Naturist Recoginition

[Tsirutan]

I'd like to open some dialog about a subtle or inconspicuous way for naturists to recognize one another. For instance, the rainbow logo is often seen as a bumper sticker, or license plate frame on gay peoples cars, it's their way of expressing their preference and to identify each other.
Recently, I was at a customers home, had no idea he was a naturist, until I saw the nude runner screen saver on his computer. Would have never known it unless I saw his computer.
My suggestion is that we (naturists), come up with some kind of symbol or logo that we could make into a symbol for our lifestyle, that is not readily appearant to the outsider, but known within our community as a way to identify ourselves to each other. One thought I had would be a sun logo with the word "free" in it - inconspicuous but identifable. We could have a bumper or window sticker made and make it the universal Naturist Logo. I'm sure someone out there has better ideas, so how bout it?

[Tsirutan]

I'd like to open some dialog about a subtle or inconspicuous way for naturists to recognize one another. For instance, the rainbow logo is often seen as a bumper sticker, or license plate frame on gay peoples cars, it's their way of expressing their preference and to identify each other.
Recently, I was at a customers home, had no idea he was a naturist, until I saw the nude runner screen saver on his computer. Would have never known it unless I saw his computer.
My suggestion is that we (naturists), come up with some kind of symbol or logo that we could make into a symbol for our lifestyle, that is not readily appearant to the outsider, but known within our community as a way to identify ourselves to each other. One thought I had would be a sun logo with the word "free" in it - inconspicuous but identifable. We could have a bumper or window sticker made and make it the universal Naturist Logo. I'm sure someone out there has better ideas, so how bout it?

[nacktman]

TNS has had a large "N" for years and it works quite well.

[Tsirutan]

Nacktman, do you have one on your car? If I would have seen it, wouldn't known what it was for. I think something a little less generic then a letter is needed - something more recoganizable but still subtle that represents the naturist lifestyle, not just an organization. My idea of the sun logo with the word free in it could be passed off as "free solar power" if you didn't want to explain it to an outsider.

[DenitaLC]

Tsirutan: Off topic and I apologize for that but I have a question about your advatar. Was that taken on top of San Jacinto Mt.? (sp?)

It sure looks familiar to me.

Thanks,
Dee

[Tsirutan]

Good eye! Yes, that picture was taken in Fuller Mill Creek on Hwy. 243 just below Idyllwild. It's one of my favorite hikes, it's beautiful in the spring when the streams runs full from the snow melt off. Also a popular place for naturists on holiday weekends! Have you been there?

[DenitaLC]

We took the tram up the mountain last April. It was amazing up there. A lot of snow was still on the ground and I stripped down for some photos really quickly. We hope to go back this April (while at DS) and do more hiking up there.

http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif



<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Tsirutan:
Good eye! Yes, that picture was taken in Fuller Mill Creek on Hwy. 243 just below Idyllwild. It's one of my favorite hikes, it's beautiful in the spring when the streams runs full from the snow melt off. Also a popular place for naturists on holiday weekends! Have you been there? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Tsirutan]

E-mail me if you would like some info on some neat hikes nearby.

[Nues]

One way for nudists to recognize each other is through the wrist bands offered at http://www.livenaked.org. DoctorSurferDude and his bro Fresh Air are to thank for these. I have ordered 10 of 'em to date.

[shaneone]

I like the sun idea, would put one on my bumper

[Naturist Mark]

Here's an earlier thread discussing this topic: Drawing attention (http://clothesfreeforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/3400016152/m/2090009152/p/1)

Some of the suggestions from there:
http://clothesfreeforums.com/eve/forums/a/ga/ul/2000011314/inlineimg/Y/ndst.jpg

http://clothesfreeforums.com/eve/forums/a/ga/ul/7320011314/inlineimg/Y/symbool.jpg

http://www.thecatdragdinn.org/cosign153x194.jpg

http://hometown.aol.co.uk/azureink/images/naturismsymbol.jpg
http://hometown.aol.co.uk/azureink/images/naturismbird.jpg

-Mark

[P.J.]

Bumper stickers with a commonly recognized symbol would be one way for us to recognize one another. However, by the time recognition is made, there would probably be too much distance to strike up any acquantance.

My suggestion would be to follow the example of those of us who are recovering from alcoholism and have experiences with AA. When we think we might be face to face with another recovering alcoholic, want to share our experiences without compromising our anonymity, we ask, "Are you a friend of Bill W.?"

Maybe we could break the ice and maintain a low profile by asking, "Are you a friend of Corey M.?" or "Are you a friend of Corky S.?"

I think that if we asked anyone who is familiar with CFI, he or she would recognize either name, while the outsiders from the textile community would respond with a blank stare followed by "Who's Corey M.?" or "Who's Corky S.?"

