Comments on: The Secret Lives of Fonts http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/ thoughts on | comments about | examples of } web design trends. Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:05:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.2 By: Edgeman http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-515 Edgeman Sun, 12 Mar 2006 02:37:34 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-515 That makes sense to me. I generally find Sans to be more appealing because Serif reminds me of a newspaper. But then I don't like reading things on screen too much, and I never realy thought about printed media fonts, as far as preference for serif or sans-serif. That makes sense to me. I generally find Sans to be more appealing because Serif reminds me of a newspaper. But then I don’t like reading things on screen too much, and I never realy thought about printed media fonts, as far as preference for serif or sans-serif.

]]> By: Altirus http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-516 Altirus Sun, 12 Mar 2006 02:49:52 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-516 This theory is valid. As a design student one of the first things we were taught in Typography was the many ways different typefaces, kerning, point size, leading, tracking, etc., affects a reader's experience of a piece. Good eye on spotting the trend! This theory is valid. As a design student one of the first things we were taught in Typography was the many ways different typefaces, kerning, point size, leading, tracking, etc., affects a reader’s experience of a piece. Good eye on spotting the trend!

]]> By: Typefaces and Grades - Design Notes: A Web Designer’s Blog http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-517 Typefaces and Grades - Design Notes: A Web Designer’s Blog Sun, 12 Mar 2006 05:58:19 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-517 [...] College design student, Phil Renaud, has an interesting theory about the impact of typography on term-paper grades. This is insightful and fun reading! [...] […] College design student, Phil Renaud, has an interesting theory about the impact of typography on term-paper grades. This is insightful and fun reading! […]

]]> By: XIKITA /blog » Random list http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-518 XIKITA /blog » Random list Sun, 12 Mar 2006 11:27:38 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-518 [...] I’ve decided to use Georgia in every paper from now on. Hey, it’s worth a try! [...] […] I’ve decided to use Georgia in every paper from now on. Hey, it’s worth a try! […]

]]> By: Nao Nozawa http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-519 Nao Nozawa Sun, 12 Mar 2006 13:26:08 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-519 It looks like I'm going the right thing. I use Georgia for everything I write. Nice observation! It looks like I’m going the right thing. I use Georgia for everything I write. Nice observation!

]]> By: Andrew W http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-520 Andrew W Sun, 12 Mar 2006 15:17:27 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-520 A friend in college had the exact same experience. He went from getting B's in his Philosophy and English Lit courses to getting A's, right at the same time he switched from Times New to Garamond. A friend in college had the exact same experience. He went from getting B’s in his Philosophy and English Lit courses to getting A’s, right at the same time he switched from Times New to Garamond.

]]> By: Johan http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-521 Johan Sun, 12 Mar 2006 21:33:35 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-521 I would rather say you used Georgia first and then started writing better because the font makes you better inspired. Perhaps you are a Romanticist-Modernist I would rather say you used Georgia first and then started writing better because the font makes you better inspired.

Perhaps you are a Romanticist-Modernist

]]> By: P.J. Onori http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-523 P.J. Onori Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:14:28 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-523 Typographers world-wide are all proclaiming, "I told you so" after reading this. While I think this needs a ton more examples to be taken seriously on an academic level (irony intended), I think it brings up a very interesting idea. Does letter recognition and overall readability actually affect the way ideas are taken in? Absolutely intriguing - great article. Typographers world-wide are all proclaiming, “I told you so” after reading this.

While I think this needs a ton more examples to be taken seriously on an academic level (irony intended), I think it brings up a very interesting idea. Does letter recognition and overall readability actually affect the way ideas are taken in? Absolutely intriguing - great article.

]]> By: Rob Crowther http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-525 Rob Crowther Mon, 13 Mar 2006 01:14:11 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-525 I prefer to use <a href="http://www.myfonts.com/fonts/linotype/perpetua-2/" rel="nofollow">Perpetua</a> for all my papers. I originally discovered it while reading Mitch Albom's <em>The Five People You Meet In Heaven</em>. It does work wonders and looks vastly more academic than Times New Roman. I prefer to use Perpetua for all my papers. I originally discovered it while reading Mitch Albom’s The Five People You Meet In Heaven. It does work wonders and looks vastly more academic than Times New Roman.

