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geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: itlnstln on Mon, 27 July 2009, 12:42:59

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 27 July 2009, 12:42:59

OK.  You are trying to market a serious keyboard for serious typists, but you have this comical, juvenile mascot?  Do Monett trumpets, BMWs, and Denon receivers have mascots?  If you are marketing your "professional,""high-end," and "elite" products in a similar fashion, mascots seem counter-productive.  When I think of mascot advertising, I think children's products, and in the case of computing, gaming hardware from third-rate companies.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 27 July 2009, 14:00:29

That's pretty much what I thought.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: sixty on Mon, 27 July 2009, 14:55:08

Quote from: itlnstln;104721

OK.  You are trying to market a serious keyboard for serious typists, but you have this comical, juvenile mascot?  Do Monett trumpets, BMWs, and Denon receivers have mascots?  If you are marketing your "professional,""high-end," and "elite" products in a similar fashion, mascots seem counter-productive.  When I think of mascot advertising, I think children's products, and in the case of computing, gaming hardware from third-rate companies.

(http://i28.tinypic.com/2e243zk.jpg)

Honestly though, I totally agree. This mascot looks pretty lame. Then again this is Metadot we are talking about.

Combining this with the DAS4 rumor I guess we could start a hype about the DAS4 now...whooooooo!!!!1!!11!!!!!! ...sorry I forgot DAS is not popular at all around here.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: itlnstln on Mon, 27 July 2009, 15:01:24

Quote from: sixty;104783

Show Image

(http://i28.tinypic.com/2e243zk.jpg)

 
Honestly though, I totally agree. This mascot looks pretty lame. Then again this is Metadot we are talking about.
 
Combining this with the DAS4 rumor I guess we could start a hype about the DAS4 now...whooooooo!!!!1!!11!!!!!! ...sorry I forgot DAS is not popular at all around here.

It's a shame, too, because I really like a lot of things about their keyboard.  I like the styling and, particularly, the USB hub.  Now, if they could just get the 'board to work in general, they'd have a hit.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: huha on Mon, 27 July 2009, 15:29:59

It does look a bit like the cartesian product of Ninja Turtles and Master Chief.



Of course, this is entirely stupid. You don't need a mascot for your keyboard. Try opting for better quality and nicer features instead. Nice try, though.

-huha

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: sixty on Mon, 27 July 2009, 16:24:34

Breaking news just in!

It has been reported that Majestouch was successful with his mission in Asia (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=6621) to convince the Vendors that American marketing is the best to sell high quality products.

(http://t.oomuch.info/src/1248729747412.jpg)

I have just received these new business cards from my contacts and they have confirmed that the corporate identity and website will be updated soon as well to increase their foreign sales.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: o2dazone on Mon, 27 July 2009, 17:01:41

Does the Das type slower than 60wpm? I sure hope so

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: Rajagra on Mon, 27 July 2009, 17:10:03

Quote from: sixty;104804

Show Image

(http://t.oomuch.info/src/1248729747412.jpg)

Seems DAS ls not the only company that thinks cutesy toons are a good idea.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: timw4mail on Mon, 27 July 2009, 18:40:52

Quote from: o2dazone;104817

Does the Das type slower than 60wpm? I sure hope so

Wouldn't that really depend on the typist? Or are you referring to the Das Controller issues?

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: o2dazone on Mon, 27 July 2009, 21:39:43

Quote from: timw4mail;104843

referring to the Das Controller issues?

This

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: D-EJ915 on Mon, 27 July 2009, 22:02:40

looks like a ninja turtle head on the old toonami guy's body mixed with rockman

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: watduzhkstand4 on Mon, 27 July 2009, 22:13:03

Is this legit news with Majestouch? That says John Doe on it lol.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: xsphat on Tue, 28 July 2009, 00:06:51

Quote from: watduzhkstand4;104912

Is this legit news with Majestouch? That says John Doe on it lol.

John Doe is a huge name in Japan. It was all the rage 25 years ago, really it was. I'm telling the truth. For real it is.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: Yakbutter on Tue, 28 July 2009, 04:54:39

On the new Das - I spoke to someone at Das who basically said their EU reseller was just being a bit 'independent' - the lack of stock was due to supply issues at the manufacturing facilities.

However, it may have been a super-secret coverup designed to throw us off the scent.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: xsphat on Tue, 28 July 2009, 08:50:50

Do we even care about a new Das? With Filcos going as low as $79 inside the US, Das looks more and more like a wounded M10. Unless they flat out copy the HHKB Pro2 there is no way I'll even bat an eye at Das 4.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: itlnstln on Tue, 28 July 2009, 08:55:42

Quote from: xsphat;104991

Do we even care about a new Das? With Filcos going as low as $79 inside the US, Das looks more and more like a wounded M10. Unless they flat out copy the HHKB Pro2 there is no way I'll even bat an eye at Das 4.

