Disqus - Latest Comments for smc90

Re: Yahoo's Logo Reveals the Worst Aspects of the Engineering Mindset

smc90 — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 01:16:35 -0000

Ok, a few more points then I'll let this go;)

1. Reactions about these things are always subjective, as you know -- everyone has an opinion about design. Even really well-executed, multi-million-dollar projects have not-very-well-received outcomes, just as one-time crowdfunded logos can be received very well. But as you know, projects involving identity (logo, etc.) are very methodical, systematic, research-based, etc. -- not just design for design's sake. So actually an engineering mindset isn't as bad as you might think.

2. Let's not forget that these activities -- identity projects, redesigning a website, etc. -- are very much tied in with the cultural context of the company. (Everyone knows that projects like redesigning a website reveal more about organizational goals or gaps than an isolated 'let's define our mission' activity might). That context is important in this case. This wasn't some solo weekend project no matter what her post made it sound like; there were probably lots of deep discussions at every level and given the *cultural* transition Yahoo's been going through I think it's great she engaged so deeply.

3. And finally, I can't help but point out that people tend to dismiss in Mayer what they glorified in Jobs. I mean, what business did a guy who knew nothing (formally) about design have going hands-on in there with his designers? Because he could, and should, and did -- that was part of what made him a visionary. [This is a comment for the record for the other readers and is definitely *not* about you -- I love what you're doing with The Magazine and really respect your honest measures and periodic reports around your efforts to change the ratio. So I don't think your point above is about the gender difference. But I do think there's a disproportionate tendency to micro-analyze everything Mayer does.]

Re: Yahoo's Logo Reveals the Worst Aspects of the Engineering Mindset

smc90 — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 17:55:41 -0000

Actually, turning things the other way -- designer CEO influencing coding -- (or, say, an art-y mindset brought to computing) is precisely what led to things like GUI, object-oriented programming, etc. It's so cliche and trite but interesting things happen at those interstices, when people "cross over". You're right that there's specialized domain expertise to respect here, but it's awfully limiting to compartmentalize it too much.

Re: Yahoo's Logo Reveals the Worst Aspects of the Engineering Mindset

smc90 — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 17:05:59 -0000

I don't fully agree with your interpretation Glenn. The problem isn't Mayer's involvement [I've been through major identity projects and logo redesigns -- including one with the world's largest branding firm, Interbrand -- and let me tell you, the CEOs have always been involved in seemingly minute details.] And yes, graphic design, like any skill, is specialized, but much as blogging changed publishing and *who* writes, the same applies to other domains as well. I think the problem is in her communication of the process -- she used her language from one domain to describe a solution to a problem in another, and while some of your points are valid, they're all based on this communique.

Re: Remnants

smc90 — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 00:08:13 -0000

Ooh T I bought an Alannah Hill dress in New Zealand -- no rabbit fur though! Will send you a pic.

Re: We need better Free critics

smc90 — Sun, 24 May 2009 16:07:18 -0000

This line nails it: "The key problem? People who are so confused by the title that they think 'free' means 'no business model at all.'" But surely these no-free-lunch zingerers can't be as bad as the is-the-book-free zinger-ers!

Re: "Is Free the New Black"

smc90 — Sun, 24 May 2009 16:03:19 -0000

Pretty much the title says it all. Now I have an explanation for the ubiquity of free...I thought it was just more salient to me because of you.

Re: "The Wire" writer: TV used to be Free but look at it now

smc90 — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:00:28 -0000

Ha; trust me, I still guiltily remember part of your answer to our question about how YOU do it all: that you don't allow broadcast TV into the house...

Re: "The Wire" writer: TV used to be Free but look at it now

smc90 — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:04:04 -0000

Chris in this example I don't think free cable/tv is the only salient point; Simon also reinforces the point that people are willing to pay a premium. Which in turn supports your points about FREE, because if people are willing to pay they will do so even if something is available for free elsewhere. The challenge is how to get the content providers to distribute lower-res or lighter versions themselves so the few can subsidize their many.

[This example really resonated with me because I am currently hooked on The Wire! And while I could find some free versions online, they were low-quality or not smooth-playing versions, so I paid for better versions on itunes and elsewhere instead!]

Re: Gossip Girl: The Age of Dissonance

smc90 — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 03:17:03 -0000

Was so disappointed in the episode. Like your picks better than the Marchesa dresses -- while I liked Marchesa at one point, now the dresses look too prom-my and wedding-gy (so appropriate on Gossip Girl!)

