#199669 - 20/01/2004 16:33
custom magic 8 balls
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/01/2002
Posts: 3937
Loc: Providence, RI
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So far I found only promobrands.com doing this. Anyone aware of anyone else doing it?
Edit: they won't customize the answers, so there's no point. Oh well. Anyone else?
Edited by dbrashear (20/01/2004 16:34)
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#199670 - 20/01/2004 16:42
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: Daria]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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Well, there is always this...
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199671 - 20/01/2004 16:55
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/01/2002
Posts: 3937
Loc: Providence, RI
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There are a pile of flash, java, etc versions. I want to share my bitterness here by giving everyone a magic 8 ball with custom answers. I don't have the cash for 2500 balls, nor do I have 2500 coworkers, so at the moment I'm sort of screwed.
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#199672 - 20/01/2004 17:10
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: Daria]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 16/06/2000
Posts: 1682
Loc: Greenhills, Ohio
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I'm sure one of the answers you would like to see would be 'sure, fine, whatever' 
_________________________
Laura
MKI #017/90
whatever
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#199673 - 20/01/2004 17:12
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: Laura]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/01/2002
Posts: 3937
Loc: Providence, RI
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It would be a fine answer, but not nearly as bitter as would be useful for this case.
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#199674 - 20/01/2004 17:41
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: Daria]
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old hand
Registered: 14/04/2002
Posts: 1172
Loc: Hants, UK
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Hmm... There was a Simpsons version by Sababa Toys. Can't find any other custom phrases though.
edit: Here's somebody who modified one neatly is this feasible for you?
http://8ball.ofb.net/howto.html
Gareth
Edited by g_attrill (20/01/2004 17:48)
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#199675 - 20/01/2004 17:59
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: g_attrill]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/01/2002
Posts: 3937
Loc: Providence, RI
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Modifying one would be ok, but I want a few of them, so I suspect I'm sad. I did find that...
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#199676 - 20/01/2004 19:59
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: Daria]
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addict
Registered: 03/03/2002
Posts: 687
Loc: Atlanta, Georgia
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I agree, actually.
I work in Technical support, and If it wqere possible, I'd get a custom one for everyone in my department (~15), with answers like:
Reboot
Call Your Vendor
It's A Feature
You're On NoServ
..Would just be great.
Me.
_________________________
Mike 'Fox' Morrey
128BPM@124MPH. Love it!
2002 BRG Mini Cooper
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#199677 - 20/01/2004 20:09
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: foxtrot_xray]
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veteran
Registered: 21/03/2002
Posts: 1424
Loc: MA but Irish born
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mike, put me down for some of them
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#199679 - 21/01/2004 06:06
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: foxtrot_xray]
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old hand
Registered: 14/04/2002
Posts: 1172
Loc: Hants, UK
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One for Tony:
"Read the FAQ"
"Read the FAQ"
"Read the FAQ"
"Read the FAQ"
...
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#199680 - 21/01/2004 06:29
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: g_attrill]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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Well, never doubt the insanity of the anti-social hermit. I submitted a request for quote today - to find out exactly how expensive it would be to create a minimum run of these guys. They have both a 4" and a 2.75" version. It would depend on the price per unit, of course, if this can actually happen. But, if you never ask...
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199681 - 21/01/2004 08:47
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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Hmmm... Intriguing...
I was expecting an answer that would immediately eliminate this as a possibility. The quote I received back though is almost do-able. They are allowing a minimum order of 1000 units at a lower cost per unit than expected... It is almost within range, if I could justify that kind of quantity. (I mean, WTF would an anti-social hermit do with 1000 Tech Support Magic 8 Balls...)
I could almost imagine ordering a bunch of "tech support" ones, with appropriate phrases, and selling them on ebay... Hmmm...
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199682 - 21/01/2004 10:10
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/01/2002
Posts: 3937
Loc: Providence, RI
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Sell them to people here. Duh.
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#199683 - 21/01/2004 10:28
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
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Talk to ThinkGeek. They might could sell 'em.
