I first posted here in 2003 that Channel 4 would be changing its branding in 2004, and that the '4' would be replaced by a new, bolder, 3D-looking '4'.
I think it's clear, given that the design process has taken an unprecedented amount of time to be seen on screen, and that Channel 4 has had a change of management in the intervening period, that there have been major changes to the original concept which was revealed to me over a year ago by people I know who work at Channel 4. However most of what I originally stated – in December 2003 remember – has been proved to be correct.
I'm not quite sure what you're trying to prove with your comment, but you’re certainly not providing any useful information about the subject, and I don’t remember you doing so at any earlier stage either.
What I do know if that it's this sort of attitude from certain people here that means that many people who work in the industry and used to reveal interesting information here when possible, don’t bother any more. Why should they, when all it leads to is negative comments, criticism that more information hasn’t been revealed – seemingly not caring that people could be risking their jobs to do so – and wild speculation from less well-informed members which is then treated by many as fact, while the initial information is ignored?
In short, it’s become more trouble than it’s worth to try to be helpful, and I know I’m not the only one who thinks that; compare how much you know about the new symbol launching on BBC ONE this month with how much was revealed in advance about Maasai a year ago. You’ll see that many industry insiders have virtually, or completely, stopped posting here, and that those who do are often more keen than they once were to either keep information to themselves, or at least keep it within the group of people who know what they’re talking about.
On the bright side, there will always be new people coming into the industry and being introduced to this forum who have yet to discover quite how frustrating it can be to deal with people like you. Good luck to them – and Happy New Year everyone!
What I do know if that it's this sort of attitude from certain people here that means that many people who work in the industry and used to reveal interesting information here when possible, don’t bother any more. Why should they, when all it leads to is negative comments, criticism that more information hasn’t been revealed – seemingly not caring that people could be risking their jobs to do so – and wild speculation from less well-informed members which is then treated by many as fact, while the initial information is ignored?
One of the things that makes this place worthwhile and worth revisiting over and over is the information and snippets etc that insiders are kind enough to let us know (and sometimes, as you say, while putting their jobs at risk). So, I hope all the insiders who visit and/or post here know that some of us very much appreciate what you can/do let us know.
:-(
A former member
Dan, I offer you my apologies. The post was unnecessarily cursory.
I appreciate your comments and feelings and don't feel much of myself for having in that one word offended so badly.
As a long term member of the forum who has enjoyed the genuine snippets of inside information over the years, I would be sorry to not see them in the future.
Again my unreserved apologies - and I hope you'll accept my best wishes for the New Year.
No problem - I'm sorry that the full force of my previous post appeared to be aimed in your direction; that wasn’t my intention, and clearly no single post (especially one that’s only one word long..!) could on its own cause or deserve such an extreme reaction.
It’s just that for a while, a few of us have been discussing a general feeling that trying to let people here in on information early can sometimes these days result in more disbelief, negativity and criticism than it used to.
As I say though, it’s a general feeling and certainly not related to any particular person, so I apologise for aiming my previous post at you.
It would be good to go back to being nice to each other now, and ironically, in some ways maybe it would be good to go back to the days when the first anyone knew about rebrands or Christmas symbols was when they appeared on air, and when it wasn’t possible to download full versions of idents before they’ve even been shown on the television. Maybe it was more fun then?
Still, I’m sure that’s not going to happen, so all the best for 2005, the year of another mediocre new BBC ONE symbol, a disappointing new look for Wales Today, and the BBC Network announcers being outsourced. Should be an interesting year.