Let's agree on which name we will use.

[Pete Knight]

Over on this side of the pond our national organisation sells car stickers designed for windows, I have one on my car, but I've so far only had one person show any recognition.

https://www.british-naturism.org.uk/secure/shop/products/prm08.jpg

As you can see, its a simple representation of the sun.



I like the idea of a phrase or saying that would help in identifying oneself to other naturists without giving the game away to textiles, but Corey M or Corky S wouldn't work so well over here, I have used the name of CCBN's commercial manager with good effect before now, everyone over here has heard of Andrew Welch.

Pete Knight

[tiger79]

I'm not sure I agree with the idea of using code words or phrases to hide behind. Wouldn't this just turn naturists into another strange clique, and suggest that we have something we're not exactly happy to share?

Incidentally, I've never heard of Andrew Welch!

[Pete Knight]

Yes I agree that we need to be more openness, but there are times when the utmost discretion is needed.

I take it you're not a member of BN then?

Pete Knight

[tiger79]

No, I'm not a member of BN. I've not found it necessary to join an association in order to take my clothes off in appropriate places. As for your comment that "there are times when the utmost discretion is needed", we're naturists, that's all - we're not crack cocaine addicts, wife-beaters or child molesters (well, most of us aren't http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/rolleyes2.gif). What's to be ashamed of?

[Tsirutan]

I like Evolving's post - there are many times I have parked at a trail head and tried to guess what kind of people, or how many I might run into on the trail based on what kind of cars/trucks are parked there. If I saw the bumper or window sticker, I'd know that there were fellow naturists ahead.

[Pete Knight]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tiger79:
No, I'm not a member of BN. I've not found it necessary to join an association in order to take my clothes off in appropriate places. As for your comment that "there are times when the utmost discretion is needed", we're naturists, that's all - we're not crack cocaine addicts, wife-beaters or child molesters (well, most of us aren't http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/rolleyes2.gif). What's to be ashamed of? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nothing to be ashamed of, but the police see it quite differently, and I have no desire to lose a few hours in a police station being interrogated like a criminal, and I know people who have experienced that. I get my naturist enjoyment walking with groups, visiting clubs, beach meets and my own little freehiking place in some woodland near to where I live.

Whilst I may be happy to be open about my naturism, and the Tee shirts I wear tend to give the game away, how do I identify those that may wish to keep a lower key, and as several people have stated, its handy to see if any of the cars in the parking lot belong to a fellow naturist.

As for not joining an organisation (We have two to choose from now!), I expect you've enjoyed the use of a beach that may have been lost to naturism if BN hadn't intervened, they also promote naturism and ensure that a wider audience are aware of naturism thereby making it more acceptable to the wider public. Those appropriate places would not exist if a group of people hadn't got together to actually organise something.

The other organisation is 'Naturists UK' which officially launches this month, they have nothing to offer but promises at the moment, but the fellow running it is negotiating a number of key events, like a nude area at the Glastonbury Concert.

Enough of the sales pitch, and I'm not even on commission either!!!!!

Pete Knight

[tiger79]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Pete Knight:
Nothing to be ashamed of, but the police see it quite differently, and I have no desire to lose a few hours in a police station being interrogated like a criminal, and I know people who have experienced that. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Now I'm confused, Pete, are you saying that being a member of BN stops the police action?

I really don't agree that I owe some sort of debt of gratitude to BN, or that I've "enjoyed the use of a beach that may have been lost to naturism if BN hadn't intervened". From what I can see, BN is a very low profile organisation. According to their website, they only issued a handful of press releases last year, so I'd hardly call them influential. And if BN were effective, surely we'd have more than 11 official nude beaches in the UK? I'd take more convincing to part with my £42 ($80) annual fee!

[Baron Lake]

I have a large "N" from the Naturist Society in the corner of my windshield which engenders the occasional question. It has not however, been responsible for any "hook-ups" with other Fresno naturists. But then again this is Fresno.

b.l.

[shaneone]

Tsirutan,

Really like the sun and trees logo with free in the middle.
It's understated but really cool looking,

Hope that someone takes it up and makes it!! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/applause.gif

[Fuzzy Nuts]

In Canada the large N stands for New Driver.

[K and C]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by P.J.:
Bumper stickers with a commonly recognized symbol would be one way for us to recognize one another. However, by the time recognition is made, there would probably be too much distance to strike up any acquantance.

My suggestion would be to follow the example of those of us who are recovering from alcoholism and have experiences with AA. When we think we might be face to face with another recovering alcoholic, want to share our experiences without compromising our anonymity, we ask, "Are you a friend of Bill W.?"

Maybe we could break the ice and maintain a low profile by asking, "Are you a friend of Corey M.?" or "Are you a friend of Corky S.?"