]]> By: dave http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-526 dave Mon, 13 Mar 2006 01:17:03 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-526 It might turn out that your professors specified that they wanted the font to be Times (mine usually dictate that a font be 12-points, Times, with so-and-so margins), and this is why your sans-serif essays scored lower. Georgia looks enough like Times to the untrained eye, so they may not have docked you for it. Just a theory. I know I'll format my next paper in Georgia for kicks, though. It might turn out that your professors specified that they wanted the font to be Times (mine usually dictate that a font be 12-points, Times, with so-and-so margins), and this is why your sans-serif essays scored lower. Georgia looks enough like Times to the untrained eye, so they may not have docked you for it. Just a theory. I know I’ll format my next paper in Georgia for kicks, though.

]]> By: Jack Cheng http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-527 Jack Cheng Mon, 13 Mar 2006 01:17:39 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-527 Johan makes a good point- What font did you type these essays in? Did you type them all in Times and then change them to Trebuchet or Georgia? Or did you start off using the different font? Maybe it affected the flow of your writing, seeing what you typed rendered in a different typeface. I know that I write a lot differently depending on the writing tool (pen, pencil, keyboard) - things tend to come out more stream-of-consciousness on pen and paper for me. Either way, great post and I would keep using Georgia ;) Johan makes a good point- What font did you type these essays in? Did you type them all in Times and then change them to Trebuchet or Georgia? Or did you start off using the different font? Maybe it affected the flow of your writing, seeing what you typed rendered in a different typeface.

I know that I write a lot differently depending on the writing tool (pen, pencil, keyboard) - things tend to come out more stream-of-consciousness on pen and paper for me.

Either way, great post and I would keep using Georgia ;)

]]> By: no digg dot net » The Secret Lives of Fonts http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-528 no digg dot net » The Secret Lives of Fonts Mon, 13 Mar 2006 01:21:06 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-528 [...] read more | digg story [...] […] read more | digg story […]

]]> By: Learjet http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-529 Learjet Mon, 13 Mar 2006 01:22:19 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-529 This is an interesting anecdotal observation. Some empirical research may reveal the reasons for the effect. The cause may be nothing more than simple reader's fatigue with the advantage being lost once everyone starts writing in Georgia. This is an interesting anecdotal observation. Some empirical research may reveal the reasons for the effect. The cause may be nothing more than simple reader’s fatigue with the advantage being lost once everyone starts writing in Georgia.

]]> By: at andersonfam.org http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-530 at andersonfam.org Mon, 13 Mar 2006 01:35:32 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-530 [...] Interesting commentary on the effect of using serif vs. sans-serif fonts in term papers. [...] […] Interesting commentary on the effect of using serif vs. sans-serif fonts in term papers. […]

]]> By: Josh http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-531 Josh Mon, 13 Mar 2006 01:43:27 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-531 Interesting read.. Did you ask your professors about it? :P Josh Interesting read..

Did you ask your professors about it? :P

Josh

]]> By: Jovive http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-532 Jovive Mon, 13 Mar 2006 01:59:03 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-532 I'm a college teacher and I actually require my students to write in a serif font. If you have upwards of a 100 pages reading to do Ariel and other sans fonts get really hard on the eyes. Just my two cents. I’m a college teacher and I actually require my students to write in a serif font. If you have upwards of a 100 pages reading to do Ariel and other sans fonts get really hard on the eyes. Just my two cents.

