I’m fairly uncomfortable with my standing within the community of Atlanta Metrobloggers but I don’t see that feeling as an impediment to contributing fluffy drivel to the blog. Without further delay, a disjointed, poorly-reasoned, meandering post concerning the logos of our fair city’s bird-themed sports franchises. Enjoy.

Were I the scholarly type, and, clearly, that’s not the case, I would do some background research on the overall records of the Hawks, Falcons and Thrashers and correlate this data to various iterations of their respective logos. In the absence of such empirical data, I will instead focus on visual orientation of the titular birds: profile or head-on.

Atlanta Hawks:
Previously: profile

Current: head-on

& profile

Analysis: From ugly to uglier in one fell swoop (pun intended). Why anyone would wear a Hawks logo, even an older logo as ironic or “old school”, needs to find another team to back. I love Josh Smith as the next guy, but I’m not putting that ugly logo on my person.

Atlanta Falcons:
Previously: profile

Current: sexier, sleeker profile

Analysis: Recent new ownership, new star QB and new logo equals success. Anyone who doesn’t like the aggressive, diving, action-oriented, new logo and favors the old, tired and virtually static old logo is crazy. Certifiable, even.

Atlanta Thrashers
Current: profile

& smaller profile

Analysis: The cartoon-y nature of the state bird of Georgia as interpreted for this logo is fun. The color scheme plays well against the design and sold lots of replica jerseys and team apparel. Unfortunately, the Thrashers were locked out this year and still have not made the playoffs. Too soon to update the logo or too late?

There you have it. Shoddy research. Aspersions cast about fans’ logo preferences. Quickly-purloined images. Start tearing me apart.

The impetus for the post, for those of you who are truly masochists are who still happen to reading, is two-fold. While at CNN Center this afternoon, I saw a young man wearing the old Hawks logo on his hat and then, upon leaving to get my car, saw the new logo on a team trailer. Blogger gold, I tell ya.