_________________________
Bitt Faulk
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#199684 - 21/01/2004 11:04
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: wfaulk]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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Greetings!
Nevermind. I just received an updated set of information from the manufacturer. There is an addition one time tool creation cost for making the floating answer module. When that is added in, it pushes this project outside of my random insanity budget. Worth a shot, though.
Carry on.
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199685 - 21/01/2004 13:09
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 13/02/2002
Posts: 3212
Loc: Portland, OR
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Just curious... what *was* the cost?
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#199686 - 21/01/2004 13:35
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: canuckInOR]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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Greetings!
The first quote only had the price per unit and an undefined tool fee. I did not get the tool charge until the second email...
Price: $3.87 per 8-ball ($3,870 for 1000)
Tool charge: $2,500
End price: $6.37 per 8-ball ($6,370 for 1000)
This includes custom logo printing. (I was thinking about 1000...) I am not sure about tax and shipping from China.
Now, if I felt like reselling them, that is one thing. But I still have a day job, and that is a bit too much cash for a random amusement without knowing that there are (sufficient) buyers out there.
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199687 - 21/01/2004 14:03
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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addict
Registered: 03/03/2002
Posts: 687
Loc: Atlanta, Georgia
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Greetings!
The first quote only had the price per unit and an undefined tool fee. I did not get the tool charge until the second email...
Price: $3.87 per 8-ball ($3,870 for 1000)
Tool charge: $2,500
End price: $6.37 per 8-ball ($6,370 for 1000)
This includes custom logo printing. (I was thinking about 1000...) I am not sure about tax and shipping from China.
Now, if I felt like reselling them, that is one thing. But I still have a day job, and that is a bit too much cash for a random amusement without knowing that there are (sufficient) buyers out there.
Wow.. I mean, if I could find a few grand sitting around, that *WOULD* be worth it. You could ditch them on eBay (ThinkGeek, etc) for $20 each, easily!
It's a completely untapped market of geeks out there! 
Me, who's actually running it by his boss. Right now. Really.
_________________________
Mike 'Fox' Morrey
128BPM@124MPH. Love it!
2002 BRG Mini Cooper
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#199688 - 21/01/2004 14:07
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: foxtrot_xray]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 23/08/2000
Posts: 3826
Loc: SLC, UT, USA
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Thinkgeek could get rid of those things in a heartbeat. Hell, i'd buy one for $12.
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#199689 - 21/01/2004 14:51
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: loren]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 14/01/2002
Posts: 2858
Loc: Atlanta, GA
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I'd buy one too for sure. Only 998 more to go . . .
_________________________
-Jeff
Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings; they did it by killing all those who opposed them.
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#199690 - 21/01/2004 15:17
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: loren]
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veteran
Registered: 19/06/2000
Posts: 1495
Loc: US: CA
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Ditto. I'd buy one.
_________________________
Donato MkII/080000565 MkIIa/010101253 ricin.us
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#199691 - 21/01/2004 18:12
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: ricin]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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Everyone, sing along!
Nine hundred, ninety seven magic eight balls on the wall,
Nine hundred, ninety seven magic eight balls...
Take one down, shake it around
Nine hundred, ninety six magic eight balls on the wall.
But seriously. If I could find a way to justify it, I would. I was even thinking of random details. For example:
The logo would be "1000", maybe with a "binary" in tiny print to the bottom right for those without a clue. It would be inside a white circle in black (or null) print, just like an 8-ball...
Sayings so far would include:
1) Zero
2) One
3) Yes
4) No
5) Perhaps...
6) It depends...
7) Sure. Fine. Whatever.
8) You can never have enough disk space
9) Blue Screen Of Death
10) Network Error
11) Check for a virus
12) E-Mail is down
13) Reboot the computer
14) Plug in the computer
15) Reboot the Internet
16) /dev/null
17) Check the router
18) Blame marketing
19) This space intentionally left blank.
20) ping 127.0.0.1
It is still kind of tempting, but there is no way I can see myself selling 1000 of these things... Edit: corrected quote.
