Like the Energizer bunny, the discussion of the CU/Ralphie logo policy keeps going, and going, and going ad nauseam.
On June 19, 2012 the Daily Camera ran yet another article on the topic, ” Boulder’s Buff Barber Shop Co-owner Miffed about CU Regent Candidate’s Rights to Ralphie logo.” Unlike previous articles that provided information about the policy, the purpose of this article was unclear.
In a nutshell, Ted Bollinger, co-owner of the Buff Barber Shop was miffed because CU reigned in his use of the Ralphie logo to promote his business a year ago and it is now political candidates use the logo in their campaigns.
In the past, the DC pointed out the importance of logos and branding and quoted CU officials as saying that Ralphie can only be used for sports and competition, such as political campaigns for the regents. Game over.
The recent article attributed some rather ironic quotes to Bollinger and Ken McConnellogue, CU spokesman.
Bollinger stated “They come here because we’re the best barbershop in town, not because we had Ralphie outside,” Ken McConnellogue stated “If he thinks that people give candidates donations based on a logo, I think he’s mistaken.”
Both gentlemen seem to be arguing that the use of the logo has no value in terms of revenue generation. If that is the case, then it is appropriate to rhetorically ask, “What is the purpose of the logo policy?
The use of the CU logo in the regent’s primary election is pertinent for a reason not mentioned in the article. That election was characterized by name calling, hate mongering, and mudslinging – and the CU logo was prominently displayed right in the middle of all the dirt and slime. The election was an embarrassment to the participants, their party, the University of Colorado, and higher education.
Given the behavior of the regent candidates and the comments by the Buff spokesman, CU needs to review the use of the CU logo in political campaigns and how they discuss its use in public.
The bottom line – These are Your Colorado Buffaloes, but do not use the Ralphie logo at your discretion.