United Nova began as community web site for news, gossip, jokes, and interesting videos. One of the main features which emerged from the site early on was NovaCast. NovaCast is an online radio station. What sets NovaCast apart from other internet radio stations is that United Nova gives listeners the opportunity to live blog about music that's playing, request songs, and even talk directly to the DJ. Music, however, was just the tip of the iceberg. Discussions over music soon led to recommendations and naturally over time users looked for a way to share content with one another. United Nova introduced Terra Nova, a private torrent host only available to United Nova members.
Olivier Designs created unique, descriptive banners for each of United Nova's projects. A super nova is virtually the most powerful source of any explosion. United Nova is a forum built around recent events and music. Shiny text and a glowing atom in front of a "super nova" and other stars imply something big. The atom is used as a metaphor for something small that can create anything, even a super nova.
NovaCast required a separate banner because, although it is part of United Nova, it is also a main feature, and therefore a good way to hook new users. Musical notes floating on blue waves and stylized text with a blue stylized atom symbol comprise NovaCast's logo.
A torrent, like everything in this world, is comprised of any number of smaller bits (no pun.) Green dots representing bits whiz on energy fields in the background of the Terra Nova banner, complimenting the atom metaphor. Furthermore, the setting is a broken city made up of colorful blocks. The text is worn out and glowing, as if from exposure to radioactivity as a result of a nuclear explosion. This metaphor ties the three legs of the organization together. The lonely atom is small, but can be something powerful when combined with others.
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