Recently, three big brands have made the shift to a new, simplified logo.  Each provided some rationale for the new look — but I’m curious what you think about them.  I’ve placed the old logos on the left and the new on the right.

YMCA — read rationale by clicking here.  You can click on the logos to see them larger.

The Children’s Miracle Network — read the rationale by clicking here. You can click on the logos to see them larger.

Starbucks — hear the rationale by clicking here.  You can click on the logos to see them larger.

So — what do you think?  Good choices?  Bad?  When does a logo have so much equity and recognition that you can go ahead and alter it?  Or perhaps — if it has that much value, you should absolutely leave it alone?

Thoughts?