]]> By: mike http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-533 mike Mon, 13 Mar 2006 02:02:08 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-533 I gotta tell you, Comic Sans is the font that's going to get you the A Plus. There isn't another font that just spills intelligence onto the floor like Comic Sans I gotta tell you, Comic Sans is the font that’s going to get you the A Plus. There isn’t another font that just spills intelligence onto the floor like Comic Sans

]]> By: Paul McCann http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-534 Paul McCann Mon, 13 Mar 2006 02:02:45 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-534 This is funny, because I just sent in a paper for AP Government - and after screwing about with the font, settled on Georgia. Outcome? Perfect score, with the paper not showing a crease in the upper-left corner. This is funny, because I just sent in a paper for AP Government - and after screwing about with the font, settled on Georgia. Outcome? Perfect score, with the paper not showing a crease in the upper-left corner.

]]> By: meneame.net http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-535 meneame.net Mon, 13 Mar 2006 02:03:32 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-535 <strong>La vida secreta de las fuentes...</strong> Un estudio hecho para mostrar que la fuente Serif afecta a sus lectores un lugares fundamentalmente diferentes de lo que afecta Sans-Serif. La moral de las historia: Conosca su audencia cuando escribes un documento, si para un sitio corporativo o un pa... La vida secreta de las fuentes…

Un estudio hecho para mostrar que la fuente Serif afecta a sus lectores un lugares fundamentalmente diferentes de lo que afecta Sans-Serif. La moral de las historia: Conosca su audencia cuando escribes un documento, si para un sitio corporativo o un pa…

]]> By: ‘The’ » Blog Archive » Mental Effects of Serifs http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-536 ‘The’ » Blog Archive » Mental Effects of Serifs Mon, 13 Mar 2006 02:05:14 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-536 [...] Phil Renaud has proposed a intersting idea on the effects that fonts have on the reader. Really makes you think more about what your content will be (and who your audience is) when you choose a font, rather then just what looks good. Posted Sunday, March 12, 2006 Filed in Aside Tagged with Fonts, Serifs [...] […] Phil Renaud has proposed a intersting idea on the effects that fonts have on the reader. Really makes you think more about what your content will be (and who your audience is) when you choose a font, rather then just what looks good. Posted Sunday, March 12, 2006 Filed in Aside Tagged with Fonts, Serifs […]

]]> By: LPo http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-537 LPo Mon, 13 Mar 2006 02:13:31 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-537 I noticed the same thing you did a few years ago. I then started tinkering with different writing tools to find the best one for a good grade. I found that the Computer Modern font that is most commonly used in TeX and LaTeX gets me the best grades. My current theory is that the TeX and LaTeX, and therefore the Computer Modern font, have been used in so many scholarly journals and published books (textbooks especially) that my professors subconsciously view my papers as highly polished and "publish worthy". Just last year I won a university-wide writing contest with a paper that I thought had "throw away quality" content but was typeset using LaTeX. I noticed the same thing you did a few years ago. I then started tinkering with different writing tools to find the best one for a good grade. I found that the Computer Modern font that is most commonly used in TeX and LaTeX gets me the best grades.

My current theory is that the TeX and LaTeX, and therefore the Computer Modern font, have been used in so many scholarly journals and published books (textbooks especially) that my professors subconsciously view my papers as highly polished and “publish worthy”.

Just last year I won a university-wide writing contest with a paper that I thought had “throw away quality” content but was typeset using LaTeX.

]]> By: Kat http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-538 Kat Mon, 13 Mar 2006 02:13:52 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-538 What I learned when I was studying web pages was that serif is better for the page, while sans is better for the screen. Nice to see it backed up anecdotally like this. It also sounds like people are getting a little tired of Times. Having said that, I'm a bit surprised that the font isn't specified for your essay formats. For my undergrad we had to have our margins set correctly to the millimeter and had our font type and sizes (to check word counts were accurate) spot-checked by the profs. To deviate noticeably from the format was to risk an automatic zero on the paper. What I learned when I was studying web pages was that serif is better for the page, while sans is better for the screen. Nice to see it backed up anecdotally like this. It also sounds like people are getting a little tired of Times.

Having said that, I’m a bit surprised that the font isn’t specified for your essay formats. For my undergrad we had to have our margins set correctly to the millimeter and had our font type and sizes (to check word counts were accurate) spot-checked by the profs. To deviate noticeably from the format was to risk an automatic zero on the paper.

