TAMV Forum Badges?

[Girl 6]

Alright, I had heard a rumor that we may not need the Forum Badges for TAMV. However, I suspect that it's just a rumor.

For those of you who are not familiar with this, I'll give a background story. The TAMs tend to be large and not everyone is recognizable and known. So, a way to help us identify each other was to have a badge made with our avatars on them. It also built some interest in the forum on the part of people that weren't acquainted with it.

So, I'm volunteering, once again to design and produce the badges along with the forum events printed on the reverse side. Is that okay?

I'll use your normal avatar picture (not the Halloween ones or the Christmas ones) for the badge pictures.

If you have any other suggestions for the badges, let me know. I'll probably start designing them in the following week. It's usually a lot of work, so I start early.

Thanks!
G6

[Ed Baehr]

Thank You G6. As usual you are a driving force here.
Ed Baehr

[RSLancastr]

Hey G6! Thanks in advance for all the hard work.

As far as suggestions go, At TAM4 I found it difficult to identify the forum avatars unless I was within a couple of feet of the badge wearer.

I think it might be nice to make the avatar larger on the badge, even at the cost of some pixelization.

The names could have been a bit larger as well, on both the forumite and non-forumite badges.

Face it, I'm getting old, and the eyes are starting to go. :(

[TobiasTheViking]

* TobiasTheViking hugs Girl 6

Have i told you recently that i love you?

[Girl 6]

Hey G6! Thanks in advance for all the hard work.

As far as suggestions go, At TAM4 I found it difficult to identify the forum avatars unless I was within a couple of feet of the badge wearer.

I think it might be nice to make the avatar larger on the badge, even at the cost of some pixelization.

The names could have been a bit larger as well, on both the forumite and non-forumite badges.

Face it, I'm getting old, and the eyes are starting to go. :(

This is a good suggestion and I will be happy to design them to help the identification.

G6

[scotth]

I recommend that you make them as T-shirts. :D

Actually, I like that idea.... too bad it isn't really practical.

[RSLancastr]

This is a good suggestion and I will be happy to design them to help the identification.Great, thanks!

I recommend that you make them as T-shirts. :DYes, badges aside, it would be nice to have some easy way of spotting forumites within the general TAM crowd, even at a distance.

No really good ideas come to mind. Funny hats? Balloons? Signal flares?

[Jeff Wagg]

Sorry to put the brakes on here, but I have to.

First, the JREF will be making avatar badges this year. We had a security problem last year where the forum badges looked exactly like the regular badges, which was a problem. Also, there was a lot of confusion on where to get a forum badge. So this year, we're going to handle it in house.

Second, a group of volunteers is already working on a Forum T-shirt idea. They're almost ready to launch it, but I don't know exactly when they'll be ready.

We certainly appreciate Girl 6's enthusiasm, especially this far in advance.

[Luciana]

oh-oh... Does that mean G6 will have plenty of time to help me in my master plans of skepchick mischief?? This is a turning point in world's history, ladies and gentlemen.

[Girl 6]

Sorry to put the brakes on here, but I have to.

First, the JREF will be making avatar badges this year. We had a security problem last year where the forum badges looked exactly like the regular badges, which was a problem. Also, there was a lot of confusion on where to get a forum badge. So this year, we're going to handle it in house.

Second, a group of volunteers is already working on a Forum T-shirt idea. They're almost ready to launch it, but I don't know exactly when they'll be ready.

We certainly appreciate Girl 6's enthusiasm, especially this far in advance.

Okay, let me step out of this.

G6

[TriangleMan]

Second, a group of volunteers is already working on a Forum T-shirt idea. They're almost ready to launch it, but I don't know exactly when they'll be ready.
Avatar t-shirts would be extremely cool! :thumbsup:

[kittynh]

ohhh, except for the old copywrite thing. I know mine isn't really safe...though I say GO FOR IT!

Size would be an issue also, so just "forum member" would be helpful.

[tkingdoll]

ohhh, except for the old copywrite thing. I know mine isn't really safe...though I say GO FOR IT!

Size would be an issue also, so just "forum member" would be helpful.

Avatars wouldn't be possible precisely because of the copyright thing. Heck, even Microsoft won't let you put their clipart on t-shirts.

But a lot people change their avatars anyway, whereas no-one (except Kelly) changes their username.

[alfaniner]

If someone has an animated avatar, will you make it like a little flip-book? :D

Actually, I think I may have been the first one to suggest avatars on badges a couple years ago, even though I have yet to make it to TAM. And since I've been through a couple avatars since then, I'd probably make little stickers so I can show them all or rotate them.

[RSLancastr]

Okay, let me step out of this.Funny, I have dreams where you say that exact same thing! :D

Sorry. It's your avatar.:eye-poppi

[ImaginalDisc]

I recommend that you make them as T-shirts. :D

Actually, I like that idea.... too bad it isn't really practical.

Haha. Purchased one this morning. It seems "They Live!" is still marketable.

[Hutch]

Funny, I have dreams where you say that exact same thing! :D

Sorry. It's your avatar.:eye-poppi

Just hoped she's not miffed at us. G6 is one of the icons of TAM and is an absolute sweetheart. But for the first several TAMs, she (and renata) did a lot of the organizing for the JREF attendees (badges, thai food, Forum party) and now with Jeff Wagg and Antique Hunter and Paul da Greek and in some small ways yours truly, among many others, are pitching in and taking over some of the chores. And her work and other requirements mean we don't get to see those legs anywhere near as often as we (well, I) would like too

So ATTENTION ALL FORUMITES ATTENDING TAM for the First Time; be sure to make the acquaintance of Girl6; she is someone very special, and not just for the legs...a lot of what TAM is for us from the JREF Forum is due to her.

Hope that gets me a hug.....:blush:

[grayman]

I was going to wear my Stop Sylvia Browne shirt, but I don't want to get confused with Richard. Maybe I'll wear my riding leathers and nothing else.

;)

[RSLancastr]

I was going to wear my Stop Sylvia Browne shirt, but I don't want to get confused with Richard.I think you're already confused. :D

[rebecca]

I'm going to dress up like a spoon and wiggle. I'll be looking for someone to fork.

[RSLancastr]

I'm going to dress up like a spoon and wiggle. I'll be looking for someone to fork.Now I want to dress like Uri Geller...

[Badger]

ohhh, except for the old copywrite thing. I know mine isn't really safe...though I say GO FOR IT!

Size would be an issue also, so just "forum member" would be helpful.

Why don't we make our own t-shirts (individually)? I'm going to paint a replica of my avatar on a few white t-shirts, front and back probably. I see no copywright issue there. Will also jiffymarker my username above it.

Maybe other people could do something similar to avoid those issues, or at the very least write their handles on some cheapie shirts picked up at goodwill or something.

You'll know who I am, anyway.

[Luciana]

Badger, dear, I know Vegas isn't known for its elegance, but to see lots of people walking around with "cheapie" shirts written with jiffymarkers... is a tad too much. Gee, you're such a guy. :D

I wouldn't go to all that trouble anyway, really. Imagine a conference with 800+ people. At all times there will be many people around, so that, necessarily, to see anyone, you'll have to come close. It's unlikely you'll be able to spot someone from a distance because vision will be blocked.

And there are regular badges and avatar badges. If the badge is "clear", letter-only, it's a non-forum person. Any pic in it, it's a forum person. So you'll have to approach this person (not a bad concept) in order to take a better look. Great way for introductions, also. "Hi, I'm Badger", "Badger who? Never saw you. I'm Newbieness, nice to meet you".

[Badger]

Well, Luciana, you're much more of a fashion maven than I am. That's for sure. Heck, my daughter laughs at the way I dress myself sometimes (ok, most of the time).

I defer to your judgement.

[Girl 6]

Just hoped she's not miffed at us. G6 is one of the icons of TAM and is an absolute sweetheart. But for the first several TAMs, she (and renata) did a lot of the organizing for the JREF attendees (badges, thai food, Forum party) and now with Jeff Wagg and Antique Hunter and Paul da Greek and in some small ways yours truly, among many others, are pitching in and taking over some of the chores. And her work and other requirements mean we don't get to see those legs anywhere near as often as we (well, I) would like too

So ATTENTION ALL FORUMITES ATTENDING TAM for the First Time; be sure to make the acquaintance of Girl6; she is someone very special, and not just for the legs...a lot of what TAM is for us from the JREF Forum is due to her.

Hope that gets me a hug.....:blush:

Come now, Hutch. It would be very juvenile for me to be miffed. The greatest pleasure and satisfaction that I have had from these TAM ventures is the fact that the spirit in which it was started here in the forum has continued to grow.

My biggest hope was that the community would support the members and other people would step up to make this event possible for others to attend. And, see? It's happened and is happening more and more with each passing year. After all, it's important to know that you're not alone as a skeptic.

