Future of WISH Shirts - Everyone Needed

[Tiger Lily 03]

We will all make it through this. I know growth and change is stressful. We started way back training in 2004 for the 2005 event and used cotton shirts! Thank you to everyone who is posting for your comments and respect to our being a team. We are all getting it done here!

I love the way the evolution has and is bringing us to the technology available today and that we are all trying to go as a team here. Whatever the collective decision, my comment is to keep what we call the original shirt logo info both front and back. We have become a recognized entity with this.

The lime green color goes back to the DisBoards colors where folks throughout the boards use lime green for recognition when traveling to meets or in the parks to find other DisBoarders. My thought is to try keeping our colors as close to that idea as possible. We were not able to get any wicking material in lime green when the safety yellow shirts came about so that was chosen as the closest and next best thing. They are wicking shirts—warm, maybe don’t fit all, but at the time the best we could manage. Our Day-Glo look has certainly been copied by other teams as a great color idea.

Bottom line to me as long as all logos match, colors closest to lime green as possible and we try to reach all team members I am in. I best like the idea of one team shirt, but certainly understand and respect that all are not equal in the manufacture.

Side note: Original design comments: The spacing on the front of the shirt allowed for placement of the race number below that strip. May want to consider that when the design is finalized with eye2eye if anyone is customizing a design for other alternatives.

 

[chimera]

I asked this on the other thread, but has anyone had any prior experience with Eye2Eye? Thier website did not make me feel real secure about giving them large quantities of cash.....

I can only comment on the experience I've had with them so far. I emailed both RaceReady and eye2eye at the same time. eye2eye was very responsive initially. I sent them photos of my WISH shirt and asked to preserve the front and back text but the runners on the front were optional. It took them 8 days to respond with backgrounds and font options (their website promises 24 hours) and only after I sent an email asking what happened. After presenting the options here (which no one was terribly excited about), I sent an email back to our designer with the one background that was closest to our lime color (the lime spotted one) and asked if they could do a solid that was as bright and fluorescently lime green as they could make it. Instead he returned the same spotted background with the full design.

I know other folks have been corresponding with them but I don't know how that's been going.

RaceReady is a small company owned by runners. I've been dealing with the owner who has offered a couple of options to accomodate our color request, but they don't make any size larger than men's XXL. Some of their items are stock, but the other shirts they cut themselves and would be cutting the men's trail shirts and women's vnecks in lime just for us. I contacted the owner last week to let him know what kind of numbers we're looking at and he has said the price may be less due to decreased printing costs with the larger order. I am up to 91 shirts that folks want to order. Design will be the same (I have the graphics AlertShirt uses). I just need to know know if I should place the order or not.

When I found this group in 2004 (were we a team yet then?), I weighed 180lbs and wore a size 16, so I'm not sure if the RR shirts would have fit me then either. The Chicago marathon was a bit of a wakeup call...we train down here in those or hotter conditions 9 to 10 months out of the year. I sweat like a racehorse on steroids and just can't cool my body efficiently in the alertshirts. I love and have all versions of the current alertshirt WISH shirt and tend to believe as Dave does that they contain some kind of bright magic.

I can understand all sides of the issue, but my powers are finite and I'm not sure we can make everyone happy, no matter how hard we try. If many team members are taking this to bed with them (and I did too) then it's causing too much turmoil and none of us need that.

I propose we go with the orders we have for AS and RR. If there's a design team that wants to continue working with eye2eye on their own, that's great and if something fabulous comes out of it, the entire team may want to consider it for the future. Maybe we could also continue to look for another vendor that can accommodate everyone better for future orders.

 

[Kristi1357]

...I'm not sure we can make everyone happy no matter how hard we try...

You hit the nail on the head, Mel!

Personally, I don't care which vendor we use.
I'd vote for keeping as close to lime green as we can with any vendor, and keeping the same wonderful WISH design.
This way, not matter what size or style, we are still the same team.

And I know I am the minority, but the weight or whatnot of the current WISH shirt does not bother me.
I guess I am weird!

 

[Maherae]

I guess I am weird!

 

[Steffwalks]

Some people need the eye2eye shirt for fit, cool. They should have the fit they need, so they can be part of the team. But for heaven's sake, why throw out the baby with the bath water?? Bright green, bright greenish/yellow, bright lime, are shades of the same thing. However, when the design changes, isn't that sort of the same thing as not having a team shirt??

