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Change is difficult (just ask Ross)

July 29, 2011 / Kirk Werner / 19 Comments

Ross Reels recently posted an image of their new logo on their Facebook page and asked for people’s thoughts. I highly doubt they were expecting the type of feedback they received.  At the time of this writing there were 69 comments left in response to the logo above, which was posted along with this caption:

Here is the new ROSS logo folks! Tell us what you think! Here is the copy from our press release: “Ross’ history as a premier manufacturer of high quality fly reels, rods, complete outfits, cases, fishing pliers and other outdoor related products has not changed. We no longer are known as JUST a reel company. The new logo represents our commitment to superior fly fishing performance in everything we do!”

Of the 69 responses, only one was favorable. The critics ran the gamut from the obviously-socially-challenged-when-it-comes-to-good-manners crowd who said “It sucks”, to those who essentially communicated the same thing, though with some tact. My favorite comment came from a guy who said:

Nothing that Viagra can’t cure. Fire the artist and save some money.

One thing the average person doesn’t realize is that maybe the new logo is exactly what someone asked for. Without having seen the creative brief we can’t say whether it’s failure or not.  Maybe it’s exactly what the execs at 3M/Ross asked for, although let’s hope not.

I like Ross Reels. Their old logo occupies a spot on the rear window of my truck canopy. But I won’t be removing the old sticker and replacing it with the new one anytime soon.

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19 Comments

  1. Guys Flies and Pies

    July 29, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    Yes, that was an interesting post on Facebook to read through. I didn’t even comment, because I figured they already go my opinion through the other people. I’ve seen it played out online a few times where someone asks for everyone’s opinion on a new logo, t-shirt, sticker, etc, and you always get people who just don’t like it. However, I bet Ross didn’t expect such a huge gap between like and dislike.

    Reply
    • Kirk Werner (Post author)

      July 29, 2011 at 11:33 PM

      Agreed- when you solicit for feedback, you’re gonna get it and everyone’s a critic and taste is highly subjective. I also found it interesting that it was so overwhelmingly negative. I definitely think Ross wasn’t expecting that.

      Reply
  2. Patrick

    July 29, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    …and sometimes such drastic change is unwise in an industry steeped in history. Guess like much else today, storied logos are disposable.

    Reply
    • Kirk Werner (Post author)

      July 29, 2011 at 11:36 PM

      I think that part of the overall sentiment was based on people not liking that Ross is no longer the small company so many have grown to like over the years. Since they were bought by 3M maybe there’s a feeling of anti-big corporate bossman at play. Or maybe I’m reading too much into it and the people simply didn’t like the new design?

      Reply
  3. Sanders

    July 29, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    Looks like a folded pool chair…well done Ross…well done

    Reply
    • Kirk Werner (Post author)

      July 29, 2011 at 11:40 PM

      Kinda reminds me of Ross Dress For Less, which is not necessarily a good thing in my subjective opinion.
      http://www.rossstores.com/

      Reply
  4. Jay

    July 29, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    Very perceptive, Sanders.
    Maybe I just don’t get it, but I don’t see how an incomplete “R” conveys the idea of fly fishing in any way. Hopefully the negative feedback will provoke them to reconsider their design.

    Reply
    • Kirk Werner (Post author)

      July 29, 2011 at 11:46 PM

      Jay, clearly the incomplete R is a psychological design trick that speaks exactly to what you noted: Take the Ross Reels logo, remove Reels, and what you are left with is well, incomplete. Or maybe I’m reading too much into it.

      Reply
  5. cofisher

    July 29, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    What you naysayers have overlooked is if Ross moves across the pond, the new logo makes more sense than the old one. I’m not saying they’re moving but, why would you mess with success and a fine established reputation?

    Reply
    • Kirk Werner (Post author)

      July 29, 2011 at 11:50 PM

      What? Howard? Ross is moving across the pond? I thought 3M was in Michigan…what do you know that I don’t?

      Reply
  6. David G

    July 29, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    Hey now, even though it looks like it was made in microsoft paint, it captures more of what Ross reels are. Simple, with no ridiculous bells and whistles. I dig both logos.

    Reply
    • Kirk Werner (Post author)

      July 29, 2011 at 11:53 PM

      Maybe that’s the problem, David- it does look it was done in MS Paint. And anyone can call themselves a designer if they have that powerful tool at their disposal, which is the bane of my existence as a designer of logos…sigh.

      Reply
  7. troutrageous1

    July 29, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    I’m not a huge fan of the new look, nor to be honest was I of the old look. I do get the fact that they wanted to remove the word “REELS” and in doing that, you really can’t have a double “R” any longer.

    I say get over it people. They were established in 1973, not 1873. Things change. Plus, always leaves the door open for “retro” gear down the line, right…?

    Reply
    • Kirk Werner (Post author)

      July 29, 2011 at 11:54 PM

      I think people are just resistance to change, period. I mean, things are going so well for us right now, why would anyone want that not to stay the same?

      Reply
  8. cofisher

    July 30, 2011 at 5:01 PM

    Mike, you’re not the boss of us.

    Reply
  9. Owl Jones

    August 21, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    I usually agree with Mike on most things, but c’mon man – we expect better from Ross, even with a new corporate-mega-company at the wheel. You could absolutely call your rod company “Ross Reels” still….if you wanted. After all, the name Ross Reels means something – or it used to anyway – until they muddied the water with Ross Worldwide. ( So technically, they’re already overseas.) I think you do what you think is best to keep the brand relevant and in people’s minds and maybe that’s the reason behind this – to create a little buzz. Every product, in every market is going to feel the squeeze in the coming years….and keeping your name out front is going to be important. I just don’t think you need to try and do it by turning your logo into a broken chair.

    Reply
    • Kirk Werner (Post author)

      August 21, 2011 at 8:54 PM

      I reckon time will tell whether it works for them or not, eh?

      Reply
  10. Mark

    August 22, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    Don’t like the new logo. Love the old logo. Like many other companies throughout industries I like – I think Ross is expanding their product line a bit too much, trying to offer everything to everyone, and loosing focus on what made them what they are (or were, before 3M hoovered them up).

    I really don’t get the need for Ross to be in the fly rod business either – 3M already has a couple rod makers and line makers (Scientific Anglers, anyone?) – I don’t get the point of the in-house competition, but maybe that’s why I’m not chairman of 3M.

    Maybe they should’ve changed the name to “Ross Fly Fishing” and made a logo with an angler casting a fly rod. The limp-weiner folded lawn chair is boring, and really doesn’t inspire brand confidence in this consumer. Logos tend to grab people’s attention – branding IS important with just about any product – a lack luster logo could lead to lack luster sales. Guess we’ll see if they’re still sticking with it next year.

    Reply
    • Kirk Werner (Post author)

      August 23, 2011 at 11:41 AM

      There must be a good reason for them to be in the rod business. It may not make sense to us, but I can’t imagine them doing so if it were strategically and financially viable. And there must be a good reason for the new logo, too. I’d love to have been a fly on the wall in their executive meetings with the designer…

      Reply

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