Regardless, one thing will not change. I will continue to hug ALL forum members that I meet. That is backed by many years of evidence everywhere I go. :D

Oh! And, Hutch, you WILL get a hug from me. There's no doubt in my mind about that.

G6

[tkingdoll]

Why don't we make our own t-shirts (individually)? I'm going to paint a replica of my avatar on a few white t-shirts, front and back probably. I see no copywright issue there. Will also jiffymarker my username above it.

Maybe other people could do something similar to avoid those issues, or at the very least write their handles on some cheapie shirts picked up at goodwill or something.

You'll know who I am, anyway.

Didn't you read Jeff's post? There is already a plan underway for t-shirts. Patience, patience. :)

[Ducky]

Regardless, one thing will not change. I will continue to hug ALL forum members that I meet. That is backed by many years of evidence everywhere I go. :D

Oh! And, Hutch, you WILL get a hug from me. There's no doubt in my mind about that.

G6

You never hugged me or my wife. ;)

[RSLancastr]

I wouldn't go to all that trouble anyway, really. Imagine a conference with 800+ people. At all times there will be many people around, so that, necessarily, to see anyone, you'll have to come close. It's unlikely you'll be able to spot someone from a distance because vision will be blocked. This is why a distinctively-colored t-shirt would help. Of course, my vantage point is probably somewhat higher than yours. :)

And there are regular badges and avatar badges. If the badge is "clear", letter-only, it's a non-forum person. Any pic in it, it's a forum person. So you'll have to approach this person (not a bad concept) in order to take a better look.Yes, but some women have been known to react unfavorably to some guy sticking his head within a foot of their chest in order to recognize the teeny-tiny avatar on their badge.

Not that I'm talking from personal experience or anything.

By the way, does anyone know if restraining orders taken out during TAM4 would still be in force at TAM5?

I'm just asking.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

By the way, does anyone know if restraining orders taken out during TAM4 would still be in force at TAM5?

I'm just asking.

I certainly hope not! :eek:

[Wowbagger]

I'll be going around, insulting everyone in alphabetic order.

That's how you'll know its me.

[rustypouch]

I'll be going around, insulting everyone in alphabetic order.

That's how you'll know its me.


By forum name or real name?

[Luciana]

This is why a distinctively-colored t-shirt would help. Of course, my vantage point is probably somewhat higher than yours. :)

Distinctively-colored shirt?

I don't understand this drive to make forum members more prominent.

Why, really? Every TAM I missed the opportunity of meeting someone, however, if I did meet everyone, I'd be spending 2.3 seconds of each, and then would be much like what Heads of State do, just shaking hands with the lined-up soldiers...

I believe the badges are enough to a) identify ourselves, and I'm sure the lady with cleavage WILL understand, as she will see you have your forum badge on also, therefore your curiosity is justified; b) raise the interest of non-forum members in an non-cliquesh sort of way.

But the main reason, to me, is that I dislike T-shirts. Sorry, but count me out here. I never wear T-shirt in the other 360 days of the year and see no reason to start now.

Furthermore, who wants to look like a group of teenagers in a tour at Disney, everybody with the same shirt? Or those tours in Europe, where the guide carries an umbrella in front of those who wear orange shirts? To be honest, I haven't worn a uniform since junior high and don't mean to relive that.

Come on, does anyone plan to wear the same shirt for four days???

The problem is that if we "train" our eye to look for those in the, say, green shirts, we might miss those without the T-shirts but who happen to be forum members.

If shirts are being made, I'm sure they are cool, and could be a nice touch for forum members so that they could take it home. Perhaps a pilory quote? A Merc limerick? List of the Top 50 members? Dunno. Could even be a fund-raiser. But as a means of identification I find it neither necessary or appropriate.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Distinctively-colored shirt?

I don't understand this drive to make forum members more prominent.

Why, really? Every TAM I missed the opportunity of meeting someone, however, if I did meet everyone, I'd be spending 2.3 seconds of each, and then would be much like what Heads of State do, just shaking hands with the lined-up soldiers...

I believe the badges are enough to a) identify ourselves, and I'm sure the lady with cleavage WILL understand, as she will see you have your forum badge on also, therefore your curiosity is justified; b) raise the interest of non-forum members in an non-cliquesh sort of way.

But the main reason, to me, is that I dislike T-shirts. Sorry, but count me out here. I never wear T-shirt in the other 360 days of the year and see no reason to start now.

Furthermore, who wants to look like a group of teenagers in a tour at Disney, everybody with the same shirt? Or those tours in Europe, where the guide carries an umbrella in front of those who wear orange shirts? To be honest, I haven't worn a uniform since junior high and don't mean to relive that.

