As we currently have no formal bylaws or anything like that, I wanted to make a motion to the group. I move that we begin nominate select members of the Snuffhouse community and then offer them membership here, rather than wait for them to ask for admission. My reasoning is that if a few more people feel like they are “officially” part of this group, there might be more enthusiasm in moving it forward. Plus being asked to join makes one feel very wanted and welcome, that they have something to contribute and their talents are wanted. I can think of several people I would nominate, but I’ll keep that to myself for the time being. Can we do this? Does anyone have an alternative or objection?

OK since there were no replies, I will voice my nominations. I hope that my post was not ignored, but merely overlooked. I nominate: cstokes4 Leman toffeenose Snuff Head filek Red Star Each of these I feel has contibuted significantly to the snuff community in some way and I consider them all friends and good people. The list is by no means exclusive, but they are off the top of my head. If the ISTA offers them membership I would hope they accept and contribute to the furthering of our cause. Will anyone second these nominations and perhaps our chairman will then offer them membership?

I will second the nominations but as far as I know, no new members will be added. At present, ISTA is dormant and membership is of no use to anyone.

Xander, sorry I have been at work continously for the last 10 days so not logging on that much . At the present time, as far as I know, Alex gives membership to any group member who requests it. The idea of a select membership of the ISTA by invitation, in my view, has some merits but would require Alex’s consent. At this stage the ISTA remains a notional group and we have discussed it without any real movement for at least the last year. To be honest I don’t believe it can be anything more than a secondary part of this site; we are just too spread out over the world. I firmly believe that the thing is impossible without the backing and time of one of the manufacturers; Roderick is the obvious choice but a very, very busy man. We have to be realistic with this and go for what is achievable.

Well, it was just an idea. If nothing else, more folks in the ranks might improve things.

The ISTA needs a leader, clear objectives and a business plan - I think its only then that this will turn from concept to reality. At this stage more members, in my opinion, would simply mean more people wondering what it is. I believe that Alex launched the idea without much idea or capacity about what to do next. This is an observation not a criticism and it is obvious that starting up an international organisation requires a lot more than a rough concept to get it going. Roderick said that he would take it forward last year but after a few posts it fizzled out. Make no mistake, there is a large amount of work involved in this type of thing and few - if indeed any - of us have the time or inclination to take the necessary pivotal role. I am aware this sounds rather negative - and as I say no criticism of anyone is intended - but I now very much doubt that the ISTA will ever be more than a discussion point.

@ Roderick: Well, a membership card is a starting point. At least that exists in the physical world, which is more than we have now.

I make a motion to scrap the skull and cross bones logo. We need something that will be appealing to the anti tobacco crowd. This currently sends the wrong message!

I would agree with this. Anyone remember Death brand cigarettes? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death\\_(cigarette) That was a marketing ploy done firmly tongue in cheek, but it don’t think it is a suitable route for this organisation.

@basement_shaman: Nothing that has to do with tobacco will ever be appealing to the anti-tobacco crowd.

We can either do this boldly or look over our shoulders constantly for the tobacco nazis. Let’s not make endless changes for that reason - the simple fact is that no form of tobacco appreciation society is acceptable today and it can’t be sanitised to make it so. I don’t think the skull and crossbones is a good logo because it doesn’t have anything to do with snuff, but that’s the only reason I would change it. If we worry about every image and use of words like ‘promote’ the ISTA will remain what it always was; a discussion that never got anywhere. With respect.

I think The Creation of Adam By Michelangelo altered to look like god is giving adam an open snuff box would look awesome and possibly add some tobacco plant in bloom in the back ground. I sure someone has the ability to make it .

That is really rather good!

@basement_shaman I think I’ve seen that somewhere already! Probably on snuffhouse

@Xander I like to see that if you can find it? Then you can submit it for approval. Snuff is a gift from god right? I was looking at the fresco and a snuff box would fit between gods thumb and finger, and it would look as if adam is reaching for a pinch

I’m sure I’ve seen it. Though I can’t remember where. I shall look, though. There were no tobacco plants in the background as you suggest.

well, I actually found it quickly, but its not there anymore. Its in this discussion about 2/3 of the way down the first page, a post by itsuke: http://snuffhouse.vanillaforums.com/discussion/3711/fun-funny-t-shirts-designs-wanted-for-toque/p1 It was actually a tin of Toque. It was for t-shirt ideas, and a lot of people were inserting a tin of Toque into famous paintings. Its a good idea, anyway, but someone will have to start from scratch as the old one is lost.

Well I do hope some ISTA computer artist will step up. I have no skills or program on this windows 8 it like they rearranged the store just when you knew where everything was. it suppose to be easy but I can’t find anything on it. User friendly not!

Windows 8 pisses me off, the first time I turned on my new computer I was like “what the hell is going on here, where the hell is my desktop?” it took me like 10 mins just to find the freaking desktop, they changed way too much in a pathetic attempt to make windows work like a smartphone

I’m not very good at Photoshop but my wife is really good at it. I’m sure she can get this done some time over the weekend. I had a quick look for a decent snuff box pic to add into the picture but didn’t find anything that looked right. If anybody wants to send a snuff box pic that looks like it may work well please send it my way. In the meantime I’ll keep looking.

