Recently the Reddit Ripple community has been abuzz with a quest for finding an XRP symbol. Their contention is that all major currencies have a symbol and it is important for the right image and identity; to have a symbol which suits its character.
While the Bitcoin symbol is a pure ripoff of the Dollar symbol, the Ripple community has been abuzz with talk of a symbol which befits its status. The community believes that XRP is going to be the 'one world'currency with a status equal to that of the biggest world currencies. Hence a symbol is absolutely imperative, so that people can identify with it.