 

[Sandy321]

You hit the nail on the head, Mel!

Personally, I don't care which vendor we use.
I'd vote for keeping as close to lime green as we can with any vendor, and keeping the same wonderful WISH design.
This way, not matter what size or style, we are still the same team.

And I know I am the minority, but the weight or whatnot of the current WISH shirt does not bother me.
I guess I am weird!

Mel - thanks for voicing your concerns...

What I do not understand is everyone saying one thing - but doing another. For instance - the original WISH shirts are not lime green - but I do agree they stand out, and have "magic" withing them...

So why are the hat colors changing?

To fit with the color of the "new" shirts that dont fit all WISH team members?

and if I decide to try and compromise and work somthing out with eye2eye - or to just see if it would work at ALL - do I ask for Lime green, or do I match the dayglo safety color?

Some people need the eye2eye shirt for fit, cool. They should have the fit they need, so they can be part of the team. But for heaven's sake, why throw out the baby with the bath water?? Bright green, bright greenish/yellow, bright lime, are shades of the same thing. However, when the design changes, isn't that sort of the same thing as not having a team shirt??

Design changes - I disagree that is what is happening - and if the eye2eye has an option to include a wraparound design of the parks - couldnt that be a "scream team" option?

I was impressed with Sunny's website and choices - but I still dont think I comprehend the scope of things...

other than everyone wants to just get along - and encourage each other support each other

no one gets left behind...

 

[Kristi1357]

What I do not understand is everyone saying one thing - but doing another. For instance - the original WISH shirts are not lime green - but I do agree they stand out, and have "magic" withing them...

So why are the hat colors changing?

and if I decide to try and compromise and work somthing out with eye2eye - or to just see if it would work at ALL - do I ask for Lime green, or do I match the dayglo safety color?

Ok, not quite sure why you quoted me above, but...

At each time a shirt was ordered, it was ordered with the closest color to a WISH lime green that the company had available. Yes, the last round of shirts seemed more yellow-y than green to me. But when next to my yellow hat, they certainly are not yellow either.

If I am not mistaken, I believe the hat company did not offer lime green, so we choose the next best thing - and that happened to be a bright yellow.

I only meant that I thought we should stay with our lime green color. It is the DISboards color and is fabulous for spotting at events. It seems more vendors have that color available now.

I also love our design now. Alot of people worked really hard to come to that design a year or so ago. The message on the back gets so many comments at races - it's wonderful! I am not adverse to change, but I don't care for the design with the castle. I am a big fan of K.I.S.S.

Again, not everyone is going to be happy with whatever the outcome is. Such is life!

I just want Carrie, Lynne and Mel to know just how much I appreciate them!
Ordering items for a group this size is a huge undertaking and tons of work!
THANK YOU!

 

[Steffwalks]

Obviously, I am missing something. Is the shirt design pictured in the first page of this thread the design that is wanted on eye2eye? If it is, it is a fundamental design change. If it's not, why is that the picture?

 

[Sandy321]

Obviously, I am missing something. Is the shirt design pictured in the first page of this thread the design that is wanted on eye2eye? If it is, it is a fundamental design change. If it's not, why is that the picture?

THAT is NOT the design - that was fooling around to see what could be done - and until Kate could understand/find etc the correct design, she used that to put something in place -

I understand why it was put here - but it was done prematurely for discussion purpose - not for any hurtful reason - sorry if its causing so much confusion.

I'm trying to understand also -

again, I think the people that are of larger size than RR could accomadate were trying to see IF eye2eye could do something - a group of WISH scream teamers saw eye2eye and thought of the possibilities could exist in going with this company -

1. they do a wrap around design (has possibilities for a SCREAM TEAMWISH shirt)
2 people could order just one shirt - any time - eye2eye will keep the ORIGINAL design on file and In tact - I honestly dont believe anyone wants to change that for all the reasons everyone has stated.
3. no need for one person to be in charge of collecting large sums of money to send to the company at one time, then to disperse all the shirts to those that ordered - 1 on 1 with eye2eye.