QFT.  As elitekeyboards grows, they will certainly put the hurt on Das if he hasn't already.  Like XsPhat said, I can get a Filco for the same money or less, and it works flawlessly.  Unless Das comes strong with their next offering and either drops the price a bit or offer something completely unique (something more than a USB hub, for sure), they are going to have a hard time competing with elitekeyboards for a piece of the elite keyboard market.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: o2dazone on Tue, 28 July 2009, 15:02:55

Quote from: xsphat;104991

Do we even care about a new Das? With Filcos going as low as $79 inside the US, Das looks more and more like a wounded M10. Unless they flat out copy the HHKB Pro2 there is no way I'll even bat an eye at Das 4.

I was about to post something similar, but didn't want to start a flame war with any Das fans. Honestly, if they don't rebound in amazing ways, I can't see why anyone on this forum would even be interested in a Das 4. They would have to do something ground-breaking to make my change my mind. Or maybe it'll go the way of movie directors. You're only known for your last release. Honestly, if a fairly priced Das comes out, with no transposition errors, that would be a good step in getting back into the swing of things. Until then, the only people buying Das's will be those who don't find Geekhack

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: timw4mail on Tue, 28 July 2009, 15:07:10

Quote from: o2dazone;105111

I was about to post something similar, but didn't want to start a flame war with any Das fans. Honestly, if they don't rebound in amazing ways, I can't see why anyone on this forum would even be interested in a Das 4. They would have to do something ground-breaking to make my change my mind. Or maybe it'll go the way of movie directors. You're only known for your last release. Honestly, if a fairly priced Das comes out, with no transposition errors, that would be a good step in getting back into the swing of things. Until then, the only people buying Das's will be those who don't find Geekhack

Or the people who don't know how to find blank keycaps...as that's how I heard about it originally.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: o2dazone on Tue, 28 July 2009, 15:24:18

Same here. Elitekeyboards is number 2 on Google for "blank keycaps" and Geekhack is number 3. But for 'blank keyboards' neither Elitekeyboards or Geekhack is on the first page. I can only assume someone does a bit of shopping around before dumping $130 on a keyboard, my guess is they will.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: DrunkenDonut on Tue, 28 July 2009, 19:36:00

I had the Das on preorder ... When I got it, I ended up not using it much because I thought I sucked typing with it. Turns out it was as much of a problem as I was. I'm having a much nicer time with Filco blues..

I pretty much agree with itlnstln about high end products, etc. Mascots are fine for kids, open source projects, or toilet paper.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: o2dazone on Tue, 28 July 2009, 22:21:11

nice! why don't you shoot with your wide angle more often??

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: Hak Foo on Tue, 28 July 2009, 22:54:20

The problem is that the very name 'Das Keyboard' does not give you much room to go in the cute mascot department.

It sounds angry and brusque.

Of course, Filco sounds like a plumbing supply company, and Unicomp like a '70s mainframe shop.  So the entire industry sucks at branding.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: sixty on Wed, 29 July 2009, 00:29:10

while on the topic of DAS.. any of you knew the DAS3 was sold with cherry brown instead of cherry blue in Japan?

(http://www.vshopu.com/item/208X-2803/208X-2803_07.jpg)

True story! http://www.vshopu.com/item/208X-2803/index.html

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: rdh on Wed, 29 July 2009, 01:35:26

Quote from: ripster;105190

Filco sounds like a gas station.

I dunno.  It always sounded a lot like "Philco" to me:

(http://home.comcast.net/~barry5327/Predicta2.jpg)

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: cmr on Wed, 29 July 2009, 01:45:14

how about a typeface change

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: huha on Wed, 29 July 2009, 02:18:04

Quote

If you don’t think having the DAS to represent the whole (future) line of Das Keyboard products is the way to go, what would you suggest? We’re looking for something that will come to mean “Das Keyboard the brand, look, quality, and idea,” not just Das Keyboard the keyboard.

I'd suggest to not delve into this kind of crap. You don't need a "brand" to be successful--especially if there's substandard quality to boot.

We might end up with stupid marketing, though. It's only a matter of time when we're going to see Das Keyboard The Breakfast Cereal (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvmZ9SPcTzU&fmt=18).

-huha

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: DreymaR on Wed, 29 July 2009, 04:12:06

If they think about it, what has DAS got that hits the eye? The answer is strikingly obvious: Black! The geeks that came up with the 'Darth Vader approved' line said it.

So rather than some souped-up run-of-the-mill anime-robo-thug they want someone really black of course. Ninja outfits are probably too overused these days, but a black cape and Zorro mask are mandatory. I'd also love to see a helm more than vaguely suggestive of Darth Vader's mask as well, but I guess it might be over the top...

