basically civilr summed up everything I was trying to say. I was trying to go easy on it seeing how it is your first logo. here are some more pointers. 1) you should rarely if not ever use embossing and 3d effects on text. Glows are fine like what civilr is doing. 2) limit it to 2-3 colours at most. 3) Try to come up with a original logo like what I did with the x10 logo, use a letter to create a letter type logo or try using basic shape, but is a little harder. 3) Use lines and shapes to pull your eye inward or give it a flow feeling. 4) Priciples of Graphic Design Use Them: Balance, Gradiation, Unity, Repetition, Contrast, Harmony, Dominance. I hope I'm not coming on too strong I'm just trying to help you out use these as pointers and most of all practice and practice alot. Thats what I did.