I'm liking this idea. I've got an idea for a badge and I just started putting it together on my computer. I've got a friend who does graphic design and I'll see if she can "clean" it up for me once I get the layout finalized.

 

Alright, I had a moment to pull together some basic DD badges for folks that I meet and whoever wants one. Which do you think I should get produced?

 

I like the bottom two.

 

I agree, I like the bottom two, but that bottom right is really nice.

 

bottom 2 loosk great

 

I've been following along on this topic ever since I saw the vendor announcement for the custom badges and had a thought I wanted to throw out there for general consumption.

I think it would be kind of neat to go above and beyond trading and simply like to leave them as a silent "hello" or wave. For example, yesterday there was a PW MCS parked at my local Target with really nice wheels and some nice custom stripes. I waited around for a minute or two, but obviously would have had to probably stake out the MINI to find out who owned it. I think it would be really nice and a great "community building" activity to have a nice well constructed badge that said something like "hey, me and my MINI stopped by and think yours looks great!"

Living and working in the NYC area, I come across a lot of MINIs that are parked and ownerless at the moment I see them. If we could achieve certain economies of scale here I'd be interested to see if it would it be possible to get the price point lower. This would allow regional clubs or stand alone MINI owners could get a fairly large set and then keep them around to leave for fellow MINI owners.

Again, I'm just throwing this out there, thoughts?

 

Playing devil's advocate ('coz I'm on board for your idea, personally), I would hesitate putting a magnet on someone else's car, even if the intent is kind & friendly.

Now...putting a magnet (w/paper backing like you get when it's new) under the WIPER, to be used in the same way if they want - and as a note from one MINIst to another - sounds a little more feasible....

 

Absolutely! That was my train of thought in my head all along, I just didn't translate it very well in text. I'd never want to magnet someone elses car least they do it to mine! The only reason I'd say they should be magnetic badges at all is to keep with the tradition and functional form we're used around these parts. Windshield wiper would definitely be the way to go!

 

That's a cool idea and a nice gesture, but I'll have to agree with x uh oh x that putting magnets on cars might not be cool to some folks - especially not knowing the kind of damage that may occur to the car's finish. You may end up making them angry.

Our local club uses little 'spotters', business card elements with club and web information.
Here are mine:

 

The idea has it's qualities. A method of control for the - let's call them "spotter" magna-badges - being put under wipers instead of directly on the vehicle could be that when purchasing, the buyer acknowledges the proper use of them...and maybe each set are sold w/ accountable lot numbers? (something simple - like a julien date or something...)

 

Here's the link to the custom badge order....
http://www.cooperflags.com/ProductDetail.cfm?ID=308

 

Sweet!

 

Wow, I really did start something!

 

So I'm thinking that we can do this like the NAM Christmas card swap. As a first try we can make a list of 18 (intent on making 18 custom badges) with their addresses and distribute it to each person on the list. Then its up to each person to mail the badges out when they get their order.

I recommend writing "photos - do not bend" on the envelope. =)

 

That's not a bad idea. We might not get to 18 on the first round, though. I guess it depends on how this thread grows.

 

What software programs are you all using to DIY designs. I have some ideas but do not know how to make text follow the outside edge of circle.
I already made some of my own with a INKJet printer and Staples magnet sheets they came out fairly well.
But would now like to design my own . I have downloaded GIMP ( thanks Shokk ) but it requires a large learning curve , time commitment.
Looking for the easy way out. lol

 

Try powerpoint, or one of the graphic programs standard on most computers...and if all else fails, draw it and scan it into a file to send to someone more talented. (That's my plan!)

 

I was bored this morning so I put a badge design together while listening to conference calls. I used "Zonedguy" at the moment because my poor car still doesn't have a name. The name would obviously replace that text once named. I like simple designs, and hopefully pulled off something fairly simplistic but sophisticated-ish.

 

I LIKE IT! That's great! Except in BRG, of course... Once I get off my butt and start really getting into the badge-trading idea, mind if I use this template?

 

i;ve same problem tooo...bad at computer graphics

 

Very cool!

 

Yes! I like it. Simple, to the point and interchangeable. I would use brg with white or gray stripes.

 

If you can draw it out and make a few notes on how you see the final design, you can fax or email it to me and I can have one of my guys put together a proof for your approval.

Of course, he is on the clock, so I have to charge for this service. Our usual design rate is $80.00 per hour, however, for a limited time, I want offer a special rate of $45 an hour for this service.

I'm thinking with enough information from you, he can put it together in an hour. For the $45, you will get one proof, and if necessary,one opportunity to make slight changes to finalize it.

If anyone is interested, I'll put it on the site under the custom badges.

Ed

 

i could draw/design on a piece of paper and color it....will thta make it easier? all u have to do is to make it a reality

 

I could draw it myself. Hmmm.... I want to do something with a sort of classic feel to it.