What’s wrong with this picture?

Rotary International News -- 4 November 2010

Rotary International on Facebook

1Frivolous use of Rotary emblem in the word Rotary

2No club/district identifier in project name

3Space between spokes filled in

4Frivolous use of Rotary emblem on scooter wheels

5Use of Rota- prefix in Rotascooter

6Non-Rotary colors used in emblem reproduction

7Three-color reproduction of Rotary emblem

8No club/district identifier in domain name

Drawing by Kate Francis; Composite by Deborah A. Lawrence

T hink you know how to use the Rotary name and emblem to promote your club or district project?

The picture above shows eight common mistakes. See if you can guess what they are. Mouse over the numbers to reveal the answers.

Rotarians can help Rotary International protect its good name and intellectual property by correctly using the Rotary name, Rotary emblem, and other Rotary Marks.

The Rotary Marks include Rotary, Rotary International, Interact, Rotaract, The Rotary Foundation, Paul Harris, End Polio Now, and Rotarian, among numerous others. They are trademarks or registered trademarks of Rotary International in more than 60 countries.

Download the RI Visual Identity Guide (PDF).
Learn more about the proper use of the Rotary emblem.
See more guidelines on using the Rotary Marks.

17 Comments:

At 10:29AM on 21 August 2012, William Chaplin wrote: Why have you sent me something that was clearly shown to be in 2010; not appropriate, out-of-date and a hindrance to Rotary, alarmingly I thought it might help my club.

At 10:03AM on 11 July 2012, Bill wrote: It is an age of communication and to be effective, "branding" needs to be consistent, graphically pleasing and most importantly not create unintentional consequences. Translation of GM's tagline "Body by Fisher" into a another language as "Corpse by Fisher" probably did not help sales or company image. Most corporations and organizations have similar style guides for proper use of their logos and branding. It appears that everyone, from RI, to districts, to clubs and individual Rotarians need to be more diligent in using the style guideline.

At 2:03PM on 26 September 2011, Ron wrote: One answer to "What’s wrong with this picture? Rotary International News -- 4 November 2010" is that you can't "mouse over" the numbers on an iPad.

At 9:23AM on 27 June 2011, Jeanine wrote: Very true, conference logo for 2011 definitely fails the test! I think they need to put together a committee to re-think some of these rules. While I understand why they have these rules I believe what others are saying is true, that using the symbol in innovative and creative ways will appeal to a younger audience. Rotary isn't just for old men anymore! Perhaps a standing logo usage approval board could be formed to say yay or nay on any creative usage.

At 9:36AM on 6 December 2010, Amanda Fleet D1010 wrote: I think that I need to learn a new definition of 'Frivolous' too. I think that using the logo in interesting, eye-catching and innovative ways can surely only help to promote the excellent work we do. It's hard enough to get good publicity at times and things that raises the profile should be encouraged shouldn't they? I see why Rotary wouldn't want the logo and the names to be misrepresented, but I genuinely think that #1 and #4 are interesting and eye-catching and would help to promote the 'brand' not hinder it. Maybe people need to think outside the box (and lighten up a tiny bit?)?

At 11:15AM on 29 November 2010, Su Wood - RC of Belfast, ME D7790 wrote: It would be great if RI would respond to the comments and questions so we can understand the logic behind the "mistakes" and "corrections". It seems there are many inconsistencies which just further compound the challenge of correct usage.

At 10:04AM on 22 November 2010, Bob Shoemaker wrote: Presumably the man at the desk is a Rotarian (or should be) and he has no Rotary pin. Bob Shoemaker, PRID

At 9:19AM on 22 November 2010, snagrawal wrote: Very interesting & attractive graphic! must be appreciated. Rota is not a registered word of RI - Rotaplast, Rotavirus are common. When we search for Rotary in web - 75% of results have rotary pump as subject!

At 9:17AM on 22 November 2010, Chrissy Delorey wrote: Power has gone to their heads whoever is banning any Creativity within Rotary! No wonder it is hard gaining and keeping new Rotarians! And no wonder Rotarians in general will not initiate new Rotarian fund raising activities - you have taken all the fun out of being a Rotarian! If you do not print this, or allow this online, I know why - the truth hurts!

At 8:52AM on 22 November 2010, Mary Kathryn DeLodder wrote: RI routinely seems to be trying to educate people on proper use of the Rotary logo, but The Rotarian magazine has repeatedly uses an alternate Rotaract logo in publication. Perhaps attention should be paid to program logo usage as well. Those logos should follow the same usage guidelines as the Rotary logo.

At 9:32AM on 17 November 2010, Ray Atkinson wrote: Interesting that in the three advertising logos below, the 'End Polio Now' has a red and white Rotary wheel and the convention logo has a Rotary Wheel as part of a boat!

At 9:01AM on 16 November 2010, AMY KORIM wrote: I appreciate the effort put forth towards bringing to our attention the importance of maintaining the respectful use of the Rotary symbol. This information could prevent an unintentional misuse of the representation of our wonderful organization.

At 8:59AM on 16 November 2010, Gerda Nagelio wrote: The word "rota" isn't allowed (like Rotakids), the color of number 7 is not right. The Rotary emblem is usefull beside the name. Today all becames publicity and so we habe to be attentive.

At 10:22AM on 16 November 2010, Henk Tobbe wrote: I certainly disagree with #1 being frivolous, while #4 is - in my book - not bad either. The Rotary logo should not be adultered like in #6 and #7 but there should be some flexibility. Domain names are usually a trade-off between "easy to remember", short" and "descriptive". A club or district indicator is not always necessary for a specific project.

At 8:58AM on 16 November 2010, Richard Rowe, PR officer, Rotary Club of Kern River Valley wrote: IF #8 Says MISTAKE is not to have your club/district name in your website's domain name, why do they push CLUB RUNNER on us with gives things like http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Home.aspx?cid=2835?

At 3:38PM on 15 November 2010, Caroline Dobson wrote: How is 1 " frivolous"? It seems visually interesting and avoids duplicating the name Rotary with the symbol.I think I might need help with the use of the word frivolous as well as how to use the symbol.

At 10:33AM on 15 November 2010, Joost Devos - Rc Menen - D1620 wrote: I only have my doubts about number 5 (and in Europe): Take for instance the word "Rotavirus" - The "rotavirus", causing severe diarrhoea, especially among young children - is that really an infringement against a Rotary name, emblem or mark?

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