]]> By: Jared http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-540 Jared Mon, 13 Mar 2006 03:09:32 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-540 This is entertaining anecdote, but not convincing evidence. The designers who believe in font-determinism should conduct the obvious correlational study testing the relationship of font to grades over thousands of essays by hundreds of students. This study , like this article, provides no evidence against the hypothesis that students choose serif fonts for their best papers and sans serif for their worst. To test this, one must conduct an experiment in which papers are blindly assigned fonts. This is entertaining anecdote, but not convincing evidence. The designers who believe in font-determinism should conduct the obvious correlational study testing the relationship of font to grades over thousands of essays by hundreds of students. This study , like this article, provides no evidence against the hypothesis that students choose serif fonts for their best papers and sans serif for their worst. To test this, one must conduct an experiment in which papers are blindly assigned fonts.

]]> By: Rob-Bob http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-542 Rob-Bob Mon, 13 Mar 2006 04:02:56 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-542 I am also at college, and many of my fellow students screw around with fonts as a way to lengthen their papers (along with margin adjustments, line breaks, &c.). Arial takes up more space than Times New Roman, for instance, and that dastardly Courier New takes up the most space of all. Is it certain that no such nonsense was used to lengthen the papers, leading to a poorer paper and hence a lesser grade, and thus polluting the sample? I am also at college, and many of my fellow students screw around with fonts as a way to lengthen their papers (along with margin adjustments, line breaks, &c.). Arial takes up more space than Times New Roman, for instance, and that dastardly Courier New takes up the most space of all. Is it certain that no such nonsense was used to lengthen the papers, leading to a poorer paper and hence a lesser grade, and thus polluting the sample?

]]> By: Grakker http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-543 Grakker Mon, 13 Mar 2006 04:04:23 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-543 As an earlier poster said about using LaTex, I've had a lot of success with papers produces with LaTex. Many lacking a crease in the corner as well. As an earlier poster said about using LaTex, I’ve had a lot of success with papers produces with LaTex. Many lacking a crease in the corner as well.

]]> By: Phil Renaud http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-544 Phil Renaud Mon, 13 Mar 2006 04:04:50 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-544 Rob-Bob: Are you implying I lack academic integrity? How dare you! Just joking :) No, I've never used a font for anything but trying to appeal to readability; using it to try to manipulate length is the wrong way to go about it. Rob-Bob: Are you implying I lack academic integrity? How dare you!

Just joking :)

No, I’ve never used a font for anything but trying to appeal to readability; using it to try to manipulate length is the wrong way to go about it.

]]> By: Bob-Rob http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-545 Bob-Rob Mon, 13 Mar 2006 04:26:59 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-545 I'm a university professor. I automatically convert my students papers to the correct font, font size, margins, etc. I then check for length. This gives me an easy way to toss out an F or two and eliminate a few from the "to grade" pile. I’m a university professor. I automatically convert my students papers to the correct font, font size, margins, etc. I then check for length. This gives me an easy way to toss out an F or two and eliminate a few from the “to grade” pile.

]]> By: neuralien http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-546 neuralien Mon, 13 Mar 2006 04:28:02 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-546 Serif fonts for printed media is better than sans serifs mainly because it is easier to read. That is because the serifs create lines and makes it easier for the eyes to follow the the flow of the printed words on the paper. This is especially true when the type size in small. On the other hand, the use of sans serif fonts in titles, where the font size in usually larger then that of the rest of the text is usually more appealing. Serif fonts for printed media is better than sans serifs mainly because it is easier to read. That is because the serifs create lines and makes it easier for the eyes to follow the the flow of the printed words on the paper. This is especially true when the type size in small. On the other hand, the use of sans serif fonts in titles, where the font size in usually larger then that of the rest of the text is usually more appealing.

]]> By: Berkana http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-547 Berkana Mon, 13 Mar 2006 04:42:49 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-547 Nice. I'm wondering how Book Antiqua fares. It is the best academic serif font, IMHO. . . . and your essays. The titles remind me of this: (The Postmodern Essay Generator) http://www.elsewhere.org/pomo (Reload the linked page; each time it reloads, it generates a new essay.) Nice. I’m wondering how Book Antiqua fares. It is the best academic serif font, IMHO.

. . . and your essays. The titles remind me of this:

(The Postmodern Essay Generator)

http://www.elsewhere.org/pomo

(Reload the linked page; each time it reloads, it generates a new essay.)

]]> By: PommieZ http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-548 PommieZ Mon, 13 Mar 2006 05:27:19 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-548 I've got to say, I also noticed this trend with papers I submitted. Not only do I use Georgia, but I tell Word to do it at 90% so it looks ever-so-slightly taller, and it makes the width a bit closer to Times. I've always thought Times' obliques (italics) were the most hideous on Earth. I also tend to use Frutiger instead of Arial, which seems to complement it nicely in headlines. I’ve got to say, I also noticed this trend with papers I submitted. Not only do I use Georgia, but I tell Word to do it at 90% so it looks ever-so-slightly taller, and it makes the width a bit closer to Times. I’ve always thought Times’ obliques (italics) were the most hideous on Earth. I also tend to use Frutiger instead of Arial, which seems to complement it nicely in headlines.

]]> By: AgentCooper http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-549 AgentCooper Mon, 13 Mar 2006 05:31:13 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-549 Basically what has been discovered here has been known by professional typesetters for years. A reader's comprehension levels fall off dramatically when a sans serif font is used. I did a three technical writing course and during that they harped on the use of serif fonts for all printed body text and produced facts and figures from numerous studies to re-enforce the point. From memory, the re-read factor (the need for the reader to re-read part of all of the sentence) when a sans-serif font is used is up around 2.2, which then impacts upon the readers comprehension of what has been read. Basically what has been discovered here has been known by professional typesetters for years. A reader’s comprehension levels fall off dramatically when a sans serif font is used.

I did a three technical writing course and during that they harped on the use of serif fonts for all printed body text and produced facts and figures from numerous studies to re-enforce the point. From memory, the re-read factor (the need for the reader to re-read part of all of the sentence) when a sans-serif font is used is up around 2.2, which then impacts upon the readers comprehension of what has been read.

]]> By: Let’s have it ! - A Blog by an Englishman in France » Blog Archive » Changing Font http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-550 Let’s have it ! - A Blog by an Englishman in France » Blog Archive » Changing Font Mon, 13 Mar 2006 08:03:20 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-550 [...] A friend of mine told me a while ago that he doesn’t particularly like Arial as a typeface. I’ve been pondering that ever since, because it’s my default font for this site. I just read an article that correlates font or typeface choice with better academic grades. Whether that’s right or not, I expect that I’ll get different reactions based on the look of the text on this page. So I have changed font for this blog to Trebuchet MS which is available on Windows and Mac. Second choice Verdana, then your default font for the sans-serif family. [...] […] A friend of mine told me a while ago that he doesn’t particularly like Arial as a typeface. I’ve been pondering that ever since, because it’s my default font for this site. I just read an article that correlates font or typeface choice with better academic grades. Whether that’s right or not, I expect that I’ll get different reactions based on the look of the text on this page. So I have changed font for this blog to Trebuchet MS which is available on Windows and Mac. Second choice Verdana, then your default font for the sans-serif family. […]

]]> By: S http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-551 S Mon, 13 Mar 2006 08:31:34 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-551 this artcile is interesting. The last time i used Times was in my 10th grade. And such serif fonts usually are appealing. this artcile is interesting. The last time i used Times was in my 10th grade. And such serif fonts usually are appealing.

