Here's my new design I stuck with a simple (subtle) gradient and iconic logo this time as you said in the threads comments Corey?
I'm sorry you feel that way. You seem to have said before that people are copying your pie design, but I'd like to point about it this way, if someone before you have submitted a pie design, and then you submitted yours, does that mean you copied? Of course not. because first, the word "pie" is in the company name, (and you can't expect designers to draw cakes), it's a pie and it will be inevitable to incorporate that icon. if you meant my design, like i said, using "pie" will be inevitable plus I'm still using the color scheme of my first submission. For the same reason I have not complained when some designers submitted a somewhat similar abstract designs to my first submission, I can't really blame them because on the guidelines, Corey have linked to some logos he liked on brandStack that has abstract themes in it. So I believe it all boils down to what the contest holder have laid down for us and to what he really likes. peace, just my 2 cents.
@Liane: I am not targeting any specific designer with my comment, It is a preemptive comment since the submissions are starting to look like copies of each others designs. I am encouraging uniqueness and creativity for the Contest Holder to get the best out of his/her contest. If you get inspired by somebody else designs, then at the very least change the layout...