Before I even start, all credit goes to this article: 60 +1 Sphere Logos, which was brought to my attention by Speak Up/Under Consideration.

In the last few years it's become more and more common for new logos to involve some sort of sphere. For some it's completely appropriate. For others, it's questionable at best, and completely counterproductive at worst.

The purpose of a logo is quick and easy differentiation among a sea of competitive marketing messages, products and services. If, in the process you impart a general sense of the quality and unique brand culture, then bonus. Again, the keyword there being "unique."

So, what's the point, then of all these spheres?

I'd particularly like to shame Barclaycard, Xerox and AT&T for jettisoning perfectly good globally recognizable logos in favor of "the sphere."

So, if you're thinking about hiring a logo designer (and I'd certainly like to talk to you if you are) think twice about asking for or approving The Sinister Sphere. You'd be wasting your money.