]]> By: Date Heure http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-552 Date Heure Mon, 13 Mar 2006 08:33:32 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-552 Interesting. In Ireland you're given a stylebook with do's and don'ts, including which fonts to use and line height. What struck me about your article wasn't the bit about fonts... it was the fact that a B- is bad grade in the U.S. -- is that true? In Europe you'll hardly ever get near a B unless you're a genius -- and don't even think about getting an A. Interesting. In Ireland you’re given a stylebook with do’s and don’ts, including which fonts to use and line height.
What struck me about your article wasn’t the bit about fonts… it was the fact that a B- is bad grade in the U.S. — is that true? In Europe you’ll hardly ever get near a B unless you’re a genius — and don’t even think about getting an A.

]]> By: Adventures in programming » The Secret Lives of Fonts http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-553 Adventures in programming » The Secret Lives of Fonts Mon, 13 Mar 2006 09:17:37 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-553 [...] Does it really make such a difference what fonts you use? According to this article over at fadtastic it does. Tags [...] […] Does it really make such a difference what fonts you use? According to this article over at fadtastic it does. Tags […]

]]> By: Sean McManus http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-554 Sean McManus Mon, 13 Mar 2006 09:35:16 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-554 Interesting story. I wonder whether it's just a question of how easy to read a paper is. It makes sense that the easier it is to read a paper, the happier a tutor will be with it. Papers that are more pleasurable to read will be given higher marks. The assumption will be that they're better written than other papers, but perhaps it's just the fonts working at a subconscious level. Interesting story. I wonder whether it’s just a question of how easy to read a paper is. It makes sense that the easier it is to read a paper, the happier a tutor will be with it. Papers that are more pleasurable to read will be given higher marks. The assumption will be that they’re better written than other papers, but perhaps it’s just the fonts working at a subconscious level.

]]> By: Ivan Minic http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-555 Ivan Minic Mon, 13 Mar 2006 09:40:15 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-555 Georgia seems to be very nice font.. to bad I actually started using it regulary just a year ago... Georgia seems to be very nice font.. to bad I actually started using it regulary just a year ago…

]]> By: Jason Crow-tu-zuh http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-556 Jason Crow-tu-zuh Mon, 13 Mar 2006 09:47:11 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-556 Garamond is really the way to go, in my opinion. Just out of curiosity, what is your average word length per line? Were they different based on your different fonts? The impact line length has on readability may have affected things too. Garamond is really the way to go, in my opinion.
Just out of curiosity, what is your average word length per line? Were they different based on your different fonts? The impact line length has on readability may have affected things too.

]]> By: Anonymous http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-557 Anonymous Mon, 13 Mar 2006 09:48:12 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-557 <strong>The Secret Lives of Fonts...</strong> A study done to show that Serif fonts affect readers in fundamentally different ways than Sans-Serifs do. The moral of the story: know your audience when you mark up your document, whether it's a corporate website or a scholarly essay.... The Secret Lives of Fonts…

A study done to show that Serif fonts affect readers in fundamentally different ways than Sans-Serifs do. The moral of the story: know your audience when you mark up your document, whether it’s a corporate website or a scholarly essay….

]]> By: vertino.blog » Blog Archive » The Secret Lives of Fonts http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-558 vertino.blog » Blog Archive » The Secret Lives of Fonts Mon, 13 Mar 2006 10:23:17 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-558 [...] read more | digg story [...] […] read more | digg story […]

]]> By: Dec http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-559 Dec Mon, 13 Mar 2006 11:50:51 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-559 I find that by writing in the font of the final doc and marking up as I go along, rather than writing in plain text and marking up later, makes my language seem more formal and eloquent. It seems to me that the font affects not only the reader, but the author too! My personal favourite is Palatino; an old IT course fortunately warned me off sans-serif faces before University. I find that by writing in the font of the final doc and marking up as I go along, rather than writing in plain text and marking up later, makes my language seem more formal and eloquent. It seems to me that the font affects not only the reader, but the author too!

My personal favourite is Palatino; an old IT course fortunately warned me off sans-serif faces before University.

