A Whole New Icethetics. 11.1

It's almost here. On Saturday, you guys are going to get your first look at Icethetics' biggest undertaking yet. For some time now, I've been telling you about my plans for the future of Icethetics. The big thing is that we're expanding beyond just a blog. And since so many of you have asked for it, Icethetics will even have its own domain!

I won't divulge the new domain until Saturday but I can tell you it's not Icethetics.com or Icethetics.net since I was unable to get in contact with the owners to see about buying it. Long story for another time.

Now, I'm going to tell you a little more about this new site but instead of making it long and boring since you've been waiting all day, we'll pretend like I'm having a conversation with you about it. What you're saying is in blue.

Hey Chris, didn't you just launch this new blog in July?
Well, yes. And I'm sorry for changing URLs on you again so soon, but trust me when I tell you this one will be more permanent. If everything goes as planned, icethetics.blogspot.com will forward you to the new site so you won't be forced to change your bookmarks.

Is this really necessary?
No, but many of you have asked for an expansion like this and I think it will significantly improve your Icethetics experience.

All right, I'm in. So how will this "web site" be different from the "blog"?
Glad you asked. A blog is simply an online journal. A web site has so much more potential. A web site can include a blog but not the other way around. In short, the difference will be the amount of content featured and the way in which it's presented. No more scouring through weeks of blog posts to find the information you want. Everything will be organized in a way that will make it much simpler to find.

That doesn't mean the blog is going away. The blog will still be on the main page of the new Icethetics web site. But when new information gets posted to the blog, it will also find its way to the relevant page(s) of the web site.

Will it at least look the same?
Mostly. We're going back to the tried and true two-column format. The logo will be changed slightly as you may have noticed in the banner above. One complaint I got when I introduced the new Icethetics logo was that the Ts looked like Ls. So I tried to fix that.

Will you still have third jersey news?
No. ... Just kidding. Of course! Icethetics is about jerseys and logos. What sort of site would it be without third jersey news?

Hey, I'm asking the questions here! What will I be able to find on this new site?
Ok, sorry. Well, when it launches on Saturday it'll be a bit bare — at least compared to what it will be when I get done with it.

Then why launch it on Saturday?
Because on Saturday we'll begin logo voting for the IceHL. That's the main reason I'm rushing the launch. You'll be able to rate all the Pacific Division logo entries starting on Saturday. I'll have more on that process then.

So there's an IceHL section on the new site. What else will I be able to find there?
Ooh, this is the fun part! Here's what you can expect on the new site: the blog, the IceHL, a comprehensive concept art gallery including mini-galleries from Featured Artists, a compilation of third jersey news for each individual team, a goalie mask gallery, complete archives of NHLToL, ToHL and this Icethetics blog.

Wow, Featured Artists, eh?
Are you Canadian? Yeah, the talented artists that submit their work to Icethetics deserve better recognition than a post that disappears after a week. It will be an invitation-only sort of thing but yes, there will be a Featured Artists section of the site where you can see the complete works of artists like Matt (aka GhettoFarmBoy), Sigma Kappa, Mike Ivall and many new artists who have done some outstanding work for the IceHL.

Will I be able to become a member of Icethetics?
Absolutely! But not right away. It will take a little time for me to get that system in place. But once I do, yes you'll be able to create an Icethetics account for free. Its main purpose will be to allow you to post unmoderated comments on blog posts.

I can't think of any other questions.
That's ok. Other people will and they'll post them in the comments. And then maybe I'll add them to this post!

Disclaimer: I may have been high while writing this post. Not sure.

UPDATE

Ooh! I thought of some more questions. Will the new site include a forum or message board?
No. I could go into detail about my aversion to message boards spawned from the lack of civility that anonymity cultivates and the hostility that ensues, but that would just bore you. With this group, it's an even bigger concern — often at each other's throats for no particular reason. I have enough problems keeping civility in the comments of my blog posts. There's no way I'd be able to nor would I want to police an entire message board. Nor do I know anyone I'd trust enough to do it for me.

