Blog reader Michael sent in a question that I think bears answering publicly. He asked (and I’m paraphrasing here), “For someone who keeps mentioning the brand standards, your photo on the blog seems to be in violation. What gives?”

An apt question, no?

Actually, the photo of me with the cross is from a local campaign that was produced by Nerve, Inc. The campaign included red crosses made from the supplies that would typically go into a disaster kit — things like flashlights, bandages, etc… This campaign was later picked up and used by the Red Cross nationally.

Interestingly enough, in our new brand standards book (which is gigantic), NHQ noted this exact campaign as an acceptable “alternative” use of the red cross.

Whew! So as far as I can tell, this means that I’m not in violation…yet. Give me time — I’m sure I’ll blow it eventually.