I think that if we asked anyone who is familiar with CFI, he or she would recognize either name, while the outsiders from the textile community would respond with a blank stare followed by "Who's Corey M.?" or "Who's Corky S.?"

Let's agree on which name we will use. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>This is difficult to do because not all nudist/naturist are affiliated with CFI. Maybe not everyone would know Corey or Corky I believe it would need to be a logo.

[nacktman]

How about a simple sun motif?

[Tsirutan]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Tsirutan,

Really like the sun and trees logo with free in the middle.
It's understated but really cool looking,

Hope that someone takes it up and makes it!! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thank you, I just "modified" a clip art I found in Word - just to illustrate how something so subtle could be identifiable.

[lk2bnud]

I went on the internet to search for a nude symbol...could not find one. I like the sun idea and would put one on my car.

lk2bnud

[K and C]

We should all have fun with this and everyone submit their favorite emblem, logo, or phrase. Then everyone vote on a design I would be glad to take it to our local sticker shop and have them made up and sold thru CFI or thru my PO box. Then maybe we can get a known recognition logo started right here.Is anyone interested?

[Nudeinbama]

I'm no artist, so I don't have an illustration, but how about a nice sun, with the N inside it, to represent Sunning Naturally, or Nude in the sun. Or another idea might be a small picture of a bear(Bare) in the sun. That should raise some questions.
Nudeinbama

[carbuff]

I would like something of sorts and have thought of this in the past too it didnt go anywhere though .
Good luck . I dlike a sticker for my truck .

[lk2bnud]

K and C

I would be interested in voting and ordering a couple. Let's do it.

lk2bnud

[Tsirutan]

That's right - as Ty would say "LETS DO IT!". Lets start something here for the benefit of all naturists. I think everyone would be interested in some insigna we could display that would be subtle, yet identifiable. Why not open a new thread up and let people submit thier ideas for an insigna? Draw it, CAD it, photo it, scan it, whatever then post it so we can all see your ideas!
How about it Corey & Corky - if we could all decide on a "Naturist Insignia" would CFI run with it and market it?
Maybe we could set a deadline for entries then take a poll to vote on a winner? I think this ideas time has come!

[DoctorSurferDude]

http://www.livenaked.org/images/livenaked2.jpg

[Tsirutan]

http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/yes.gif

[tiger79]

Here's a thought: many people have expressed a preference for a "sun" logo. Why not use the sun device from the ClothesFree logo? Maybe with the initials "CF" for added clarity? After all, there are maybe 8,000-9,000 registered members of these forums, so the logo ought to be fairly recognisable to a lot of people.
http://www.clothesfree.com/nudist.jpg

[K and C]

If we use the CFI logo sun it is copyrighted as are alot of the logo's. Unless Corky wants to get CFI involved will not be able to use this logo. We need to try and find something original. I do believe this will go over well if can get a nice logo. Seems alot are leaning toward a sun. So I think we should run with the sun Idea with an added extra. I will try and sketch up some simple Ideas today that maybe we could work with. And by all means everyone else start sketching and we can go from there. This will work for sure. I am sure we can all agree on something.

[tiger79]

Yes, of course it's copyrighted, but I'd have thought that CFI would have seen the (controlled) use of their logo element as a positive promotional tool for them. Maybe Corey or Corky could let us have a yes or no on this one?

[K and C]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tiger79:
Yes, of course it's copyrighted, but I'd have thought that CFI would have seen the (controlled) use of their logo element as a positive promotional tool for them. Maybe Corey or Corky could let us have a yes or no on this one? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I agree they should have the final say on their logo. Who knows maybe something else will come up anyway. We will just have to see the response to all this.

[K and C]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Baron Lake:
I have a large "N" from the Naturist Society in the corner of my windshield which engenders the occasional question. It has not however, been responsible for any "hook-ups" with other Fresno naturists. But then again this is Fresno.

b.l. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Could be worse then Fresno At least it isnt Indiana .......lol No, Honestly we love Indiana just dont always agree with the weather.

[Pete Knight]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DoctorSurferDude:
http://www.livenaked.org/images/livenaked2.jpg </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I've been wearing one of these for almost a year now, no one has shown the slightest sign of recognition yet. I wear it at nudist events where I was asked about it only once. The words "LIVE NAKED" are not that obvious, and there are so many charity wrist bands about these days that yet another wrist band seems to go unnoticed, but it doesn't put me off wearing it.

Pete Knight

[K and C]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Pete Knight:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DoctorSurferDude:
http://www.livenaked.org/images/livenaked2.jpg </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I've been wearing one of these for almost a year now, no one has shown the slightest sign of recognition yet. I wear it at nudist events where I was asked about it only once. The words "LIVE NAKED" are not that obvious, and there are so many charity wrist bands about these days that yet another wrist band seems to go unnoticed, but it doesn't put me off wearing it.

