I'm looking to get a custom shift **** from Whalen. Having a bit of trouble with some designs I'm sketching up. I am the furthest thing from a freehand artist, so I'm reaching out to you guys.

One of the designs I came up with was this:
- Apple Computers logo w/ MINI wings on brushed metal ****
- Apple logo in a brushed metal (preferably darker than the brushed metal of the shift **** itself)
- MINI wings also brushed but w/ the shadows that the logo usually shows between the lines in the wings.

I believe the workspace is a 1.625 inch diameter circle (1 5/8 is what Whalen says).

If someone could do a real quick sketch or render of that for me, I'd be MUCH appreciative. =)

 

As a publisher of software for the Macintosh, I can get behind this project.

 

No rendering, but here's the **** I had him design for me. The top is polished (Shiny) and the bottom is brushed. It's a MINI Wing with the shift pattern inside, and an S emblazoned across the whole thing.

Just another idea :

 

I don't know if Doug can legally put Apple's logo on the shift **** that he sells. But if he gives it to you for free, then it should be okay.

I understand the obsession of all things Apple, after all, I'm a Mac guy since 1984, however, you don't want to tempt Apple's legal hounds.

 

I thought Apple was a Beatles trademark

 

Having been a Mac developer since 1984, my impression is that Apple is not going to bother with something like this. If Doug were making thousands of ***** with Apple logos, and advertising them, they probably would. One user having the logo engraved on his shift **** is not going to be worth their time. Only Disney is that obsessive about trademark protection.

 

If you want to someone to imprint a third party's trademark, get permission in writing from the owner, and send it along with the order. It's unfair to ask Doug to take a risk on the assumption that Apple won't care. My wife has to deal with this issue almost every single day, and while most companies are glad to cooperate, the ones that don't can get REALLY nasty.

 

How much ya wanna bet MINI has a trademark on the MINI logo (or the variations of the JC Works) on many of the other *****?

 

I agree. Lots of people put MINI logos on their custom stuff.

Anyways, if he has a problem with it, then I'll just give Mr. Jobs a call. I'm sure his number can be found somewhere in my Blackberry.

Thanks for the BEAUTIFUL rendoring.

 

The only trademark text I've seen from MINI was on the MINIUSA racing sponsorship form. It gives permission for use of the logo on the car as long as it is not used an a derogatory or defamatory way. I have no idea if those permissions extend outside of sponsored cars. Perhaps someone from MINIUSA will see this and chime in

 

I remember some years back there was a thread on NAM whereby the site sent a letter to MINI requesting permission to use the wings logo on a . . . jacket?
Anyway, last I recall, NAM never got a response from MINI.

Back on topic -- that first design by Robin would look awesome

 

That's what I'm thinking.

 

This is something Doug can help you with directly. I have a Space Invader (™ by Taito?) on my ****. I described to Doug the look and feel I was going for and he had a render for me in about 24 hours. I am 100% satisfied.

 

Yep. I sent him an email from his website.

 

Maybe Doug can collaborate with Apple to create an iKnob that lets you control your iPod from the shift ****.

 

It would connect via his iSocket, which frankly, sounds pretty painful

 

Haha oh boy. What have I started?!

 

It should probably be called iShift.

 

I already have that in my R56, it's the 6 speed that "I shift".

 

Ah man, rippy, that was lame.

 

Good thing I have a day job, 'cause I ain't gonna cut it doing stand-up.

 

Haha for sure.

So is it just me, or are there a lot of MINI owners that are also Mac-users?

 

I am!

I think it's our larger brains that help us pick out great machines…

 

I say both Macs and MINIs are the type of products discerning people prefer.

 

Maybe it's that whole unconventional ideal. It takes a special kind of love to get into a MINI, as it does to purchase a Mac (as people think you're paying too much, but don't realize you have everything you need).

Either way, I think it's just amazing. The local Apple Retailer (no Apple Store here yet) has an employee who drives an R50.