And those of you who I'm talking about know who you are. Plenty of you are smart enough to stay out of petty disputes over frivolity, but some of you are helpless on this matter. So for now, the answer is no. I won't say never because it's not in my nature, but there isn't a high probability right now.

If you want to chat with each other about the things I post, you can continue to use the post comments as a forum for discussion. Sorry I can't (won't) offer more than that at this point.

That was a long-winded answer to a pretty simple question.
Guilty.

IceHL: North Preview

Over the weekend, logo submissions for the North Division ended. More impressive logos here. There were a total of 31 eligible logo sets submitted. And just like last week I'm going to give you a sneak peek at all of them.

Below are the primary logos from each set. When the ratings begin, you will see the entire set of logos in full detail along with the artist's credit.

CALGARY CAVALRY (4 eligible logos)

EDMONTON KODIAKS (8 eligible logos)

REGINA RENEGADES (3 eligible logos)

SASKATOON SHARPSHOOTERS (4 eligible logos)

WINNIPEG WINTERHAWKS (12 eligible logos)

The Winterhawks were almost as popular as the Huskies to design a logo for. But I'm definitely glad we had so many more submissions for this division. Keep them coming!

If you do not see your logo here, one of two things happened. Either your submission was ineligible based on one or more of the reasons I outlined when I began taking submissions — or your email failed to get to me. I will entertain questions via email.

And just so you know, logo voting should begin in a week or two.

IceHL Southeast: Final Names

The final names for the IceHL's Southeast Division are in! Hundreds of you made your voice heard by rating the finalists for each franchise. So here are the winners.

• Atlanta ARSENAL
  average rating 3.19/5 by 443 people


• Baltimore BLUE CRABS
  average rating 3.4/5 by 429 people


• North Carolina NIGHTHAWKS
  average rating 3.83/5 by 448 people


• Tampa Bay BARRACUDAS
  average rating 3.79/5 by 412 people


• Washington SENTINELS
  average rating 2.95/5 by 309 people

It's a little odd to see such similar names as Winterhawks and Nighthawks along with Hellcats and Steelcats. But I've been leaving these decisions up to you guys so there it is.

Based on these names, your task — should you choose to accept it — is to brand the franchise. You choose the color scheme and design primary, secondary and script logos around that. Additional logos may or may not be included in the voting process.

Submit your logo art by email to me at icethetics@gmail.com. Do not post links to artwork in the comments. They will be deleted and not considered for use in this project. I'm also outlining guidelines for submissions below. If you don't follow them, your work will probably not be included.

Southeast logo submission deadline: November 15

If you want your submission included, follow these instructions:

• DO NOT STEAL ARTWORK. Logos copied or adapted from professional trademarked logos will not be permitted.


• Submit three (3) logos: primary, secondary and script. Use a white background. If your logo requires a white outline (think Lightning or Capitals), then use a gray background with the white outline included. ALL 3 LOGOS will be used in the voting process. If you leave out one, your work may be disqualified.


• Submit vector art if possible. I will accept .ai, .psd and .pdf files. If you cannot submit vector art, you must be able to provide high quality images in .jpg or .png files ONLY. All other file types may be disqualified.


• You must include your credit within the graphic itself as well as the email. This can be your real name or a pseudonym. I need them in both places so I can easily search my email to find your artwork and email address. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.


• By submitting your own original artwork to any Icethetics email address, you agree to grant permission of its use for online or print publication by Icethetics. Do not watermark your logos or they will be disqualified.


• No jersey concepts, please. That will be a later step in this process.

I tried to be specific here but I'm happy to answer any additional questions you may have via email. I was very clear about this but keep in mind that if you do not properly follow the instructions above, your work will likely be disqualified. So read them carefully.

Just so everyone is aware, when it comes time to choose a logo for each team, the process will work basically the same as the name ratings. Logo rating pages will be posted for each team and up to 20 logo submissions will be available to rate. I'm sorry I can't include more but this assures that all worthy submissions will get a fair shake.

The difference here is that once the rating period has ended, there will be a vote on Icethetics of the top 3 rated logos for each team. This assures that we choose the logo everyone wants.

Start submitting your logos!

IceHL: Southeast Voting

You can now begin rating the names for the franchises in the Southeast Division of the IceHL. Links can be found in the pollbar. Happy voting!

IceHL: Central Preview

Over the weekend, logo submissions for the Central Division ended. Again, we've got another impressive set overall. However, this batch is much smaller. This time, only 23 eligible logo sets were submitted in total. And just like last week I'm going to give you a sneak peek at all of them.

Below are the primary logos from each set. When the ratings begin, you will see the entire set of logos in full detail along with the artist's credit.

CHICAGO HITMEN (5 eligible logos)

DETROIT MOTORHEADS (5 eligible logos)

MILWAUKEE LAGERS (4 eligible logos)

MINNESOTA MAMMOTHS (4 eligible logos)

ST. LOUIS ARCHERS (5 eligible logos)

The Motorheads and Hitmen certainly have a running theme. I was a little disappointed by the drop off in submissions for this division. I hope we can get the numbers back up for the next one.

If you do not see your logo here, one of two things happened. Either your submission was ineligible based on one or more of the reasons I outlined when I began taking submissions — or your email failed to get to me. I will entertain questions via email.

Icethetics Wants You!

I've been making mention of this here and there, but I've got some big plans in the works for Icethetics. But first, I need to get some input from you. Do me a favor and vote in the poll to the right to start with.

Now, here's the thing. I've put together a 10-question survey asking for your thoughts about Icethetics and its future direction. One of the things I ask about in the survey is the possibility of introducing a paid membership that, for a small fee, would offer users access to exclusive content and news coverage. I want to know what you guys think about this idea and others.

SURVEY NOW CLOSED. THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!

Big things are on the horizon. A new web site is coming that will make Icethetics more than just a blog. A ton of new features will be introduced without losing the ones you've come to know and love. All in time. But for now, let me know what you think by taking the survey. Thanks guys!

UPDATE (10/20 6:04 PM): Just wanted to clarify some things. I do not actually plan to require payment for anything related to Icethetics ever. I simply wanted to gauge interest. In other words, how much do people like this site? Enough that they'd pay for it? Not to worry though, that won't happen so you don't have to get preemptively angry with me.

At best, I'll offer a donation option simply to cover the costs of the new site. The ads on Icethetics have finally started to warrant putting some money back into it and I believe it will be for the better.

The good news is that part of the new site will be a FREE membership option. However, I currently have no plans to introduce a message board or anything like that, as some have asked. Discussions will remain a part of the comments area of blog posts.

Anyway, I'm still putting ideas together but I should be ready to make an announcement about the new site in a few weeks.

IceHL: Slight Change In Plans

Just wanted to update everyone on the status of the IceHL project. As you've seen, the final names for the South Division have been posted. You've got the next three weeks to design and submit your logos for that division.

Which brings me to why I'm writing tonight. I expected to have the logo ratings pages posted for the Pacific Division this weekend. Obviously that hasn't happened. The trouble is figuring out the best way to present and rate the logos that have been submitted. The idea I had in mind fell through.

Ideally, you'd be presented with a slideshow which would display each logo set one at a time. You'd rate it and move to the next one. Unfortunately, without some sort of automated process, that is going to take me quite a while to build and I just don't have the free time for it.

So I'm exploring new ideas. That means the logo rating process will not begin this week. It may be next week or later. But in the meantime, we've still got other things to do. Keep the logo submissions coming for the three divisions that are open. I'll be posting the name ratings pages for the Southeast Division tomorrow at some point — haven't had time to build those pages this weekend.

If anyone out there has any ideas for me, I'm all ears. Just drop me a line.

And tomorrow I'll be offering a preview of the logos available for the Central Division. Surprisingly, there were a lot fewer submissions for this division. There were 42 submissions for the Pacific Division yet only 24 for the Central. They're quality designs for the most part but it just means you won't have as much to choose from.

While I'm here, I thought I'd address a minor issue that seems to have popped up regarding team names. I mentioned earlier not using the Houston Apollos because there was an old Central Hockey League team with that name. Others have asked why I didn't disqualify the Montreal Olympiques for a similar reason — the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL. The answer is in the city. It's that simple.

