Can someone make a pin or button...
 

...for those of us on FT who support Mr. Roberts to visibly do this at airports? I'm thinking it should be something simple, like the small ribbons those who support cancer research wear or the "WWJD" bracelets that people wear.

This could be a great conversation starter for people at the airport if it looked interesting enough to them (hence a great way to introduce them to what TSA is really doing to the flying public). It could also be something that might catch on really well-- I could see other pilots, FAs, and GAs perhaps wearing them as a quiet way to show their support and respect for what he did.

Oh, and one other question... To me, what Mr. Roberts did makes him an American hero of sorts. He saw something that was clearly wrong-- disgusting violations of our Fourth Amendment rights-- and stood up for it... at significant risk to his own well-being.

Why is it that the crazy FA who stole two beers and flew down an emergency exit slide got more media coverage and attention than this guy? How is it that someone who does something wild and crazy is made out to be more of a celebrity icon than someone who took a serious stand for his beliefs? Perhaps if Mr. Roberts had worn a clown suit and deficated on himself during the whole exchange the media would have picked it up, as it would have been more "entertaining"... :rolleyes:

Count me in - but it has to be something people can read, like a button. Just a colored ribbon won't be enough because no one who sees it will understand the significance.

Cafepress lets you make the round buttons that you can attach to a shirt/jacket/bag, etc..

If anybody can make a design, I can setup a Cafepress store and we can get some pins made! Money could also be donated to Mr. Roberts.

I can prototype a pin. I make master jewelry models using a CNC milling machine.

Awesome! Go for it!

My original thought was something small and tasteful that would evoke people asking questions about it-- like "Where did you get it" and "What does it stand for"... The intent would be to use it as a conversation starter.

If we wanted to do something simple, we could make a pin out of a QR code that points to the Nude-O-Scope web sites... The middle of the code could have the phrase "OPT-OUT". It would be really cool if the pin could be scanned and render the URL embedded in the code as well. This, of course, is just a thought-- feel free to get as creative as you like. :)

I cant make one.
But I would sure buy one and wear it with pride.:cool:

I'll probably need some more detailed input on the design end. I use ArtCAM which allows me to work from bitmap or vector graphics. I am willing to donate the master model, I subcontract the casting, and the model is different depending on the metal it is cast in. Why don't you PM me and we can work on the details.

I would suggest an upside down flag pin with TSA written across it.
or a pair of pilot wings with some sort of chain wrapped around them.

I clearly get-- and agree with-- the message sent by the upside-down flag and think it's a cute idea. The one concern I'd mention with that, however, is it might not spark the right reaction from many infrequent fliers-- especially with veterans. It might be a bit risky because of that.

The pilot wings with a chain wrapped around them is a wonderful idea. It really couldn't be controversial to anyone, and would be visually intriguing enough to elicit questions from people... especially perhaps FAs, GAs, and pilots-- the very folks who are likely to be the most receptive to the situation represented by the pin.

The whole goal behind this is to first show support for Mr. Roberts, and secondly to have something else that could be used to educate people and possibly motivate them to join our cause and take a stand against America's new terrorist organization-- the TSA.

I modeled a pair of wings about 7 years ago when a friend had a shop in the local airport, that pin can be adapted. I've located the art file and begun some modifications. There is currently a panel area in between the wings that could have a slogan, lettering or other detail. The chain wrap should be no problem. The pin could be cast in brass, sterling silver, or with a different casting process could be made in pewter. The original pin was about 2" long, but it can be made any size.

We should probably keep as few letters as possible, so that way the pin doesn't have to be gigantic. Two inches is a good size, IMO, because then I could pretty much put it on any outfit I've got. It'd possibly also work as a tie-tack in that size.

Even without letters, a chain around wings is something people might ask about, and it's a pretty fitting symbol.

The profile cutter I use has a .1 mm radius, the lettering is quite legible even at a couple mm high, depending on the font. It would be easy to stick the international symbol for radiation between the wings, for example, with a slogan around it or on a banner underneath.

Folks, whatever you do it needs to be done really fast. This will not be news next week.

That is the unfortunate part of this process. Getting a mold made and production castings could take at least a week or more on my end.