4. Size, style, color, ORIGINAL design accomadated. (from child size to adult XXXXL - women/men)

I in no way want to offend, or appear thankless, or hateful. I have received so much from this TEAM!! I appreciate all the work, and I stand in awe of those that 'give of themselves" to make me, and others feel welcome, and a part of something important... giving me the courage for so much that cannot be expressed in words - it takes my breath away, and brings a tear to my eye as I try to express it in this medium... and praying I'm not messing it up... this medium leads itself to mis interpretations...

 

[Sandy321]

Kristi I agree with you, I agree with Mel I agree, I agree, I agree...

 

[Steffwalks]

So, get a shirt from the people who can fit you. Get dayglow lime green. Get the original design, we're all happy.

 

[Duanerice]

WOW! So much excitement

I have 2 of the 2007 model as can be seen in my avatar. I wear them at each Disney race which was 3 this year. I love being recognized and being able to easily recognize other team members. While it might be a "heavier" shirt when running the marathon the weight of the shirt was the least of my worries. I did all my LR's, in South Florida, with the shirts. No problems.

Now if we can replicate the current design in a newer material I am all for it. But, I feel strongly that we need to keep the current design. I will not be buying a new design but a new shirt with the current design, probably.

I can't tell you how proud I was to wear that shirt during the Marathon, TOT and RFTT. It made me part of the team. Team members saw me and I saw them. It was a big boost for me. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

I have to admit, I don't wear it to local races or most training runs because I have shirts with our business name on it. Free advertising. Right now my shirts read "DRiceRealty.com" I should just put on the back "you just got passed by D Rice Realty" except it might not go over so good. And, based on where I run it might need to say "you are passing D Rice Realty"
Thanks to everyone that has a hand in this. It is not easy and I really do appreciate all the work and effort that is put forth.

enjoy,
Duane

 

[MiniGirl]

Obviously, I am missing something. Is the shirt design pictured in the first page of this thread the design that is wanted on eye2eye? If it is, it is a fundamental design change. If it's not, why is that the picture?

If I understand correctly (and I may not), the picture on page 1 would somehow be woven into the fabric and not part of the design that is silk-screened onto the shirt, so it is like a watermark on the fabric and can be made as subtle or as bold as wanted. Also, nothing has been decided on, that is just to try to show what CAN be done. The design itself, however, remains in tact.

Now, if the objections are to the watermark, then I understand what you (and others) are saying. However, I respectfully disagree. I don't think a faint watermark would detract from the original design and message on the shirt. Also, the first thing anyone would spot would be the bright green shirt with the bold black lettering. It wouldn't be until the person wearing the shirt were much closer that the watermark (for lack of a better term) would be noticed.

I also don't think it would take away from the team look. Several WISH team members have personalized their shirts and look no less part of the team. Even places that I have worked that required uniforms offered different options to pick and choose from, but it didn't make us not look like employees. In other words, those that like the "classic" version wear that. Those who want a bolder design can wear the watermark.

Finally, I don't think change is necessarily a bad thing. All teams redesign uniforms from time to time to take advantage of new technology or newer trends, and they manage to do it without losing the image they are trying to project.

I also need to clarify something I said in my earlier post. I mentioned wanting a white or pink WISH shirt. I never meant that I wanted to change the bright lime green shirt for the events. I love that our shirts are bright and stand out at these events. I love that a WISH teammate can be seen way in the distance. I meant that I wanted a less bright shirt to wear around my neighborhood while on training runs/walks. I love our shirts and the message they convey. It has meant so much to me personally that I want to wear it more, but I don't normally wear the brighter colors. I liked Sunny's site, but didn't notice any moisture wicking shirts.

Also, I want to thank all those involved in designing and ordering our shirts, hats, etc. I know we are all busy these days and I appreciate the work ya'll do on our behalf. I'm fine with whatever is decided. I really am. I just really don't understand why we can't have both and let people decide for themselves which one (if any) they want.

 

[angietuck2]

Here is what I posted on Race Ready site (and skimming through posts I think it kind of corresponds to what MEL said):


B]MEL[/B]

I have not posted this on the other thread yet but as someone who has kind of just been barely trying to keep up lately it seems like there are an awful lot of orders on this thread, a lot of us wanting to get something before MINNIE especially . There has been an awful lot of talk about all the new people and wanting to have WISH gear because they are so inspired and feel so welcomed by this group. There was a lot of talk right after Marathon about how HUGE this group has gotten.

