[microprofile-wg] [DISCUSSION] "Self-Service" MicroProfile Shirts

[Reza Rahman <reza_rahman@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi folks,

As I discussed in the last community call, I would like to come to a 
resolution on the matter of  "self-service" MicroProfile shirts as a 
working group via a formal vote. Before I started the vote though, I 
think it's proper to have a very brief discussion.

First, the context. There are members that would like to print 
MicroProfile branded shirts with their own budget. I think that is fine 
and only helpful given the very limited marketing budget we have. The 
Eclipse Foundation is also OK with this. However, such shirts do need to 
respect corporate brands that are carefully regulated. Speaking strictly 
of Microsoft, it is not possible to use the Microsoft logo without 
explicit permission from global brand marketing and pretty strong 
justification. Frankly speaking, I suspect the situation is really much 
the same with many other corporate members like Oracle, IBM, etc. 
Furthermore, the Eclipse Foundation has been very clear about it's 
guidelines in not permitting swag with both the MicroProfile logo and 
corporate logos, whomever prints such swag. For the Foundation, this is 
violation of trademark terms.

I do think there is a very simple solution to this problem. I've 
outlined the solution in the attached abstract mock-up. Basically we can 
print a nice large MicroProfile logo in the front of the shirt and 
clearly list working group member names in the back with dates without 
using any logos. I have checked with our marketing and branding folks 
and they have no reason to object to something like this as long as it 
is clear why the Microsoft name is printed on a shirt by a third party.

There is also an idea that we can put this design on a self-service 
website like Zazzle, etc for anyone to "buy" a shirt. I think this is 
also a fine idea, as long as this aligns with Eclipse Foundation 
guidelines (which I suspect it does but I am not sure).

If you want even more context, you will find it here: 
https://github.com/eclipse/microprofile-marketing/issues/791, 
https://github.com/eclipse/microprofile-marketing/issues/792.

If you have thoughts to share on this,  please do so. If not and what I 
suggest seems right, I suggest just waiting for the vote. I want to 
start the formal vote some time next week.

Thanks,

Reza

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