I guess I'll put my two cents in...

Full disclaimer: I made entry #10, as well as the previous logo
from Scientific Linux V4.  Additionally, my background is that of a
theoretical/computational particle physicist.

On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 02:32:50PM +0100, Anatoly Solomin wrote:
> I beg authors to forgive me not being enthusiastic about their projects, 
> but from the point of view of a particle physicist, all "atomic" logos 
> do not attach impression of professionalism to the Scientific Linux, if 
> you know what I mean. And I agree, that it is a misleading message as if 
> it were only for particle-physics related areas.

I'm afraid I don't get your meaning regarding "professionalism",
but let's discuss an "atom" as the icon/logo for Scientific Linux:

Aside from the historical precedence of a stylized atom being the logo
for Scientific Linux, the "atom" is firmly linked in the public mind
with "science".  The only other iconic symbols I can think of right off
that trigger the thought "science" are a "test tube" and an "erlenmeyer
flask" -- possibly a "cell", though that takes a further level of graphical
detail to represent clearly.  Perhaps others can add to this list.  Even
then, each has a definite connection with a specific field of science,
so trying to find something representing science in general seems futile.
(How does one draw a "scientific method"?)

The idea of using a Feynmann diagram in Entry #12 is interesting, but I'm
afraid that such diagrams are rather obscure outside of particle physics.
Furthermore, for those who _do_ recognize them, Entry 12 is a bit jarring,
as it is unfortunately not a well-formed diagram.  Besides, if one is
going to use a Feynmann diagram to represent a distribution of linux,
it would seem that the appropriate one would be the "penguin" diagram:
http://www.physorg.com/news79793376.html :-) (Yes, the penguin diagram
is a serious diagram from particle physics.)  But I digress...

As far as "atom" logos go, there are some interesting renditions in the
entries, but to me they all seem "busy".  Even my own entry, #10, seems
like a bit much.  It may be time to drop trying to have the atomic number
of the logo match the release number of the distribution.  To paraphrase
the (supposed) comment of the King of Castile on the Ptolemaic system
of epicycles, I would "suggest something simpler", especially if we're
looking for an "iconic" logo.  Perhaps something "Helium-like".

A side note on Entry #9: although I don't think this is right for the
"official" logo for Scientific Linux, I do like it as an "associated"
image.  Though I would possibly suggest eliminating the "electron"
above his head.

In regards to new "non-atom" logos, Entry #1 is simple, clean and has
its points, but somehow it seems naggingly familiar.  I can't identify
it for certain, but somehow it feels like it's too close to some other
logo/image that I've seen before.  Perhaps that's just my imagination?
Perhaps not?

Anyway, my pair of pennies.  Take it for what it's worth.

- WRSomsky

-- 
William R. Somsky                                 [log in to unmask]
Physicist, Baritone, Guitarist        http://www.speakeasy.org/~gramarye