I am not a photoshop professional, but I have used photoshop professionally, retouching images for clients, etc! If @crullers wife has any problems in terms of availability then I would be happy to have a go. It’s a great idea. P.S. I concurr regarding Windows 8. My aged parents have just bought a new PC that came with it and I am trying to sort it out for them. My father is nearly 80. He thinks the reason he has trouble with it is because of his age and lack of familiarity with computing. I have said to him, “No, it’s because this product is s**t!”

@TheBoggart We ended up being a bit more busy this weekend then we intended so if you want to give it a whirl go for it! The hardest part to me is finding a decent snuff box pic that would work well with the painting.

Agreed. I have done a quick n’ dirty one just to see what it looks like and actually it isn’t too bad. Just need to add some snuff into the snuff box. Will post when finished to see if it is on the right lines, then work it up a bit more if people are happy.

Here is a quick one that I have botched together. I can do a more polished version (look for a better snuff box pic and spend more time on cutting out etc) but thought it was worth checking that it was on the right lines.

^ that looks pretty awesome!

Absolutely superb!!

I can probably get the angles a bit better if I can find another snuff box pic, then there was something about getting some tobacco leaves in the background, which I may also be able to do if I can find a suitable image. Bit busy tomorrow but should have some time towards the end of the week.

@TheBoggart If I may make a suggestion if you could get the gold bar borders in and Preferably Adams right arm and leg. I believe the focus will be on the snuff box if it’s a little off center . Other than that, excellent job so far. I think The International Snuff Taker’s Association should go across the bottom on a wavy ribbon; colors similar to the vortex of heaven. Font of your choice and in smaller print [founded 2007] Or established 2014 . I guess these details should be voted for. Any other suggestions or comments this is our Association all members have a voice. Together we will grow. http://image.shutterstock.com/display\\_pic\\_with\\_logo/615640/615640,1283622333,1/stock-photo-blooming-tobacco-plants-with-leaves-flowers-and-buds-60336574.jpg http://www.chloesblog.bigmill.com/uploads/Image/tobacco-flowers.jpg

I think if we can get a consensus on the features I will do a big version that includes the whole image and a smaller version that is cropped in on the hands. In many instances, using the whole image would cause the details to get lost, so a smaller version would be useful. Regarding the banners and bits, it’s doable provided that I can find free stock imagery to use - drawing them from scratch requires knowledge of a different piece of software called Illustrator that I am not so proficient with (not sure I actually even have my own copy). But there should be enough to choose from, it is just a case of finding a suitable one: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=scroll+banner&client=firefox-a&hs=0yP&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=sb&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=S3wEU6edNePA7AaF34HQBw&ved=0CAkQ\\_AUoAQ&biw=1525&bih=678&dpr=0.9

Just to be grammatically correct, it should be the “International Snuff-Takers’ Association” Hyphenated I think is correct, but Takers’ (apostrophe after “s”) indicates both plural and possessive - that I am sure about. I know grammar and punctuation are not important to a lot of people, and certainly not in casual postings, but this is our public face. We have to look the part. White tie and tails. Yeah, I know its not right on the forum category title, I need to fix it. Actually I’d like both dates in it. Conceived: 2007; Established: 2014 Seven years is a long gestation, but i’m glad you guys are here now to inject some fresh ideas and energy into the project.

I like this one

Yes, that’s good. However, beware Xander’s point above about apostophes - as it stands the picture is advertising an International Association for a single snuff-taker… :-B

To avoid confusion may drop the ['s] all together

I think the apostrophe could go and it still be grammatical. A logo doesn’t have to follow strict rules. @basement_shaman - I like the way you are dealing with the questions on the forum, good job so far. As far as questions about the two year rule; most accounts are dormant by that time. Might help you if Alex or Chris could give a statistic on that?

I can gather statistics. Let me know what information you want. There are indeed hundreds of dormant accounts.

here it is with ’ at the end and a -

It be nice to have some numbers to back up the dormant examples

It looks good to me. I think you got the perfect font, too.

"Now hoooooold on thar, Baba Looey! I’ll will not do the “thinnin’” around here, and doooon’t you forget e-it! . I like to see other Ideas and concepts. If no others materialise, then it should be voted on to be adopted. I would like to see more participation from the other 24 +/- members.

Well as I have no artistic talent and am a dunce with photoshop type things, I have nothing to submit other than opinion on others’ work.

My daughter through this together in about 4 minutes. I am with you; my vcr still blinks 12:00

Yes the youngsters do that sort of thing everyday, but do they take snuff? How about another scroll in the painting with the Latin motto that Justin provided?

This stuff is pure wizardry to me, luddite that I am. Can the the lettering be shaped to the scroll? Not overly important but if it could be done it would add to the effect.

Can the the lettering be shaped to the scroll? Not overly important but if it could be done it would add to the effect.

Yes it can. I know that I need to pick this up again but I have had some unexpected distractions (been offered a job - they want me to start ASAP, but I also need to find a flat near their location as it is too far to commute every day). It seems like @basement_shaman and his daughter can push it along so don’t wait for me, but if I get a chance I will see what I can do.

How’s this?

Where do I find this latin motto?

The one I suggested was ‘per traditionem scientia et ars’ .

@basement_shaman‌ Do you want to paste that banner into the image? I can get my wife to do the latin one this weekend if we still need it.

I hope everyone likes this banner

I think that is absolutely first rate - elegant, quirky and very striking. Well done!