It isn't at all clear to me *why* a programming language needs a mascot, though I can see the value in "branding", much as the
penguin and camel invoke thoughts of Linux and Perl (among geeks, at least).
Helps sell books :)

That said, I don't think that a female cartoon character is the best way to persuade outsiders that Ruby is indeed worth serious
consideration.  I'd be reluctant, too, to suggest that this would be a good representation of Japanese culture and heritage. I liked
"Akira" and all, but I think the films of Kurosawa, or the graphic work of Hiroshige, are better examples of modern Japanese
culture.

I'd just as soon see the pickaxe from the cover of "Programming Ruby" be the "mascot."
Conveys that Ruby is a powerful tool.

(Hmm. Maybe a pickaxe done up as a Hiroshige woodblock print?)


James Britt

-----Original Message-----
From: Wai-Sun Chia [mailto:waisun.chia / msa.dec.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2001 7:26 PM
To: ruby-talk ML
Subject: [ruby-talk:16643] Re: mascot


User Siigron wrote:

>>The Ruby Crowned Kinglet is perfect!!!
>>
>>Al Marzian
>>
>>
>>
> Personally, I must say I definatly favor the manga girl.
> Ok, so I'm an anime-freak, but I think the mascot should reflect
> Ruby's home country.
>
> Joel Wilsson
>
>

I agree whole-heartedly. So that future generations of Rubyists will
know Ruby's heritage and ancestry.


--
Wai-Sun "Squidster" Chia
Unix/Web Developer/RHCE
Professional Services