's the idea -- but, again, we won't have a policy that allows "free for all" usage. For the "official" logo, there will be some restrictions -- but I hope they'll be as flexible as possible. Best, Zonker -- Joe 'Zonker' Brockmeier openSUSE Community Manager jzb@zonker.net http://zonker.opensuse.org/ http://blogs.zdnet.com/community/ -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse-marketing+unsubscribe@opensuse.org For additional commands, e-mail: opensuse-marketing+help@opensuse.org