Come on, does anyone plan to wear the same shirt for four days???

The problem is that if we "train" our eye to look for those in the, say, green shirts, we might miss those without the T-shirts but who happen to be forum members.

If shirts are being made, I'm sure they are cool, and could be a nice touch for forum members so that they could take it home. Perhaps a pilory quote? A Merc limerick? List of the Top 50 members? Dunno. Could even be a fund-raiser. But as a means of identification I find it neither necessary or appropriate.

I agree with this. Even though I wear t-shirts almost all the time, I would look at this as a souvenier, not something I would likely wear at the conference. I'll be the one still looking at cleavage. :)

[Hutch]

I'll be going around, insulting everyone in alphabetic order.

That's how you'll know its me.

I would suggest you start with RS Lancaster (6'8", about 275). Then, if she is there, insult a too-rare poster these days, a little (5'0") lady named Suezoled..

Shame to waste all that money coming to TAM and not being in condition to see any of it...:eek:

Hutch (6'2", 275)

[tkingdoll]

How about forum badgers?

We could all have cute furry black and white animals with our names on. Tim gets a wombat, of course, but the rest of us could have badgers on leashes.

[rustypouch]

How about forum badgers?

We could all have cute furry black and white animals with our names on. Tim gets a wombat, of course, but the rest of us could have badgers on leashes.

Something tells me Badger would be into that kind of thing...

[tkingdoll]

Something tells me Badger would be into that kind of thing...

Badger with a badger? That's just weird. Like me walking round TAM with Claus on a leash or something.


:eye-poppi

[Badger]

Badger with a badger? That's just weird. Like me walking round TAM with Claus on a leash or something.


:eye-poppi

That sound you heard was Claus quivering in expectation.

No, Rusty thinks I'd be into being led around on a leash. He is mistaken. I prefer to run naked and free.

[Girl 6]

I agree with Luciana. I don't normally wear t-shirts unless I'm exercising or as a nightshirt. I don't really like them very much otherwise. Besides, do we really want to look dorkier than we already look? ;)

Badges are great because you can take them off immediately. (I can already hear the comments from the peanut gallery on this)

However, I am deferring to the JREF's judgment on this.

One thing for sure, I always wear fishnets for the Forum party. That's a requirement for me.

G6

[Wowbagger]

I would suggest you start with RS Lancaster (6'8", about 275). Then, if she is there, insult a too-rare poster these days, a little (5'0") lady named Suezoled..
What are they going to do, kill me? Suezoled has already tried, and failed, several times.

[CFLarsen]

You never hugged me or my wife. ;)

I'll hug your wife.

Badger with a badger? That's just weird. Like me walking round TAM with Claus on a leash or something.


:eye-poppi

I'm awake now, thanks.

[Geek Goddess]

I'll be going around, insulting everyone in alphabetic order.

That's how you'll know its me.

First or last name?

[Geek Goddess]

I would suggest you start with RS Lancaster (6'8", about 275). Then, if she is there, insult a too-rare poster these days, a little (5'0") lady named Suezoled..

Shame to waste all that money coming to TAM and not being in condition to see any of it...:eek:

Hutch (6'2", 275)

Hutch, you're too funny!

[CFLarsen]

I would suggest you start with RS Lancaster (6'8", about 275). Then, if she is there, insult a too-rare poster these days, a little (5'0") lady named Suezoled..

Shame to waste all that money coming to TAM and not being in condition to see any of it...:eek:

Hutch (6'2", 275)

What's that in real measurements?

[The Central Scrutinizer]

What's that in real measurements?

1) 6'8", about 275
2) 5'0"
3) 6'2", 275

[TJ]

I found the forum badges to be extremely effective at TAM4. I don't think the t-shirts or any other sort of 'official' garb would work better. The badge immediately identifies them as a TAM attendee, a minimally closer look shows forum membership and avatar/name, then comes the introduction. (and the hugs!)

I think it's a great system.

[tkingdoll]

I found the forum badges to be extremely effective at TAM4. I don't think the t-shirts or any other sort of 'official' garb would work better. The badge immediately identifies them as a TAM attendee, a minimally closer look shows forum membership and avatar/name, then comes the introduction. (and the hugs!)

I think it's a great system.

I don't think Jeff was suggesting abolishing the badges, just bringing the admin of them in-house.

[TJ]

I don't think Jeff was suggesting abolishing the badges, just bringing the admin of them in-house.