Edited by pgrzelak (21/01/2004 18:55)
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199692 - 21/01/2004 18:24
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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addict
Registered: 02/04/2002
Posts: 691
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I've setup a sample i found with a magic 8-ball online a couple of years ago. I've never customized the xml file, but you could even enable custom messages based on username.
I have this running in my AIM profile, and it passes the user name into the 8ball, and emails me thier question/answer.
lt will bomb without the querystirng 
Edited by oliver (21/01/2004 18:25)
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Oliver
mk1 30gb: 129 | mk2a 30gb: 040104126
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#199693 - 21/01/2004 18:41
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: oliver]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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An image of the logo... Assume a black background, a perfectly round circle and kerning that does not look like I threw it together in a few seconds in photoshop...
Edited by pgrzelak (21/01/2004 18:51)
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199694 - 21/01/2004 18:42
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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addict
Registered: 03/03/2002
Posts: 687
Loc: Atlanta, Georgia
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I love the "1000" idea. It actually took me A SECOND to figure out what you were talking about.
And now, I need to.. uhm.. ask a styoopid question. How many answers DOES an 8-ball support?
Me.
_________________________
Mike 'Fox' Morrey
128BPM@124MPH. Love it!
2002 BRG Mini Cooper
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#199695 - 21/01/2004 18:43
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: foxtrot_xray]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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20. It is an icosohedron.
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199696 - 21/01/2004 18:51
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 16/06/2000
Posts: 1682
Loc: Greenhills, Ohio
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#7 needs to be Sure. Fine. Whatever. I would buy a couple at least. Could you have one say arp -F or arp is your friend?
_________________________
Laura
MKI #017/90
whatever
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#199697 - 21/01/2004 18:53
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: Laura]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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Ooops. Misquoted. That would be fixed. But then, that shows another possible issue - "all your base...". I can probably drop an arp in there, sure...
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199698 - 21/01/2004 18:58
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 16/06/2000
Posts: 1682
Loc: Greenhills, Ohio
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I hope this can happen. I've always loved the Magic 8 Ball and have one on my desktop. I almost bought one in a store a few weeks ago. I think they are so cool
And I learned that arp is my friend the hard way.
_________________________
Laura
MKI #017/90
whatever
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#199699 - 21/01/2004 19:04
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 16/06/2000
Posts: 1682
Loc: Greenhills, Ohio
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I asked my Magic 8 Ball if you would end up getting these made and it said "it is not clear". It is always right
_________________________
Laura
MKI #017/90
whatever
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#199700 - 21/01/2004 19:10
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: Laura]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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That is about right at the moment...
Other quotes that need to be there:
a) arp -F
b) CAFFEINE !!!
c) BEER !!!
d) RTFM !!!
e) Read the FAQ !!!
f) TANSTAAFL
g) 42
Edited by pgrzelak (21/01/2004 19:12)
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199701 - 21/01/2004 19:11
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 25/08/2000
Posts: 2413
Loc: NH USA
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One of the answers must be 42.
-Zeke
_________________________
WWFSMD?
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#199702 - 21/01/2004 20:15
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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veteran
Registered: 21/03/2002
Posts: 1424
Loc: MA but Irish born
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#199703 - 21/01/2004 20:54
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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addict
Registered: 03/03/2002
Posts: 687
Loc: Atlanta, Georgia
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Hmm.. I dunno about some of those. IF we (someone) was to do it, the answers would have to be.. 'generic' enough for ANY 'tech support'. I LIKE the 42, tho. That stays.. I think the list should be (editied for true 'answers'.
In reply to:
Sure. Fine. Whatever.
42
Talk to your MIS Dept.
Other Vendor Issue
Virus
E-Mail Down
Reboot Computer
Power On Computer
Reboot Internet
We See No Problem
ping 127.0.0.1
Blame Marketing
This Space Intentionally Left Blank
It's a Feature
Has Been Known Issue
We'll Get Back To You
Check Cables
Not Covered under Support
You're on No Service
Operates By Design
I'm curious as to size/length limitation.
Me.
_________________________
Mike 'Fox' Morrey
128BPM@124MPH. Love it!
2002 BRG Mini Cooper
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#199704 - 21/01/2004 23:12
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: Ezekiel]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 14/01/2002
Posts: 2858
Loc: Atlanta, GA
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One of the answers must be 42. Without Question! (pun intended)
_________________________
-Jeff
Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings; they did it by killing all those who opposed them.
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#199705 - 21/01/2004 23:13
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 13/02/2002
Posts: 3212
Loc: Portland, OR
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Dang, that's a lot cheaper than I thought!
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#199706 - 22/01/2004 05:43
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: canuckInOR]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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Okay. Following up on this...
I was thinking about it. Slept on the idea. Every now and then, I get a "feeling". Usually that feeling is right, and I know it was true after the fact. Two examples:
Even though it may seem like a bad idea now, you probably want to retrieve that kidney stone from the bowl and get it analyzed so that you can avoid others in the future...
or
You might want to get more of that Nortel stock. Nortel and Alteon are not going to go away, and at $0.50 a share, you should get a lot more than your standard 500 shares.
I have a "feeling" about this. I don't know if I will be able to get rid of all 1000, but I have a feeling that I will regret it if I do not try.
So, it is extremely likely that I will be going ahead with this project. I will take into consideration everything on this thread, including the responses posted, and I will come up with a final list. I agree with Mike - they will have to be more generic. Thinking about it...
As to the amount of text, my guess is a few words, tops. Here is my current list:
Sure. Fine. Whatever.
fourty two
call the helpdesk
blame the vendor
virus
divide by zero
reboot
what problem?
ping 127.0.0.1
Make it so.
feature / known issue
let me call you back
not supported
read the manual & FAQ
caffeine
/dev/null
network error
blue screen of death
outsourced or downsized
plug it in
Edited by pgrzelak (22/01/2004 06:19)
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199707 - 22/01/2004 07:45
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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addict
Registered: 03/03/2002
Posts: 687
Loc: Atlanta, Georgia
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I can agree with that list.
I think it's a great idea, don't think you would have much problems ridding yourself of them (if you want, I can take care of the ebay thing, if there are a few we just can't rid ourselves of! Aside from buying like, 20 or so. ) I would, actually, be doing it if I had the money. As it is, I'd have to wait a year before ordering.
Me.
_________________________
Mike 'Fox' Morrey
128BPM@124MPH. Love it!
2002 BRG Mini Cooper
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#199708 - 22/01/2004 07:55
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 25/08/2000
Posts: 2413
Loc: NH USA
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I'd be in for at least four or five. I hope you do it. I think they'd sell very nicely.
-Zeke
_________________________
WWFSMD?
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#199709 - 22/01/2004 07:56
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/12/2001
Posts: 5528
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You might want to spell it "Forty" instead of "Fourty" tho
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#199710 - 22/01/2004 08:05
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 14/01/2002
Posts: 2858
Loc: Atlanta, GA
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It seems to mee there are a few obvious answers missing:
ID10T
Mouse Driver Error
Nut Loose On The Keyboard
A problem between the keyboard and monitor
Ok, maybe not most of those, but ID10T at least.
_________________________
-Jeff
Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings; they did it by killing all those who opposed them.
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#199711 - 22/01/2004 08:10
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: tman]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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Cool. This looks like it will be happening...
You might want to spell it "Forty" instead of "Fourty" tho
Aw... That is one of those words I deliberately misspell because I think it makes more sense the other way... Hmmm... Well, I guess I should...
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199712 - 22/01/2004 08:11
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: JeffS]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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The problem is there are only 20 spaces and only a few words per space. The only ones that might fit are ID10T (a possibility) and Mouse Driver Error (also good).
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199713 - 22/01/2004 08:11
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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addict
Registered: 23/12/2002
Posts: 652
Loc: Winston Salem, NC
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Why not sell them on Think Geek? They'd probably sell like hotcakes (whatever that means).
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#199714 - 22/01/2004 08:11
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: JeffS]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 19/01/2002
Posts: 3584
Loc: Columbus, OH
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A problem between the keyboard and monitor Better known as PEBKAC
(problem exists between keyboard and chair)
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~ John
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#199715 - 22/01/2004 08:12
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: Cybjorg]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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I didn't know regular users could sell there. I thought that I would have to get "in" with their marketing folks and have them carry the product.
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199716 - 22/01/2004 08:14
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: JBjorgen]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 14/01/2002
Posts: 2858
Loc: Atlanta, GA
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Better known as PEBKAC Ah yes. I couldn't think of it exactly. Thanks for the assist!
_________________________
-Jeff
Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings; they did it by killing all those who opposed them.
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#199717 - 22/01/2004 08:16
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 14/01/2002
Posts: 2858
Loc: Atlanta, GA
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Cool. This looks like it will be happening... Excellent! I told a few people here at work and they just smiled and said "what a fantastic idea. I want one."
_________________________
-Jeff
Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings; they did it by killing all those who opposed them.
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#199718 - 22/01/2004 08:16
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/12/2001
Posts: 5528
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heh. It does make more sense the other way
I'd be up for a couple so that's another 2 you don't need to worry about selling
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#199719 - 22/01/2004 10:13
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: tman]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 25/08/2000
Posts: 2413
Loc: NH USA
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Yes, but then you'd need twoty threety and fivety as well.
-Zeke
_________________________
WWFSMD?
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#199720 - 22/01/2004 11:03
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 06/02/2002
Posts: 1904
Loc: Leeds, UK
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Paul,
I would take say 100 (or even more) and sell them on this side of the pond through ebay.co.uk etc...
What do you think ???
Cheers
Cris.
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#199721 - 22/01/2004 11:03
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: Ezekiel]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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...but I would be covered for sixty, seventy, eighty and ninety...
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199722 - 22/01/2004 11:34
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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addict
Registered: 23/12/2002
Posts: 652
Loc: Winston Salem, NC
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I didn't know regular users could sell there. I thought that I would have to get "in" with their marketing folks and have them carry the product.
I'm sure you're right, but it may not be as hard as you think. After all, I'm sure there are plenty of geeks that would purchase one.
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#199723 - 22/01/2004 11:44
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: Cybjorg]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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Greetings!
Well at this stage, I am going to do it. I am going through the process with them now (still very tempted to deliberately misspell fourty). I hope to have proofs or mock-ups soon.
That is when the patience kicks in. After the proof is approved, it is still a 60 day turn around time for orders like this.
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199724 - 22/01/2004 11:52
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: JeffS]
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veteran
Registered: 19/06/2000
Posts: 1495
Loc: US: CA
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I told a few people here at work and they just smiled and said "what a fantastic idea. I want one."
Same here. Looks like i'll be getting 10+ for people here at work.
_________________________
Donato MkII/080000565 MkIIa/010101253 ricin.us
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#199725 - 22/01/2004 11:53
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 08/03/2000
Posts: 12338
Loc: Sterling, VA
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But just think of the day you receive a thousand balls on your doorstep
_________________________
Matt
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#199726 - 22/01/2004 11:55
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31596
Loc: Seattle, WA
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still very tempted to deliberately misspell fourty Don't. In fact, I highly recommend making it just the numeric version "42".
Since you're going for the humor effect, you need people to react to it in the proper way. It's hard to do comedic timing in text, but in this case, your choice of how to print the word give you some control over that. The reader's brain needs to interpret the result as quickly as possible, and when seeing just the word all by itself, the number is going to hit their brain stem quicker, and make the Douglas Adams association quicker, than the full words would.
It would be different if it were a long piece of written prose. But since it's a tiny triangle in the 8-ball window, I think the number would work better than the words.
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#199727 - 22/01/2004 11:57
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: tfabris]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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Hmmm... The numeric would work very well... An excellent idea!
