That's absolutely untrue (I'm sure there's some sarcasm in there). Personally, I wouldn't blame City if they never consulted with fans again after this. According to some when the consultation opened the club had designed a NYCFC copycat badge months ago that was going to be foisted on us after the fake consultation closed. There were all sorts of conspiracy theories on this thread never mind the others on other forums. Ultimately, City asked fans about the elements that mattered to them. They made it clear they wouldn't be bringing back an old badge but they would design one based on feedback. They've done that and produced stats. They deserve praise for what they've done - though to be frank all clubs should follow City's lead and it should be normal business practice. If FCUM had consulted with fans in this way it'd be held up as the model, and yet here is a leading European club doing it.
There are elements on the badge I personally did not vote for, but I do respect the popularity of these elements and so I totally support the new badge and, more importantly, the process.
Good post mate. I sincerely hope City do continue to engage with fans on these matters though. The problem with any kind of change is that you are never going to make absolutely everybody happy, that would be impossible. But I think the process the club has gone through has ensured they have kept as many people happy as possible.
If they had not gone through the consultation and just forced something on us, there would be absolute outrage. As much as there might be some negativity to the new design, I'm sure there would have been far more negativity if they had not consulted us at all. You could argue the consultation was as much about damage limitation than anything else.
Although the new badge might not be to everyone's taste, at least the club can back up with evidence that a majority voted for the elements contained. Personally I voted for the rivers as opposed to the rose. I noted from the feedback that over 60% voted for the rose though, so I am happy that a majority of blues got the symbol they voted for.
I just want to echo one of your earlier posts that it's unfortunate that the ipo office leaked the badge early. There was a huge amount of negative feedback based on that poor quality image. The solid badge in the consultation pod, and the huge flags before the Sunderland game are far better examples of the badge, and many fans (myself included) have had a huge swing in opinion based on seeing those. If only the club had been allowed to release the badge in this way, I'm sure the feedback would have been even better.
The badge really comes to it's own when embroidered, which is surely the most important way in which the badge is displayed.
People are generally resistant to change, and the fact the badge is "modern, original" means it is probably more of a shock to the system than if they'd produced a more traditional design.
I'm convinced they have been heavily influenced by the styling of Arsenal badge. Perhaps the "Cartoonish" design is 5 years ahead of the curve, and other clubs will follow the blueprint laid by Arsenal and City. Perhaps tastes will change and our badge will be remodelled over time to a slightly more traditional take on this core design?
Who knows, but one thing is clear, the badge now has the core elements that people love and associate most closely with City and Manchester.
That is surely a hugely positive thing, and we as City fans should be extremely grateful to the club for making that happen.