Pete Knight </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I agree when the livestrong Bands were out they became quite a fad and everyone wanted one. Now however there are even bands that say "get er' Done" No one notices bands anymore.

[barebum]

Isn't the white band also used for the "make poverty history" campaign!

[Nudeinbama]

It photed as white, but is actually kinda clear or meant to be, and yes the Live Naked,is hard to see, unless you look close.
Nudeinbama

[Nakedman61]

I have a magnetic bumper sticker on my car that has NUDIST wrote on it in big letters. Does anybody else have anything like that?

[Tsirutan]

Sorry, I've been a way for a while, but am happy to see this thread is still active, and has some great postings. I would like to re-state my feelings on this idea once again... I think a NON-DESCRIPT logo is what is needed - something identifiable amongst ourselves, but not outwardly obvious to the general textile population what it stands for. This allows us to be anonymous when needed.
The only thing I can think of that closely parallels my idea is the rainbow logo used by gay people. Not that I’m for or against gays, but their logo closely replicates the idea of a type of recognition needed for naturists.
Although the gay rainbow insignia, or logo is quite well known today, when it was originally started, it was a way for gay people to identify each other as well as show their lifestyle preference. To the unknowing, it was just… a rainbow, but to the gay population, it was a way of identifying someone with like-mindedness. If someone inquired about the meaning of the rainbow, and the person wanted to remain anonymous, they could just say they like the colors of the rainbow and dismiss it at that.
That is why I think that something simple, like the barefoot idea, or the sun logos are best suited for our needs. I personally wouldn’t use anything that has outwardly obvious content in it. Anybody else share my feelings on this?

[P.J.]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by K and C:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by P.J.:
Bumper stickers with a commonly recognized symbol would be one way for us to recognize one another. However, by the time recognition is made, there would probably be too much distance to strike up any acquantance.

My suggestion would be to follow the example of those of us who are recovering from alcoholism and have experiences with AA. When we think we might be face to face with another recovering alcoholic, want to share our experiences without compromising our anonymity, we ask, "Are you a friend of Bill W.?"

Maybe we could break the ice and maintain a low profile by asking, "Are you a friend of Corey M.?" or "Are you a friend of Corky S.?"

I think that if we asked anyone who is familiar with CFI, he or she would recognize either name, while the outsiders from the textile community would respond with a blank stare followed by "Who's Corey M.?" or "Who's Corky S.?"

Let's agree on which name we will use. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>This is difficult to do because not all nudist/naturist are affiliated with CFI. Maybe not everyone would know Corey or Corky I believe it would need to be a logo. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Sorry for not responding sooner...
When Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which was the fore runner of the 12 Step Program was started, not too many knew who "Bill W" was.
Maybe we could use the phrase "Are you a friend of K & C?" for naturist recognition... http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/beam.gif http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif

[Kev0]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Pete Knight:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DoctorSurferDude:
http://www.livenaked.org/images/livenaked2.jpg </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I've been wearing one of these for almost a year now, no one has shown the slightest sign of recognition yet. I wear it at nudist events where I was asked about it only once. The words "LIVE NAKED" are not that obvious, and there are so many charity wrist bands about these days that yet another wrist band seems to go unnoticed, but it doesn't put me off wearing it.

Pete Knight </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I wore mine on and off last year and have decided to keep it on 247 in 2007. But same story - no recognition so far!

[K and C]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by P.J.:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by K and C:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by P.J.:
Bumper stickers with a commonly recognized symbol would be one way for us to recognize one another. However, by the time recognition is made, there would probably be too much distance to strike up any acquantance.

My suggestion would be to follow the example of those of us who are recovering from alcoholism and have experiences with AA. When we think we might be face to face with another recovering alcoholic, want to share our experiences without compromising our anonymity, we ask, "Are you a friend of Bill W.?"

Maybe we could break the ice and maintain a low profile by asking, "Are you a friend of Corey M.?" or "Are you a friend of Corky S.?"

I think that if we asked anyone who is familiar with CFI, he or she would recognize either name, while the outsiders from the textile community would respond with a blank stare followed by "Who's Corey M.?" or "Who's Corky S.?"

Let's agree on which name we will use. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>This is difficult to do because not all nudist/naturist are affiliated with CFI. Maybe not everyone would know Corey or Corky I believe it would need to be a logo. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Sorry for not responding sooner...
When Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which was the fore runner of the 12 Step Program was started, not too many knew who "Bill W" was.
Maybe we could use the phrase "Are you a friend of K & C?" for naturist recognition... http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/beam.gif http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/wink3.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>LOL---As flattering as that would be I dont think it would work either. I believe we just need something simple. Something that may be seen on passing cars and such. Of course I am always open for opinion though. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif