[erlang-questions] Off-topic question about Universities

[Fred Hebert]

On Tue, Jul 4, 2017 at 9:20 PM, Richard A. O'Keefe <ok@REDACTED>
wrote:

>
>  The University logo is the most prominent visual aspect of
>  the overarching University brand. Continuity and consistency
>  of logo use is the most valuable asset a brand has.
>  This is what builds recognition and awareness for an organisation,
>  it is the foundation on which the visual identification of
>  the University is built.



A lot of other comments are correct in that in terms of overall brand, the
logo is not necessarily doing much in the case of a university. Logos are
deadly important in industries related to fashion, since in that case,
clothing is not copyrightable, but by plastering your logo on garment, you
make the design protected by trademarks instead. No such thing really
happens in universities, and as mentioned before, publications or alumni
play what I'd believe to be a much bigger role.

In terms of visual branding though, the logo tends to come with a specific
style and a limited set of colors; the style and those colors will usually
be those that are chosen to pick the colors and influence the design of
everything related to digital media (website, watermarking, mailing lists,
ads, etc.), print media (fliers, forms, business cards), or general
advertisement.

So when it comes to a visual identity, the logo is often a linchpin that
impacts all the other aspects of the identity. Maintaining continuity in
style and/or color schemes means a lot less work needs to be re-done in
other aspects of the overall marketing plan. Whether that work is impactful
or not on the actual brand, or whether it is its "most valuable asset" on
the reputation of the university is very arguable, but it is a significant
amount of work (with a significant amount of money attached to it)
nonetheless.

To me it sounds like the Vice-Chancellor is overplaying the importance it
has on reputation and brand as a whole, but the treasurer could reasonably
make the case that it is very important when it comes to branding-related
expenses.
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