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199728 - 22/01/2004 12:33
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: tfabris]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 14/01/2002
Posts: 2858
Loc: Atlanta, GA
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Since you're going for the humor effect, you need people to react to it in the proper way. It's hard to do comedic timing in text, but in this case, your choice of how to print the word give you some control over that. The reader's brain needs to interpret the result as quickly as possible, and when seeing just the word all by itself, the number is going to hit their brain stem quicker, and make the Douglas Adams association quicker, than the full words would. Wow. I was thinking this (in some vague "it'd be funnier just as a number" kind of way) but couldn't really figure out how to say it. Very well done!
_________________________
-Jeff
Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings; they did it by killing all those who opposed them.
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#199729 - 22/01/2004 12:37
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: tfabris]
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veteran
Registered: 19/06/2000
Posts: 1495
Loc: US: CA
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Well put.
I think leaving out the word "binary" for the logo text (or whatever that's called). I think it has a better impact just having "1000" by itself, and it looks better. If people don't get it, too bad, maybe they shouldn't buy one in the first place.  Plus, it can always be explained if need be.
_________________________
Donato MkII/080000565 MkIIa/010101253 ricin.us
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#199730 - 22/01/2004 12:39
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: ricin]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
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I agree 1100100%
_________________________
Bitt Faulk
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#199731 - 22/01/2004 12:39
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 14/01/2002
Posts: 2858
Loc: Atlanta, GA
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Well at this stage, I am going to do it. I am going through the process with them now I can't wait!
One thing, though. You're not going to get in any legal trouble over this are you since the "Magic 8 Ball" is a Tyco product? I have no idea about such things, but I'd hate to see you get sued for selling them over ebay.
_________________________
-Jeff
Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings; they did it by killing all those who opposed them.
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#199732 - 22/01/2004 12:48
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: JeffS]
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veteran
Registered: 19/06/2000
Posts: 1495
Loc: US: CA
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Mattel, actually. I don't think there'd be a problem, that company (PromoBrands) would have to have permission to manufacture the custom versions in the first place, right?
_________________________
Donato MkII/080000565 MkIIa/010101253 ricin.us
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#199733 - 22/01/2004 12:50
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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old hand
Registered: 14/04/2002
Posts: 1172
Loc: Hants, UK
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Put me down for a few!
I was going to say they are authorised manufacturers, but since they use the term "8 ball" and then "Fortune Balls" I guess not. Perhaps they licence the design but not the "Magic 8 Ball" name?
Gareth
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#199734 - 22/01/2004 12:53
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: ricin]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31596
Loc: Seattle, WA
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I think leaving out the word "binary" for the logo text (or whatever that's called). I think it has a better impact just having "1000" by itself, and it looks better. I wonder how you could clearly indicate that it's a binary value without saying Binary. You could do Hex with "0x08", but what's the proper notation for binary?
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#199735 - 22/01/2004 12:57
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: tfabris]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 14/01/2002
Posts: 2858
Loc: Atlanta, GA
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I wonder how you could clearly indicate that it's a binary value without saying Binary. I don't know how it would look on the eight ball, but you could do something like
10010100101001
1001 1000110111
10001000110000
where the background numbers are REALLY faded.
_________________________
-Jeff
Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings; they did it by killing all those who opposed them.
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#199736 - 22/01/2004 13:01
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: tfabris]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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Greetings!
Actually, I like the word binary there. Visually, it serves to orient the unit (I know the 1 is in a font that you can tell if it is upside-down, but...) and kind of balance the image.
As for the legal aspects, the packaging is from the manufacturer, so it would not have the words "magic" or "eight" or "ball" anywhere associated with it. I personally would use a weird term like "techie thousand sphere"...
Edited by pgrzelak (22/01/2004 13:04)
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199737 - 22/01/2004 13:05
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: tfabris]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
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Mathematically, bases are indicated by a trailing subscript of the base in decimal.
In many computer languages, hexadecimal is preceded by `0x', as you say, and octal is preceded by `0', but binary isn't generally allowed, as it's just as easy and nearly as understandable to use hex or octal with the added benefit of taking up much less space. I suppose he could have it be `010'. `0x8' isn't particularly interesting, though.
