Hi, on the subject of postcards for tdwyt for putting in bars, cinemas and student unions. Attached is an idea for a style. It is based on the 30's and art deco day trip and holiday post cards.
Also, I have the font for the strap line text in my head but I cant find it right now so I used one that was very roughly similar. The one I am looking for is more legible and curvier - slightly 80's, I think maybe it also comes in a version with a maths paper type background?? Anyone remember what that font is?
Anyway, what to you think of the idea?
A x
That's a nice design, I can imagine how authentic the finished piece might look.
Saying this, I am curious as to whether or not there's a semantic connection between this postcard and the subject of repression through often subtle and widely unnoticed aspirations of omnipotence in the ruling classes of capitalism.
Without a clear connection, I'd worry that the message won't be as potent as it could otherwise be.
Chris Hayes
On Mon, Jul 8, 2013 at 6:42 PM, Anna F J Morris anna.morris@fsfe.orgwrote:
Hi, on the subject of postcards for tdwyt for putting in bars, cinemas and student unions. Attached is an idea for a style. It is based on the 30's and art deco day trip and holiday post cards.
Also, I have the font for the strap line text in my head but I cant find it right now so I used one that was very roughly similar. The one I am looking for is more legible and curvier - slightly 80's, I think maybe it also comes in a version with a maths paper type background?? Anyone remember what that font is?
Anyway, what to you think of the idea?
A x
Designers mailing list Designers@fsfeurope.org https://mail.fsfeurope.org/mailman/listinfo/designers
* Chris Hayes berzerkatives@gmail.com [2013-07-08 19:06:20 +0100]:
Saying this, I am curious as to whether or not there's a semantic connection between this postcard and the subject of repression through often subtle and widely unnoticed aspirations of omnipotence in the ruling classes of capitalism.
Without a clear connection, I'd worry that the message won't be as potent as it could otherwise be.
I also have problems to see the connection.
Regards, Matthias
On 09/07/13 08:55, Matthias Kirschner wrote:
- Chris Hayes berzerkatives@gmail.com [2013-07-08 19:06:20 +0100]:
Without a clear connection, I'd worry that the message won't be as potent as it could otherwise be.
I also have problems to see the connection.
Can I clarify what is missing here? Is is the physical object of a postcard which is lacking relevance or the way the message is expressed on it?
In terms of the physical object: while I am by no means an expert in these matters, I had vaguely understood that satirical post cards have a long but quiet history in protest. There was something on the radio about this type of thing recently:
http://www.alinasadventuresinhomemaking.com/2011/11/john-heartfield-did-ever...
also random stuff here:
http://twentytwowords.com/2011/11/07/14-anti-prohibition-pictures-%E2%80%94-...
(which is it seems on the side of sobriety which is interesting)
Most major charities in the UK use post-carding politicians as a tactic - but of course that is very "establishment"
Does anyone know much more about the history of postcards in protest? I think postcards are called something else in the UK because the search seems to bring up a lot of what we call "placards"
Best
Anna
* Anna F J Morris anna.morris@fsfe.org [2013-07-09 09:42:45 +0100]:
On 09/07/13 08:55, Matthias Kirschner wrote:
- Chris Hayes berzerkatives@gmail.com [2013-07-08 19:06:20 +0100]:
Without a clear connection, I'd worry that the message won't be as potent as it could otherwise be.
I also have problems to see the connection.
Can I clarify what is missing here? Is is the physical object of a postcard which is lacking relevance or the way the message is expressed on it?
When I see it I was thinking about vacation. I see no connection to the theydontwantyou.to. If it would be a happy iPhone user, there would be a connection (but in this case I would also not yet be convinced that it is a good way to promote the ideas behind theydontwantyou.to).
But perhaps I do not get the "Freedom springs".
Regards, Matthias
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1
On 09/07/13 11:11, Matthias Kirschner wrote:
- Anna F J Morris anna.morris@fsfe.org [2013-07-09 09:42:45 +0100]:
On 09/07/13 08:55, Matthias Kirschner wrote:
- Chris Hayes berzerkatives@gmail.com [2013-07-08 19:06:20 +0100]:
Without a clear connection, I'd worry that the message won't be as potent as it could otherwise be.
I also have problems to see the connection.
Can I clarify what is missing here? Is is the physical object of a postcard which is lacking relevance or the way the message is expressed on it?
When I see it I was thinking about vacation. I see no connection to the theydontwantyou.to. If it would be a happy iPhone user, there would be a connection (but in this case I would also not yet be convinced that it is a good way to promote the ideas behind theydontwantyou.to).
But perhaps I do not get the "Freedom springs".
I also do not get the message or the connection properly an was also wondering if this is based on some kind of not correctly understanding "Freedom springs"
Best, Erik
- -- Erik Albers | https://fsfe.org/about/albers Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) - Campaigns & Community Support us now: https://fsfe.org/support/?eal
Free as in Freedom!