Re: Daily Obsession: Cutout Details

smc90 — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 03:04:23 -0000

I own those Coclico Odalisks in black, and damn they are hot! They are also super comfortable...

Re: The Maneater Threads Blog

smc90 — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:02:39 -0000

Agreed that it's a welcome change from the boring grey draped dresses, but the Dlisted writeup about this dress that popped up over the weekend was hilarious!! Didn't quote from it here, as NSFW: http://www.dlisted.com/node...

Re: Remnants

smc90 — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:36:35 -0000

That Christian Bale tape? wow. wow...

Re: From the Red Carpet: SAG Awards 2009

smc90 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 02:03:08 -0000

I *looooved* ERW's dress color plus bird brooch. The placement was perfect. I want to make an Indian outfit like that for (when) I get married!!!

Re: Daily Obsession: Neutral Shoes

smc90 — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 02:26:01 -0000

think your first line "pale neutrals" nails the term -- because some (and I do) consider red to be like a neutral too! like how you emphasize difference b/w neutral v. nude -- never thought of that but how true.

Re: From the Red Carpet: Golden Globe Awards 2009

smc90 — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:42:31 -0000

Ooh Tanya I always love your post-awards (and pre-vacation packing, incidentally) posts! As always you are right on. Some comments:

*Kate -- nice, but she should dress risker per her role choices
*ERW -- agree on both yr posts, she looks great (but am also Team Dita)
*Eva -- oooh I loved the white dress paired with that turq necklace
*Marisa -- YES! couldn't stand her old dame look
*Anne -- so lovely, I dig the severity actually
*Renee -- LOVE it!; but always surprised she of all people pulls off classy
*Drew -- so fresh and lovely dress, liked makeup too
*Angelina -- no kidding! was thinking same thing (but I am Team Aniston)
*Maggie -- only disagree with you here; I don't like this at all
*January -- incredibulous, esp. w/the back -- you gotta show that!
*pale neutrals -- thought Amanda's was the sweetest

So my takeaway, after seeing you compile this here? That contrary to what I previously thought, some of the worst actresses have the best fashion sense. Wish more of them reflected their personalities (e.g., Kate) or set less high expectations for their abilities (e.g., Maggie, Secretary aside). TinaFey-ilocks picked just right, of course!

Re: A Note About Maneater...

smc90 — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:48:50 -0000

Tanya, As you know I am heartbroken over this but am eagerly looking forward to your next venture -- and comeback! Esp. appropriate that you say the comeback will probably be in some variation/ different incarnation, b/c I'm pretty sure your detour "pause" may lead to something else... insert hackneyed/ cliched phrases about life, change, fate here:)

But sincerely, I feel *so* lucky to have come across your shopping site, excellent eye and instinct for emerging designers, and MOST importantly a new friend!! Best wishes -- not luck, b/c you don't need it! Warmly, ~sone

Re: Remnants

smc90 — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 04:02:43 -0000

T, thanks for posting that Lost link -- I'm in heaven! Can't wait for the 21st...

Re: Sale Round-Up

smc90 — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 03:47:19 -0000

crazy how similar our shoes choices are (but not surprising given how much I love your taste) -- I too love chie mihara and have been trying to find those belle by sigerson morrison booties in my size for ages!

Re: New Year's Eve Dresses: Our Picks

smc90 — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:25:31 -0000

love your categories -- esp. new year's with his ex -- been there, done that... only wish I had had dresses as cute as these at the time!

Re: Daily Obsession: Plaid

smc90 — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:58:53 -0000

this post actually makes me begin to like plaids -- awesome!

Re: The Maneater Threads Blog

smc90 — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:09:14 -0000

oh wow, great coverage! (and I mean this sincerely given I haven't met you guys in person) -- am so very proud of you both!

Re: Remnants

smc90 — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:04:39 -0000

[re Wal-mart fiasco] ...more maddening b/c the company touts its environmental (though obviously not human) initiatives!

Re: Bryant Park West Photos!

smc90 — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:57:49 -0000

I love these photos, and am so sorry to have missed this. Love the combination of styling, good cause, intimate setting -- all of it. Kudos to you both!!

Re: Remnants

smc90 — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:54:11 -0000

OMG about the Charles Simonyi item. He used to work where I work... !

Re: The Maneater Threads Blog

smc90 — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:48:51 -0000

obsessed with DWTS, plus Julianne is so my favorite -- this style is both sophisticated and fun, totally her! ~sone