How interesting if the mascot had a black helm that looked like a key cap upon inspection though? And vambraces/greaves like space bars...

'No cape!' - The Incredibles  :drum:

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 29 July 2009, 07:16:03

Obviously, they are looking at expanding beyond keyboards. Although, it is my opinion that they get their keyboard business solid first before they do. If you can't get your bread and butter (and your namesake, for that matter) business right, you will fail at everything else since your reputation will already be in the sh*tter.
 

Quote from: cmr;105195

how about a typeface change

This would be an excellent start. It might work for Deck in the "extreme" gaming world, but if you are marketing a high-end keyboard for professional typists (programmers, writers, etc.), I would suggest that the sensibilities of that market are different, and they wouldn't have the appreciation of a "hardcore" typeface like gamers would. IMO, Costar hit the nail on the head with the typeface use on the Filco, ABS, Phaethon, et. al.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: xsphat on Wed, 29 July 2009, 09:59:32

I predict the next Das will low profile with clicky scissor switches, and will come in all  colors of the gay flag (like the bubble iMacs). They not going about this right anymore. If they are going for making a brand out of a product that already made a brand, then they are getting their wires crossed. What's next, "Das Mouse, the world's only mouse with labeled right and left click buttons."

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: Rajagra on Wed, 29 July 2009, 10:04:41

Quote from: xsphat;105221

What's next, "Das Mouse, the world's only mouse with labeled right and left click buttons."

I hope the labels don't get transposed.



Man we're harsh. They got a lot of stuff right. DAS IV could be awesome. The mascot business just doesn't inspire confidence. Unless they use that image of the tiny workmen fixing a key, at least that would show the right priorities.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: itlnstln on Wed, 29 July 2009, 10:29:59

Quote from: Rajagra;105223

I hope the labels don't get transposed.

That's just wrong.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: xsphat on Wed, 29 July 2009, 11:59:41

I agree that the Das IV could be great — with a total case redesign, new controllers and, well, a ground-up rebuild. Now that's harsh.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: lowpoly on Thu, 30 July 2009, 05:28:54

My prediction is that it will be the current case with a new controller.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: ch_123 on Thu, 30 July 2009, 06:31:01

My prediction is this -

(http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/1924/fkb104meb01.jpg)

Complete with the crude red cross.

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: CX23882 on Thu, 30 July 2009, 07:27:34

Quote from: o2dazone;105111

I was about to post something similar, but didn't want to start a flame war with any Das fans. Honestly, if they don't rebound in amazing ways, I can't see why anyone on this forum would even be interested in a Das 4. They would have to do something ground-breaking to make my change my mind. Or maybe it'll go the way of movie directors.

Like Uwe Boll (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0093051/)?

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: DreymaR on Thu, 30 July 2009, 09:42:10

Who will be Das Groupenführer, I wonder?

And shouldn't it be 'Die Group' instead, hehe? The humanity... Didn't we have too many Apple-type corporations before 'das' here?

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: Rajagra on Thu, 30 July 2009, 15:52:46

Quote from: DreymaR;105577

Who will be Das Groupenführer, I wonder?

Don't mention DAS War!

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: DreymaR on Fri, 31 July 2009, 07:25:58

Haha, gogo tall British comedians!  :loco:

While on the topic of philosophers: Why don't DAS use the catchphrase 'DAS Ding an sich - DAS Ding für mich!'?! It'd actually make sense. A lot of sense. And be funny, and brainy, and whatnot.

Maybe they think that DAS is a kind of putty. What do I know.

Quote from: uncyclopedia

“Immanuel doesn't pun; he Kant.” ~ Oscar Wilde

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: Xuan on Mon, 03 August 2009, 22:18:48

remembered Ulysses (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulysses_31) nono.
(http://mural.uv.es/clauna/images/nono.gif)

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: msiegel on Mon, 03 August 2009, 22:36:12

Quote from: ripster;105668

They believe the DAS keyboard, like life, is without meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value.

XD lol
as putdowns go, that was outstanding

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: bhtooefr on Sat, 08 August 2009, 07:21:26

Quote

We’re looking for something that will come to mean “Das Keyboard the brand, look, quality, and idea,” not just Das Keyboard the keyboard.

A font that means the Das Keyboard's quality? Hmm... Comic Sans MS?

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: o2dazone on Sat, 08 August 2009, 12:18:47

Every forum on the internet is bound to post these photos at least once

Title: New Das (Metadot) Mascot - the DAS
Post by: Rajagra on Sat, 08 August 2009, 12:57:17

If those are the results of fake tanning, I'll stick with cancer-causing, natural sunlight, thanks.

What DAS really needs is a theme tune. Take the Indiana Jones tune and replace Da da-da-da with Das das-das-das...