Without a clear connection, I'd worry that the message won't be as
potent
as it could otherwise be.
I also have problems to see the connection.
Can I clarify what is missing here? Is is the physical object of a postcard which is lacking relevance or the way the message is expressed on it?
Certainly there is a connection between postcards/placards and their use as a medium for political engagement. Although it's a fairly subtle connection when you consider that advertising in general is just as (or possibly more) connected with the medium these days.
Like some of the people on this list I'm not certain that I understand the intent of the term 'Freedom Springs'; to me I understand it as ironic, and I understand the postcard to depict a picturesque setting -- the irony being that it doesn't exist, which draws a parallel with the two-faced nature of how DRM is often marketed as a feature to us.
Postcards/placards/cards can certainly be an attractive and popular way to disseminate information. This particular theme you have is nice now that I understand the context of it better.
But, from what I understand of it, the only connection I see is with the irony of the situation, and on its own feels like it doesn't say enough. Especially for people who aren't already aware of the issue, for such people it might not say or explain anything about our cause. Obviously if people are inclined to pick the card up and read the back, presumably they would become informed; but ideally the front needs to attract an audience who are likely to be interested in the cause.
In short, I worry that it might be too subtle.
Strangely enough I'd been thinking about possibly doing something similar, mocking up advertisements that would rather 'attractively' but blatantly show off DRM features. That feels quite similar to your idea, but without a trace of subtly (and in all honestly, I worry that this approach is far too obvious).
Chris Hayes
* Chris Hayes berzerkatives@gmail.com [2013-07-09 23:43:24 +0100]:
Strangely enough I'd been thinking about possibly doing something similar, mocking up advertisements that would rather 'attractively' but blatantly show off DRM features. That feels quite similar to your idea, but without a trace of subtly (and in all honestly, I worry that this approach is far too obvious).
That sounds interesting. Did you already had some ideas?
E.g. People sitting in front of a TV set, and there is this DVD copyright notice: http://static02.mediaite.com/geekosystem/uploads/2012/05/dvdwarning1-550x424... on the screen. Else the situation looks very nice.
Or someone with a phone in a vacation setting... then making reference to the SIM card lock.
Regards, Matthias
On Wed, Jul 10, 2013 at 7:17 AM, Matthias Kirschner mk@fsfe.org wrote:
- Chris Hayes berzerkatives@gmail.com [2013-07-09 23:43:24 +0100]:
Strangely enough I'd been thinking about possibly doing something
similar,
mocking up advertisements that would rather 'attractively' but blatantly show off DRM features. That feels quite similar to your idea, but
without a
trace of subtly (and in all honestly, I worry that this approach is far
too
obvious).
That sounds interesting. Did you already had some ideas?
E.g. People sitting in front of a TV set, and there is this DVD copyright notice:
http://static02.mediaite.com/geekosystem/uploads/2012/05/dvdwarning1-550x424... on the screen. Else the situation looks very nice.
Or someone with a phone in a vacation setting... then making reference to the SIM card lock.
Not quite that, I had been thinking along the lines of taking a DRM artifact, such as the screen you've linked to, and advertising it like it is a feature, rather than a hindrance.
In my first e-mail into this group I suggested the following, which is an example of what I have in mind.
The first thing that comes into my head is the disconnect between what
companies say
(advertise) and mean (licences, and whatnot). Perhaps a series of
graphics that look like
stereotypical advertisements but actually depict examples of the
restrictions that you're
wanting to bring peoples' attention to?
Like a very 'tastefully' shot photo of a printer in an immaculate home,
prominently featuring
a waste-basket with a ink cartridge refill kit sat in it, with a tagline
such as "Trust us to let
you print what you want, how we want you to."
Perhaps not a great example, but you get the idea?
Unfortunately I've nothing down on paper yet. Is there a date that this project aims to be live by?
Cheers, Chris Hayes
* Chris Hayes berzerkatives@gmail.com [2013-07-11 00:09:40 +0100]:
Unfortunately I've nothing down on paper yet. Is there a date that this project aims to be live by?
That's for Sam.
Regards, Matthias
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA256
On 11/07/13 01:09, Chris Hayes wrote:
Like a very 'tastefully' shot photo of a printer in an immaculate home,
prominently featuring
a waste-basket with a ink cartridge refill kit sat in it, with a tagline such
as "Trust us to let
you print what you want, how we want you to."
Yes I like this idea a lot too. You could simply take an old commercial, maybe an over-the-top one from the 80s or 90s, and replace the caption with something critical and humorous.
The only trouble I see with this idea is that its probably easier and cheaper to print large numbers of a small number of cards, maybe only 1 design. If we use only one, then using a specific commercial for a printer or similar might not be the best and most widely appealing approach. It depends on the design I suppose.
