[ubuntu-art] Countdown banner for 10.04

[Matthew Nuzum]

Hello team, its time to start telling the world about 10.04 LTS!

As in past releases we'd like to create a new count down banner for
syndication across the web. If you want to make a highly visible
contribution to Ubuntu, this is your chance.

Around the end of this month it is our intention to release a banner
that says something like "28 more days until Ubuntu 10.04 LTS" Each
day the banner will decrease by one until release day (which is on the
29th of April when it will it will say "It's almost here" (or similar)
and then when the release is ready it will announce "it's here!"

To make matters even more exciting we've got the material from the
newly announced Ubuntu Branding to use as inspiration (see
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Brand )

Unlike previous times we will not be launching this at beta. There are
two betas this period and we're aiming to release the countdown in
between the two. Also, unlike the past times we will not *initially*
be showing the countdown on the Ubuntu homepage. We're working
full-bore to get the branding stuff implemented in the numerous places
that will be affected by the changes. We'll need the help of the
community to get the banners publicized across the web.

How can you help?

Create a graphic representing what you'd like to do. It is not
necessary to create an entire set of images. Instead, do a couple to
demonstrate your idea. The community and Canonical staff will choose
the official banners and maybe give some guidance in case a change is
needed to polish it up. Lets aim to get submissions in by Tuesday,
March 23rd. But don't wait until the end, release early, release
often, so they say.

Guidelines

Detailed here: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Website/LucidCountdownBanners
but in essence:

180px wide by 150px high. No PHP or flash. We'd like to make a static,
plain image available but if the community would like to make an
animated or interactive, iframe based image using js and static
content we will gladly consider it. The community seems to have
enjoyed the animated banner from the 9.04 release cycle. (I know I
did)

Starting at the point of Beta Ubuntu changes from the code name of
"Lucid Lynx" to "Ubuntu 10.04" it would probably be inappropriate to
over-emphasize Lynx graphics. A key message this time around is the
Long Term Support (LTS) and the new branding.

Please attach your suggestions to the wiki page listed above. If you
have questions or would like to discuss this, please email the Web
Presence Team mailing list or hop onto the IRC chat room,
#ubuntu-website on freenode.

I can't wait to see your ideas!

-- 
Matthew Nuzum
newz2000 on freenode, skype, linkedin, identi.ca and twitter