That's how I read it too, this was more a response to the t-shirt idea...

[tkingdoll]

That's how I read it too, this was more a response to the t-shirt idea...

Well I'm sure there's room for both. T-shirts are very popular, in fact I believe they are one of the biggest-selling clothing items in the world :D

[Wowbagger]

First or last name?

I ain't telling anyone which name I'm using. I like to surprise people.

[RSLancastr]

Distinctively-colored shirt?

I don't understand this drive to make forum members more prominent.I've only been to one TAM, and my experience there may be atypical since I was mostly panicking about my paper presentation the whole time, but...

Although I met lots of wonderful folk there who were NOT forum members, I was most interested in meeting fellow forumites that I had been "talking" to for so long. If there had been some easy way to spot them from a distance, it would have helped.

Yes, some people don't care for t-shirts. And frankly, whatever they come up with, chances are it won't come RSLancastr-sized.

Why, really? Every TAM I missed the opportunity of meeting someone, however, if I did meet everyone, I'd be spending 2.3 seconds of each, and then would be much like what Heads of State do, just shaking hands with the lined-up soldiers... Even so, it gives you the chance to stop and talk longer with many of those you'd like to spend more time with.

Furthermore, who wants to look like a group of teenagers in a tour at Disney, everybody with the same shirt?Hey, now THERE'S an idea! You know the guides who have a long stick with a small flag at the top? We could each have a long stick with our avatar as a flag! :D

I would suggest you start with RS Lancaster (6'8", about 275).Wow, which RSLancastr are you talking about? :eye-poppi

I agree with Luciana. I don't normally wear t-shirts unless I'm exercising or as a nightshirt.(I'm picturing those legs with a t-shirt.... Rowr!)

One thing for sure, I always wear fishnets for the Forum party.Hey, that was my plan! Guess I'll have to think of something else now...

[MLynn]

I'm so known for the stripey whippet, I can't diversify; it would cause confusion. :)

[AelictheMysticDruid]

Hey, how 'bout scratch and sniff avatars?

[RSLancastr]

Hey, how 'bout scratch and sniff avatars?That's even more useless to me than the tiny avatars! :(

[grayman]

Originally Posted by AelictheMysticDruid
Hey, how 'bout scratch and sniff avatars?
That's even more useless to me than the tiny avatars! :(

You'd get the scratch part with your avatar. :D

[Loon]

Exactly how are you going to put my avatar on a T-shirt? Especially considering that only the most intelligent and attractive among you can see it?

[CFLarsen]

Exactly how are you going to put my avatar on a T-shirt? Especially considering that only the most intelligent and attractive among you can see it?

"The emperor has no clothes"? ;)

[RSLancastr]

You'd get the scratch part with your avatar. :DWould mine smell like Sylvia Browne? :boggled:

[JLam]

Would mine smell like Sylvia Browne? :boggled:I pray to the FSM, Ed, Jeebus, and whomever else would like to hear my prayer.

Please, please, please make sure Robert's badge doesn't smell like Sylvia.

Please.

[grayman]

Would mine smell like Sylvia Browne? :boggled:

EEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!

:sour:

[Soapy Sam]

Do the Avatarless Elect amongst us just cut a hole in the shirt over the left nipple?


Edit to remove a q. Luciana already asked.

[tkingdoll]

Exactly how are you going to put my avatar on a T-shirt? Especially considering that only the most intelligent and attractive among you can see it?

The serious answer to you question would be the one already covered in this thread, which is that avatars would not reproduced on t-shirts because of copyright.

The non-serious answer is, will you please remove that naked pic of Terry you are using as an avatar!

[Darat]

We (as in I'm saying "do this please") are trying to get a forum t-shirt design approved by the JREF ASAP - its not meant to replace the tradition of forum badges for TAM but of course people could wear them at TAM.

And Loon do I have to warn you again about Rule 1?!

[Soapy Sam]

I consider it very important* that any T-shirt design should, indeed must, be put to the entire membership for approval in a poll.
A decision ought to be available for TAM XXXV.

* This is a lie.

[curt]

How about forum badgers?

We could all have cute furry black and white animals with our names on. Tim gets a wombat, of course, but the rest of us could have badgers on leashes.

downside: PeTA showing up in force!

[scotth]

PETA = People for Eating Tasty Animals?

[TJ]

PETA=People for Euthanasia as Treatment for Animals

[Dicon]

How about forum badgers?

Badgers? We don't need so steenkin badgers!

Sorry, but someone had to say it...