Rodney and I were thinking that it might be fun to replace the image in the header of the website with something that was a little more mountain bike related.
I was curious if there were any other images that people liked that we might be able to use. Perhaps the image should be trail building based? (A thought - depending on what you think would be most representative of the NMBA). I will most likely end up simplifying the image to something that would work well as a vignette (mostly because the realestate in the header is so small) - and also so that we could also use elsewhere (perhaps on the NMBA cards?).
If there are people who like the header the way it is and think it should remain as such - we can certainly do that as well. We just thought that it would be fun to possibly spice things up a bit.
Thanks! -- Hannah
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1. Kyle may prefer us not to use the photo. We would have to ask him.
2. I do not think we should use any photo that shows the jersey from any of the local shops in such a prominate location. Many people already rthink there is a bias/relationship between NMBA and a certain shop so I see no reason to feed that. (Funny thing is the view point differs from person to person and also has changed over time.)
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I think, however, the photo discussion is more about coming up with a starting point for a cool header/logo that is able to more visually make the point that we're about mt biking. The result will not be so much a photo as a graphic. I liked that photo 'cuz it visualizes speed, terrain and concentration.
As far as trail building, how about somehow melding things together? Several ideas in one graphic? Nittany Mountain, a rider or two, trail building, etc.? I can kindof see it in my head but not being a graphic artist, I have no idea how to make it happen.
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Re:NMBA Website Header Image - 2006/10/19 19:46as i recall, the header in place was picked because it was from a prominent view in rothrock. it was mike's baby, so only he really knows. but i don't think it should focus on a rider or riders, nor trails or trail building.
a different logo, i'm not opposed to. one that places the focus on any one identifiable thing about riding, i do oppose.
but i'm just one voice, perhaps the last of the first. be that as it may, one voice alone is not sufficient even when it is the biggest hole in the state.
out of curiousity though, what reasoning do we see to change it, should it meet some need or fulfil some purpose that it fails to?
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Re:NMBA Website Header Image - 2006/10/19 21:33This logo thing is simply an idea that may ultimately be discarded. But it seems to me the current page is rather sterile and doesn't really reflect the feel of the club. I personally think it needs some "flair" in the form of a fun header and some cool icons, at least. Since I can't just pin a button on it like at Chotchkie’s, I talked with Hannah about it since she has a backround in this area. If you look at the front page critically, it isn't really obvious at all exactly what NMBA is. You have to do some reading and poking around (well, at least it is one link away on the "About NMBA" page). Hannah's question was actually "Is it the 'Nittany Mountain' -- 'Biking Association' or the 'Nittany' -- 'Mountain Biking Association'. Well, that's the cool thing- it's both; it's meant to be a play on words. But it should be visually obvious what it really means.
I know that for "old-timers" in the club it's all obvious and it probably seems as if I'm just making waves. But as a relative newcomer, I can vouch for the fact that it is somewhat difficult to figure out exactly what is going on with the club/people/rides/etc. Not everyone is a forum junkie or already knows everyone in the club. My goal for the webpage is to rectify this as much as possible while still maintaining the ways that people have always communicated (as much as possible).
As for the subject matter of the proposed, possible, draft idea logo, I agree with you about not focusing on one thing. That's why in the last paragraph of my previous post I suggested a collage ("melding things togeter") and Hannah mentions vignette.
Of course, maybe I am totally blowing smoke. Feel free to tell me that, and I won't be offended. And if enough people pipe up, I'll believe it and cease and desist. And still show up for meetings, rides and trail maintenance.
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Re:NMBA Website Header Image - 2006/10/19 22:51Just as an example, here's a rough idea of where one could go with an image such as the one that started this thread.....
Hmmm, I can't figure out how to attach an image either!
Post edited by: rkorte, at: 2006/10/19 23:18
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Re:NMBA Website Header Image - 2006/10/20 09:12I really like the idea of some sort of logo other than the initials for the club, its always been something I think we've lacked and being creatively challenged myself, ive never come up with anything. whether or not that becomes the header, thats up for debate too. I guess one thing about the picture, Ive always assumed it was of mount nittany, is that is somewhat meaningful to a local or possbily a psu alum, but to anybody else its just a nice pic of a mountain. nothing wrong with that, but like rodney pointed out, not necessarily meaningful to "outsiders." and I guess thats another point for debate, who's the site really there for. and honestly I never really thought about the name, ive always just considered it Nittany - mountain biking assoc, never really gave any thought to the other way. but that wouldnt necessarily be bad either, as long as we dont get a bunch of roadies involved, lol. one other thing about the image rodney put up, the only part I would take issue with is that it looks like the bike has a race number on it, and I dont think having anything to do with racing on the logo/header would be good, there is already too much of a feeling from nubies that we ride over their head or whatever.