The adulterated commercials would work well in other mediums though, and if they were quick enough to prepare, we could prepare a series of them for distribution via social media networks. I like the idea of one each week for a month or more.
What do you think Chris? Care to do some drafts?
Sam.
PS Please provide sources for any artwork :)
- -- Sam Tuke Campaign Manager Free Software Foundation Europe IM : samtuke@jabber.fsfe.org Latest UK Free Software news: uk.fsfe.org Is freedom important to you? Join the fellowship.fsfe.org
On 05/08/13 13:39, Sam Tuke wrote:
You could simply take an old commercial, maybe an over-the-top one from the 80s or 90s, and replace the caption with something critical and humorous.
See attached for an example.
Sam.
And another quick draft I thought up (attached). Such a nice idea Chris I couldn't resist!
Sam.
Very nice. That's along the lines of what I had been thinking. And I really like the aesthetic of using actual old advertisements; there's something seemingly very innocent about them, awe of a new world steeped in computational advances. And that is part of the point -- people don't necessarily know what they're getting themselves into.
Saying this; I'd be concerned about what the legal situation (concerning copyright) when using other people's advertisements as source material in a new artwork. Do you know?
Aside from that, I also had an idea; a shopping receipt for a copy of Windows or something and instead of listing the savings that you made (like you might see at the bottom of a groceries receipts, i.e. 'buy one get one free avacados: -£0.50' or whatever) instead it lists the freedoms that you've been relieved of; I've attached a rough example of what I mean.
. Chris
On Mon, Aug 5, 2013 at 6:29 PM, Sam Tuke samtuke@fsfe.org wrote:
And another quick draft I thought up (attached). Such a nice idea Chris I couldn't resist!
Sam.
-- Sam Tuke Campaign Manager Free Software Foundation Europe IM : samtuke@jabber.fsfe.org Latest UK Free Software news: uk.fsfe.org Is freedom important to you? Join the fellowship.fsfe.org
tdwyt mailing list tdwyt@lists.fsfe.org https://lists.fsfe.org/mailman/listinfo/tdwyt
On 06/08/13 01:11, Chris Hayes wrote:
Very nice. That's along the lines of what I had been thinking. And I really like the aesthetic of using actual old advertisements; there's something seemingly very innocent about them, awe of a new world steeped in computational advances.
I agree, I also like the retro-touch
Aside from that, I also had an idea; a shopping receipt for a copy of Windows or something and instead of listing the savings that you made (like you might see at the bottom of a groceries receipts, i.e. 'buy one get one free avacados: -£0.50' or whatever) instead it lists the freedoms that you've been relieved of; I've attached a rough example of what I mean.
Indeed an interesting idea. The problem, however, I see is to get people into the old thinking of Free Software as a meaning of no cost (because you use a receipt)
Please, everyone, go on with you very good suggestions!
Erik
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA256
On 08/07/13 20:06, Chris Hayes wrote:
Saying this, I am curious as to whether or not there's a semantic connection between this postcard and the subject of repression
I think the idea behind the "freedom springs" card was that it serves as a metaphor for lifestyle free of restrictions, and its something that you, the viewer can attain.
"Freedom Springs - wish you were here!". The message would indicate a happy efficient life that you can achieve when you use only tech that is free of anti-features.
Because the message is subtle and not obvious from the card itself it would encourage the viewer to pick it up and look at it to discover its real message, and on the back would be details of technical restrictions and alternatives.
There could be an Ipod buried in the sand of the beach depicted in "Freedom springs". Because its a beach scene, it would make a nice postcard of itself, without the association. I think it would be a clever and attractive way of communicating our message that digital restrictions aren't necessary, and to invite the public to free themselves.
Best,
Sam.
- -- Sam Tuke Campaign Manager Free Software Foundation Europe IM : samtuke@jabber.fsfe.org Latest UK Free Software news: uk.fsfe.org Is freedom important to you? Join the fellowship.fsfe.org
On 05/08/13 13:31, Sam Tuke wrote:
On 08/07/13 20:06, Chris Hayes wrote:
Saying this, I am curious as to whether or not there's a semantic connection between this postcard and the subject of repression
I think the idea behind the "freedom springs" card was that it serves as a metaphor for lifestyle free of restrictions, and its something that you, the viewer can attain.
"Freedom Springs - wish you were here!". The message would indicate a happy efficient life that you can achieve when you use only tech that is free of anti-features.
Because the message is subtle and not obvious from the card itself it would encourage the viewer to pick it up and look at it to discover its real message, and on the back would be details of technical restrictions and alternatives.
Not sure about this. Many postcards that look attractive end on the fridge or the wall of any flat-share to look good and from that point on hardly no one ever looks on the backside of the postcard.
Then people will at worse see the postcard as iPod commercial including the term "freedom" ...
best, Erik