I'd prefer not to use the same identity of a team that already exists whether it be pro or semi-pro — especially in the hockey world. You can complain all you want about how the rules don't seem to be evenly applied — and I know there are those of you that will, but I don't look at things as black and white. I look at what's relevant to a situation.

I hope that helps explain things. I'd be happy to answer any other questions by email.

IceHL South: Final Names

The final names for the IceHL's South Division are in! Hundreds of you made your voice heard by rating the finalists for each franchise. So here are the winners.

• Boulder BEASTS
  average rating 3.19/5 by 305 people


• Dallas OUTLAWS
  average rating 3.53/5 by 368 people


• Houston HELLCATS
  average rating 2.84/5 by 371 people


• New Orleans GATORS
  average rating 3.51/5 by 309 people


• Salt Lake City SCORPIONS
  average rating 2.96/5 by 347 people

I would like to point out that the Houston name with the highest rating was actually the Apollos but upon further research I discovered a couple of teams, including a past Central Hockey League team with the same name. Hellcats was the second highest rated.

Based on these names, your task — should you choose to accept it — is to brand the franchise. You choose the color scheme and design primary, secondary and script logos around that. Additional logos may or may not be included in the voting process.

Submit your logo art by email to me at icethetics@gmail.com. Do not post links to artwork in the comments. They will be deleted and not considered for use in this project. I'm also outlining guidelines for submissions below. If you don't follow them, your work will probably not be included.

South logo submission deadline: November 8

If you want your submission included, follow these instructions:

• DO NOT STEAL ARTWORK. Logos copied or adapted from professional trademarked logos will not be permitted.


• Submit three (3) logos: primary, secondary and script. Use a white background. If your logo requires a white outline (think Lightning or Capitals), then use a gray background with the white outline included. ALL 3 LOGOS will be used in the voting process. If you leave out one, your work may be disqualified.


• Submit vector art if possible. I will accept .ai, .psd and .pdf files. If you cannot submit vector art, you must be able to provide high quality images in .jpg or .png files ONLY. All other file types may be disqualified.


• You must include your credit within the graphic itself as well as the email. This can be your real name or a pseudonym. I need them in both places so I can easily search my email to find your artwork and email address. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.


• By submitting your own original artwork to any Icethetics email address, you agree to grant permission of its use for online or print publication by Icethetics. Do not watermark your logos or they will be disqualified.


• No jersey concepts, please. That will be a later step in this process.

I tried to be specific here but I'm happy to answer any additional questions you may have via email. I was very clear about this but keep in mind that if you do not properly follow the instructions above, your work will likely be disqualified. So read them carefully.

Just so everyone is aware, when it comes time to choose a logo for each team, the process will work basically the same as the name ratings. Logo rating pages will be posted for each team and up to 20 logo submissions will be available to rate. I'm sorry I can't include more but this assures that all worthy submissions will get a fair shake.

The difference here is that once the rating period has ended, there will be a vote on Icethetics of the top 3 rated logos for each team. This assures that we choose the logo everyone wants.

Start submitting your logos!

Sun Picks Up Canucks Third

Icethetics and the leaked picture of the Canucks' new third jersey has made it to the home page of the Vancouver Sun this afternoon. Check it out! And here's the full story.

I spoke with the Sun's sports editor earlier today and he told me folks in Vancouver get really pumped over stuff like this. So I was happy to provide a non-watermarked image to them.

For those in Vancouver, I'm told the image may be appearing in print tomorrow. So keep an eye out for it and be sure to buy a copy of the paper!

Icethetics on TV!

Vancouverites, I need your help!

I understand Icethetics was mentioned briefly during Sportsnet Connected Pacific with regard to the Vancouver Canucks' third jersey leak I posted the other day. I'd love it if someone could post that clip or at least send it to me. So scour those TiVo's or set them to record if the show gets aired again overnight. If you've got it, I'll be forever indebted to you!

Thanks to Shane and Trevor for letting me know about Icethetics' special TV appearance.