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So - as a "noob" myself - I had originally not completely understood the mission of the NMBA because I couldn't decide (as Rodney mentioned) if it was ('Nittany' + 'Mountain Biking Association') or it if was ('Nittany Mountain' + 'Biking Association'). In the latter - people could think that the Biking Association was for road bikes. *shrug*
Nittany also defines a location - that yes, lots of locals and alumns relate to - however, to my knowledge there is only one trail that goes up Mt. Nittany - and it is a hiking trail. It isn't a place that our club spends time riding (to my knowledge).
With regard to Ray's concerns on image use - yes, we would absolutely ask permission to use any image not only from the person in the image - but from the creator of the photograph as well. As Rodney mentioned - the idea is to create a "feel" of mountain biking - and a potential resulting image may simply be an outline. *shrug* As an example of an image that I really happen to like - STUND's header really speaks strongly to free-ride and downhill biking: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Stund-Episode-3-Whistler-2006.html
I tried a bit of a collage - and took large bold letters for NMBA and placed different images within the type. Unfortunately, because of the physical constrained space that we are working in, there was almost too much information in the graphics to really make it feel meaningful.
While we were originally thinking of replacing the header - we could certainly expand the idea to develop a logo for the NMBA if this would solve the problem. There are about a million ways would could handle this approach.
Post edited by: SandwichStuff, at: 2006/10/20 09:49
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Re:NMBA Website Header Image - 2006/10/20 10:35This will be the last time this year, I promise, but I am close to agreeing with Don. I think the non specific biking image image speaks a little bit to it being about more than just getting "Rad" (thats for you Glover). The last thing we need is a bunch of generic shots of folks with their bikes over their heads I think that the rotating picture/slide show used to function to show the different aspects of the club. What happened to that. And not to split hairs, but its Mt Nittany, not Nittany Mountain anyway. Certainly the logo could get confused to imply the other name, but I think it is a little bit of a stretch if you've been to town.
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as a newbee and not a " local " i don't don't think my opinion should hold as much weight as the rest of you but i figure any input is a good thing.
to me the site looks " professional. " it says to me.... here is a group that takes it's association seriously and just not some fly by night outfit that has some computer guy that can throw up a website with flashy graphics a bunch of bikers huckin' off stuff. at first glance it tells me it's a "biking" organization and with a little more inspection that it's focus is mountain biking. another quick look tells me it has meetings, does trail work and provides resources for bikers which means this group is responsible and cares about the sport as a whole and the land we use to ride on. i did like the random pictures on the other site, but if i want pictures i just hit the picture tab...no biggie. and one last thing...i like the logo. it's conservative which i believe implies that the group as a whole is conservative which i feel is important for access issues. but if you need/want to change it... you could maybe incorporate a cog or knobbie wheel somehow to show it is a biking organization.
anyway...my overall feeling is that i like both the logo and site the way they are. ray egolf
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Re:NMBA Website Header Image - 2006/10/20 11:56The rotating picture is in the upper right whenever there isn't a "Special Announcement". I guess I can take the current announcement down at any point now.
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Re:NMBA Website Header Image - 2006/10/20 14:38So - based on the comments people have written - it sounds like the vote is to keep everything the way it is. I'm fine with that.
Just trying to pitch in! -- Hannah
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well, we've narrowly avoided the apocalypse in the past when frank and i have agreed, but this time it's for sure. we're all doomed!
i do agree with ray a bit, especially when taking a look at the header hannah linked to. while that header does do exactly what hannah pointed it out to do and bring you right to the heart of the matter, it also makes me realize that ray is right in the approach of conservative based perspectives like land managers and organizations.
riding isn't about the bike, people ride simple old rigid ss rigs alongside shiny new dual squishies. it's not about the rider, i'll drop anchor on kevin just as soon as drop the fatboy, and enjoy myself both times. what it's really about is getting outdoors and enjoying the woods. the work we do goes even more directly to that single purpose than any other, as everyone uses these trails in our forests.
i'm glad that some people are agreeing with me, more for the foresight on mike's behalf than any other reason. and i dind't curse once.
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Re:NMBA Website Header Image - 2006/10/20 16:13Hmmm, seems Don is narrowing in on a "mission statement" discussion here. (Though I think we should take that to the member's forum.) So this thread that has raised cackles has been fruitful anyway!
I'm all about legit nits about Mt. Nittany vs. Nittany Mountain, but I think that's irrelevant to a degree. (And I'll bet a good number of people in town don't know the correct answer anyway.) It's about a general vistor's impressions. zero did point out that it isn't obvious what NMBA is unless you poke around at least some, which is kindof where I started.
So, supposing we go with the current header/logo, how about changing the byline from "Since 2001!" to something like "An MTB Club for Central Pennsylvania" or "A Club for Mountain Biking in Central Pennsylvania"? Other ideas?
So, I really do appreciate all the comments and discussion. Keep it coming!
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