This is really good.

I share this view. In many cases, less proves to be more. Most non-crap-coins have a simple and flat logo/shape without fancy effects. Dash is a nice example, the old Darkcoin logo was what EleanorZ refered to as "cool looking" whereas the new one looks way more professional even though it's simple.

So what is most wanted but lacking in the crypto world in regards to services?

I'm not involved with the logo at all, but I hold a decent chunk of SMC and I've done my share of graphic design work, so I'll also be blunt (though please understand that while it's easy to throw stones from the peanut gallery, I do truly appreciate the work that has gone into, and continues to go into, SMC):

I don't see the point of the spinning coin, and I think it will be very hard to pull off in a logo in any form. Any sense of 'spinning' will come from blurring or other gradient colouration, which will a) be hard to identify at anything but the highest resolutions and b) take away from the sleekness and simplicity that should be the hallmark of any good logo. Aside from being awkward from a graphic-design perspective, a spinning coin has no connection to SmartCoin--sure it's a coin, but I'm not seeing the smart/intelligence angle at all (i.e., the role currently being filled by the light bulb). About the only thing it would work as would be a 90's throwback web 1.0 spinning coin GIF or something. Not sure hipster irony has a place in serious marketing though.

Notwithstanding the slow, steady progress and dedicated devs, this coin has been plagued by mediocre logos from the start. The old grey on grey, sans-serif S was utterly nondescript and impossible to identify at small scales. The current lightbulb logo is at least simple and clear, but lacks the kind of polish needed for a serious project. The proposed coin-flipping logo looks like someone squished a fly on a quarter.

The orange re-brand logo is by far the most professional and sleek looking, but is pretty busy for an actual logo--sort of like the designer was like, oh, orange is badass, let's start with that, oh, let's toss in circuit boards, because it's totally a digital currency, oh, and can't forget the sweet light FX and metallic fades.... It really does look 'cool', but 'cool' isn't the same as 'good, clear, immediately identifiable logo'. Think of the Nike swoosh or something--no Photoshop masturbation there.

Anyway, end rant. Thanks again for all the time and work, but bottom line, please do consider going with a simpler, clearer branding strategy. Conversely, if it has to be one of those on the table right now, it's gotta be either the light bulb or the orange circuit boards.

I would like to see something similar to this.

I will look into building a new one next week..

Question to SMC users: Which OS are you running? Do you like the Qt wallets?

I'm hope the Chinese decide to stick with Core. I think we need to address the "Core" of the problem instead of splintering off into factions.

the 1-2-3 combo to watch for in Crypto 2016

1. Coinbase is now running Bitcoin XT in their production servers. XT is an contentious hard fork attempt that will create a new altcoin and split the community and blockchain should it ever go into effect.

2. Bitcoin XT fud is driving the price down, and it could be assumed that players aware of this coming turf war accelerated the push up from $220 to +$450 ... this creates volatility and trade revenue potential ... the $200 price floor is likely to be hard tested for weeks or months.

3.  BTC halves mid year.

What are the ALT positions that stand to gain?

at first NO
at 2nd ... well maybe
at 3rd look ... okay there is something to it!

(can i like the new brand and the old brand?)

even the really old simple S is okay

sorry mixed feelings :/

What controls the halving block reward , is it changed from Bitcoin source code ? because if it's not then how come Litecoin halving is before bitcoin halving while Bitcoin was created before Litecoin  #confused

You guys are absolutely correct. I stand corrected!