Maybe I am completely out of line because I am new and maybe those who have all the OLD wish gear are looking for something different (which I completely respect - I have a closet full of clothes because i hate to wear the same thing over and over ) I think a lot of us "Newbies" just want some WISH gear with the main slogan on the back. When we did Disney 1/2 last year I followed a girl a good bit of the way with your slogan on the back and it CARRIED ME!!!! - I never knew who that was

I don't have as much vested because I haven't been around as long but I like the traditional and I just really want a shirt before MINNIE!! IF The big WISH is on the front of it is really that big of a deal if we order these shirts now and then potentially switch to eye2eye design over summer????

AS long as they both say WISH??? I don't know, that's just my opinion -- for what it's worth

I JUST WANT A DARN SHIRT!!!!

 

[cdotla]

Angie - I am with you. If I don't have some kind of Lime Green WISH shirt on my back for the Minnie I am going to be completely bummed!

As a newbie, I know no one on the Team, nor would anyone recognize me as a WISH member if I don't have a shirt.

 

[getnthinr]

again, I think the people that are of larger size than RR could accomadate were trying to see IF eye2eye could do something - a group of WISH scream teamers saw eye2eye and thought of the possibilities could exist in going with this company -

1. they do a wrap around design (has possibilities for a SCREAM TEAMWISH shirt)
2 people could order just one shirt - any time - eye2eye will keep the ORIGINAL design on file and In tact - I honestly dont believe anyone wants to change that for all the reasons everyone has stated.
3. no need for one person to be in charge of collecting large sums of money to send to the company at one time, then to disperse all the shirts to those that ordered - 1 on 1 with eye2eye.

4. Size, style, color, ORIGINAL design accomadated. (from child size to adult XXXXL - women/men)

Thanks, Sandy321! I thought the only eye2eye shirt currently under consideration was the watermarked design as well. Not that I wouldn't end up ordering one of those -- 'cause I kinda like pictures -- but I didn't know an order of the unaltered original design was even being considered other than some of us here saying, "Gee, wouldn't it be nice if..." about doing exactly that.

 

[TEK224]

Kristi - I'll join you in the minority. I don't really have a problem with the heaviness of the wicking shirts we have now (of course as slow as I go I'm probably not sweating too much either )

RR won't fit me in the female size. I already have a sleeveless, ss, ls and tank so I'm pretty set as far as the original design is concerned.

I do like the shirt with the castle and other icons. I would buy one just to wear to the parks or during training (I've never been a slave to fashion ). And the fact they can be ordered individually works well too. A lot less work for those who have been ordering shirts (and I do appreciate it ).

But I would still wear my original to the races. Sentimental value.

And as others have said, the first things that catch your eye are the bright color and large black WISH letters. I think they have to stay.

So, although I don't need any more of the original shirts, if we do place an order with eye2eye, depending on which design is finally decided on, I would be interested in ordering there.

Terri

 

[wtpclc]

Just wanted to say that I am glad I saw teh true WISH spirit coming out here. I am sorry if I isunderstood the design info on the eye2eye thread, but that was teh impression I got after reading all the way through.

Plus, I was not posting this to way lay anything, I just wanted to get everyone's ideas when there was a big step that we had done as a team before.

Thank you to all who worked through this teh way a team should!

It looks like several thigns have been solced:

1. People ordering now know that there may be diff options in teh future.

2. We will try to get an "original" WISH shirt from eye2eye. This will give us all options in a lighter material the the original look in all sizes.

3. If people want a fancier shirt, they can get it.

SOunds liek we are good on all accounts.

Thanks again!

 

[fan_of_small_world]

I'm not sure if this has been said, because I've been away for a week and I'm having a hard time keeping up with all of these threads, so please forgive me if I'm repeating anyone!

Anyway, the only thing I would consider when looking at a new version of the shirts is that WISHers recognize each other on the course from the back, not the front.

As important as it is to keep the WISH name clearly on the front, the backs should all be very similar too, I think. If someone wants to add an underlay graphic, I think that's great. But the text on the backs of all of the shirts should match each other in both wording as well as layout. I think this is especially true if different companies are used to accomodate different weights and sizes, resulting in slightly different lime greens being used.

As for how many designs and companies, I think that as long as some basic standards are kept (i.e., the name on the front being the same layout and size; likewise with the back printing), then I say go for it if you want to add more!

Just $.02 from a newbie!