_________________________
Bitt Faulk
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#199738 - 22/01/2004 13:07
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
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I'm not inclined to buy this kind of gewgaw, but I know that I'd think it was cool if it said `1000', but be inclined to call it amateurish and desperately pandering if the word `binary' followed. Make the font something obviously computerish, like OCR-A, if you think it needs some added implication that it's binary.
_________________________
Bitt Faulk
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#199739 - 22/01/2004 13:19
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: wfaulk]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31596
Loc: Seattle, WA
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Maybe it would be enough to say "001000"?
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#199740 - 22/01/2004 13:19
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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pooh-bah
Registered: 31/08/1999
Posts: 1649
Loc: San Carlos, CA
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I would buy a couple. Would like to see 'RTFM' and 'Wetware error' as options
-Mike
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#199741 - 22/01/2004 13:31
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: JeffS]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 14/01/2002
Posts: 2858
Loc: Atlanta, GA
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Just to follow this through (and because it looked awful in my post), see the attachment for what I was thinking.
Attachments
198459-Binary 8.gif (274 downloads)
_________________________
-Jeff
Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings; they did it by killing all those who opposed them.
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#199742 - 22/01/2004 13:33
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: JeffS]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31596
Loc: Seattle, WA
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#199743 - 22/01/2004 15:37
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: ricin]
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addict
Registered: 03/03/2002
Posts: 687
Loc: Atlanta, Georgia
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Aside from that, we'd never say that they're "our own", just custom..
There's nothing wrong with buying something at the store, then selling it on eBay. People do that alot, it seems..
Me.
_________________________
Mike 'Fox' Morrey
128BPM@124MPH. Love it!
2002 BRG Mini Cooper
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#199744 - 22/01/2004 15:46
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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enthusiast
Registered: 27/03/2002
Posts: 248
Loc: Swindon, UK
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Gonna need about 30. Hopefully by April 19th if possible. The 1st meeting of our team. Shame its in the UK, but can't have everything. People coming in from 10 countries.
_________________________
Andy
MK2a 60GB Amber 040103916 32mb/Light Kit
MK2a 50GB Amber 030102560 32mb
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#199745 - 22/01/2004 15:51
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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addict
Registered: 24/07/2003
Posts: 500
Loc: Colorado, N.A.
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At ~$10-12 each, I'm in for qty. 8 or ~$100 worth, whichever is greater. You're now taking down all our orders, right?
And as a tech writer, I have to second the vote to slip in "RTFM" there somewhere. That said, I trust your judgement.
_________________________
-- DLF
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#199746 - 22/01/2004 16:16
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: DLF]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 15/08/2000
Posts: 4859
Loc: New Jersey, USA
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Greetings!
Hold the orders and projections for a little while. I am still going ahead with the minimum 1000 order, but even best case we are still talking about a 60 day delivery cycle. I would not expect to see anything actually arrive until the early part of April. Once I get a firm delivery date, I will post something in the For Sale forum and let people know they are near.
When I get the final proof text and logos, I will post them here for people to look at.
_________________________
Paul Grzelak
200GB with 48MB RAM, Illuminated Buttons and Digital Outputs
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#199747 - 22/01/2004 17:54
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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old hand
Registered: 14/04/2002
Posts: 1172
Loc: Hants, UK
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I guess if you're shelling out for the tooling you don't want to rush choosing your answers.
Another one: "PRESS CTRL+ALT+DEL"
Gareth
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#199748 - 22/01/2004 18:50
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: tfabris]
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carpal tunnel
Registered: 24/01/2002
Posts: 3937
Loc: Providence, RI
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subscript 2 to the right of the number.
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#199749 - 23/01/2004 07:14
Re: custom magic 8 balls
[Re: pgrzelak]
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addict
Registered: 09/06/1999
Posts: 559
Loc: Newfoundland, Canada
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I dreamed about this last night... put me down for one as well I guess!
_________________________
12 gig empeg Mark II, SN: 080000101 30 gig RioCar SN: 30103114 My blog
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