I’m not that crazy about it…My initial reaction was it made me think of a hammer and sickle (Communist party symbol), even though it’s clearly not the same thing. It’s a strong, powerful image, but it doesn’t evoke Web technology for me.

I do like the concept of “tools” as part of the logo though.

I hate to say it Stu, but this logo is dark and brooding. Not only that, it leaves you with the feeling it’s for a carpentry site!

Cheryl
http://www.resources4writers.com
http://www.write-essentials.com
http://www.writer2writer.com

I would incorporate a web logo along with the tools, like an @ or www. or a monitor, mouse, or something! Then maybe just the hammer OR wrench. Wrench may be better, represents adjusting/tweaking rather than brute force. (which is sometimes necessary

Hope your using someone that’ll keep tweaking till satisfied!

Howard Tiano

No I am not crazy on the logo either. The focus goes straight to the face and away from the the site theme – “marketing ideas…”. Maybe something depicting an audience/crowd would convey the concept of marketing. I think the underlying problem is that the theme is very diffciult to communicate visually.

Ron Passfield
Squidoo Marketing Strategies

I kind of like it, but I agree that it doesn’t say “tech,” and unless you’re going after the carpenter market it probably should. =:)

You might be able to “fix” this logo by pixelating one end of the tools, so it looks like the tools are morphing from the physical world into the digital world. Plus, I’d get a brighter color in there, maybe.

Just some ideas. =:)

Jay

Stu, I know branding isn’t just about personality, but this just isn’t you and looks like one of those “death of…” report logos. Also, who am I to argue that blue isn’t the “right” color for Internet Marketing, but over the past months when building blogs, yours has been commented on most by people wanting me to build a blog for them. It’s different, it’s fresh and it’s you!!

Leave that “black death” stuff alone Brother – it says nothing about the lovely, bubbly Stuart I know!

Trish Jones
http://www.trishjones.com
Blog Marketing Tips and Insights

I don’t think this particular logo is strong enough … it looks a little bit generic, plus it doesn’t make the connection to “web tools” for me.

Thanks Everyone!

Your feedback has been really helpful.

I guess I should have asked this question a little sooner in the process (blush). I’ll share why a little later in another post.

I think the main theme in your comments (as per Jay, Howard and a few others) is that I need to inject some more “tech” into the logo.

By doing so I think that will address what Trish, Ron and “bcope” suggested.

BTW – you’re right Trish, I definitely don’t want this looking like any of those “Death Of” sites.

I can’t wait for you guys to see this site. I am so proud of it and the videos and summaries of the tools are just awesome. So it looks like I’m going back to the drawing board to get a new design before I go live (smile).

FYI – if you see any logos that you like while surfing the net feel free to come back and post the URL in the comments section. That would be helpful in the redesign.

Thanks again!

Stu McLaren
Your Idea Guy
http://www.BasicListBuilding.com

Stu -
No, I don’t like it — but that’s not really the point. What matters is does it communicate the value you’re trying to offer your customers. I don’t think so, but that’s really your call.

A couple of technical points:
1) It’s very negative – the ‘X’ shape says “Stop” (or maybe”Don’t” or “Delete”); not what you’re trying to do here. And it is reminiscent of the hammer & sickle.
2) It doesn’t show much “family” with your other IdeaGuy logos; if you’re not trying to deliberately distance this site from IdeaGuy. then you want a stronger tie to pull in current customers.

Thanks for the chance to comment,
- Steve

Well, I guess I’m not the only one that thought this looked like the logo of a totalitarian order of carpenters. The logo is quite foreboding and probably does not convey the image you’re looking for. You definitely want something a little more friendly. Maybe a lighter blue, a bit more “web” in it, rounder edges, etc. Maybe a high-tech looking toolbox?

- Carma

You know the hammer reminds me of hard work, sweat and splinters in my finger, the wrench reminds me of lying under my car with oily hands trying to fix something thats broken. Maybe not so easy to sell with that logo. Use power tools instead, or navigation stuff like binoculars, scissors maybe that will make it look easier.

Simon

Stu,

The Logo sucks! Sorry to be blunt but it’s ‘cold’, dark and reminds me of the hammer and sickle!!

It would be ok a one (of several) buttons on a Web 2.0 toolkit type of site whereby people can click it to access the ‘tools’ there – but as a logo – nah!

I would recommend you use http://www.sitepoint.com and let many graphic designers around the world create one for you. You can create a global contest and actually select the logo you prefer BEFORE you hand over any money. Cool.

Adios!

Robin.