Perhaps Mr. Roberts will be out of the spotlight next week, but I still see a use for the pin in an organized anti-Nude-O-Scope sort of way. This item could be something that gets featured on the nudeoscope.com web site, as a way for passengers, FAs, GAs, pilots, etc., etc. to show their support for returning "security" to "sanity". Proceeds from the sale could go to Mr. Roberts (if he's without a job as a result of this), the ACLU, or some other organization with the good sense to stand up against the TSA.

I'll offer two comments:

1. Perhaps a simple slogan like "I support Capt. Roberts" or "Let Capt. Roberts Fly." might be good on the pin.

2. Would it be best to have the pins be non-metallic so that we could wear them through the WTMD?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/membe...re2252-pin.jpg

This is what I've modeled based on the previous input. I can add lettering. The rendering is taken from my CAD/CAM program, so it is still virtual.

I work in metal, this is what I can offer. I've corrected a couple of the chain links.

That looks like something I'd buy-- great job!

How would it look if a pair of handcuffs could be added atop the radiation symbol? Would that be too crowded? Or would it be possible to put the words "AIT Free" atop the symbol somehow?

If the above ideas don't work, that's fine too as I think it looks really good as-is.

What would the cost be to produce these? I guess that's the next factor to consider.

Not on top, but under the rad symbol works.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/membe...253-pin-v3.jpg

+1

I could definitely put something on the website that goes to a store where people could purchase these...

I like it, and would definitely buy some!! ^

Thanks. This is something that I can contribute, but I will need some money for the production end. We need to set a price that will pay for the production costs and provide some help for a fund for Michael Roberts.

I will run the files over the weekend on my milling machine.

Each model goes into a separate rubber mold, the mold is vulcanized, wax is injected into the cavity, then the pins are lost wax cast in precious or non-precious alloys. That part is done by a sub-contractor, certain metals are cast less often than others. From there it comes back to my studio for de-spruing, finishing, and some type of packaging.

I still think Captain Roberts needs a Facebook Fan Page - that JetBlue kook has over 200,000 fans

"AIT Free" is a great little logo. Could easily spark questions that I'd be happy to answer. I'd buy some, and add a link to my dinky little google page.

~~ Irish

Thanks Irish, clrankin suggested the logo, and polar man the wings with chain. The radiation symbol was my idea.

I just called a friend who does my computer stuff (also a Mooney pilot) to get a website started to sell the pin from.

Note: I don't think it is appropriate to discuss pricing on this thread, so PM me and I can give interested parties a breakdown of the costs involved.

In my conversation with my friend, we have come up with a couple of alternatives to lost wax casting- he has a 1 1/4 inch button making machine that we can put the graphics on, and a possible injection molded plastic pin.

Try EvolveFish:

http://www.EvolveFISH.com/fish/media...Wasn't.gif

haha.. True, unfortunately :(

I really like it with the AIT FREE added. How long do you think it would take to get some of these made? Any ideas of prices?

Thanks ^^

I like those, and would be interested in buying one to wear.

Nice!

Seriously, how much and how soon can I get one? I'd love to have it in time for the next FT Do in Seattle. :cool:

I've PMed you.

My friend Rif and I are going to do a 1 1/4 inch button using the graphic design on his hand button press, I've been talking to him today.

We are trying to work out the fulfillment issues. Any help would be appreciated.

The first two pins are back from the casting process.

I missed this post the first time around. I would buy this pin for myself and depending on price may buy several to have on hand to pass out to those who opt out.

+1.

I could easily see buying a few to have on hand & give out at the airport.

I e-mailed Michael Roberts and he will be receiving the first pin. It is cast in sterling silver. A single pin is more of a jewelry item than a casual hand out.

If someone has access to a high volume process like plastic injection molding I'll be happy to send an STL file, as long as some portion of the proceeds go to Michael for expenses related to his efforts.

If anyone wants the graphics to print on a t-shirt, card or button, I can send a tiff file.

My motive for making the pin is very simple, it is a way of thanking Michael Roberts for his courage and conviction, and taking a stand on the use of AIT.

Ohhhhhhhh jewelry! Even better! Please PM me with information for ordering.