London 1989?

Oh my! Let's review the importance of branding, especially when you're doing something as worldwide as say... the Olympics! My good 'ol hometown of London has revealed it's chosen identity for the 2012 Olympic games. And let's just say that the response has been less than favorable.

So much so that the BBC has requested people to send in alternative logos with the hope of prompting a redesign. You can read more about the debate here. The best part is the it only cost £400,000! What a bargain.

Here's the chosen identity, as created by Wolff Olins (Whom I do, generally, respect for their research and design). Perhaps it will grow on me.
















And here are 2 alternate designs by BBC readers which (though they need some work), I think are a bit higher on the "visually pleasing" scale.