]]> By: Interesting Observation on Essay Fonts - lifehack.org http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-560 Interesting Observation on Essay Fonts - lifehack.org Mon, 13 Mar 2006 12:07:02 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-560 [...] You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. Add this post to online bookmark systems . Leave aReply [...] […] You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. Add this post to online bookmark systems . Leave aReply […]

]]> By: Ronny http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-561 Ronny Mon, 13 Mar 2006 12:14:22 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-561 I use Underware Dolly for all my papers now. I use Underware Dolly for all my papers now.

]]> By: Michelle http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-562 Michelle Mon, 13 Mar 2006 12:19:55 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-562 As a TA, its true that font changes are really noticable when marking a stack of essays. For sure serif fonts are better to read, but for me the worst font is the one that is monospaced and is clearly only there to take up more space and fill the required page length. As a TA, its true that font changes are really noticable when marking a stack of essays. For sure serif fonts are better to read, but for me the worst font is the one that is monospaced and is clearly only there to take up more space and fill the required page length.

]]> By: eykO http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-563 eykO Mon, 13 Mar 2006 12:22:34 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-563 I agree with Dec. Palatino Linotype is just fantastic, so much pleasure to the eyes both on-screen and on-print! I agree with Dec. Palatino Linotype is just fantastic, so much pleasure to the eyes both on-screen and on-print!

]]> By: Remco http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-564 Remco Mon, 13 Mar 2006 12:36:40 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-564 This is a really interesting idea, unfortunately I can't bring myself to consider it seriously because it's written using a sans font. This is a really interesting idea, unfortunately I can’t bring myself to consider it seriously because it’s written using a sans font.

]]> By: pravin http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-565 pravin Mon, 13 Mar 2006 12:54:54 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-565 Sans serif fonts are easier to read on screen and serif fonts are easier to read on paper. We're forced to write our reports in latex. I would complain earlier, but when I compare my reports to ms-word reports, you can tell the difference Sans serif fonts are easier to read on screen and serif fonts are easier to read on paper.

We’re forced to write our reports in latex. I would complain earlier, but when I compare my reports to ms-word reports, you can tell the difference

]]> By: Jonathan http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-566 Jonathan Mon, 13 Mar 2006 13:44:53 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-566 Palatino was my font for all my college and grad school papers, and served me well. I'm pretty sure it makes a difference... Palatino was my font for all my college and grad school papers, and served me well. I’m pretty sure it makes a difference…

]]> By: brandon http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-567 brandon Mon, 13 Mar 2006 13:57:31 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-567 I learnt this myself over my university education, as do most students who care about their writing and work. It's the kind of thing few people shout about, I'll leave you to sort out the reasoning for that. That said, I did try to get a few of my friends into preparing their essays better, but most didn't see the need, and got graded accordingly. However, we WERE told early on that Sans Serif fonts have no place in academic work, and if there ever was a golden rule, that'd be it. If you have many pages of copy, serifs are the only way to go. I remember blogging about this too, a couple of years back. <a href="http://blog.sangsara.net/2004/03/today-i-will-share-invaluable-secret.php" rel="nofollow">Link</a> Adobe Jenson Pro is no longer my favorite font though. Georgia is very nice, but designed to look good on computer screens at a low size and dpi. If you have no other fonts on your computer apart from the ones it came with, use Garamond. It's probably one of the best. I learnt this myself over my university education, as do most students who care about their writing and work. It’s the kind of thing few people shout about, I’ll leave you to sort out the reasoning for that. That said, I did try to get a few of my friends into preparing their essays better, but most didn’t see the need, and got graded accordingly. However, we WERE told early on that Sans Serif fonts have no place in academic work, and if there ever was a golden rule, that’d be it. If you have many pages of copy, serifs are the only way to go.

I remember blogging about this too, a couple of years back. Link

Adobe Jenson Pro is no longer my favorite font though. Georgia is very nice, but designed to look good on computer screens at a low size and dpi. If you have no other fonts on your computer apart from the ones it came with, use Garamond. It’s probably one of the best.

]]> By: lightkeeper54.com » Blog Archive » The Secret Lives of Fonts http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-568 lightkeeper54.com » Blog Archive » The Secret Lives of Fonts Mon, 13 Mar 2006 14:03:42 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-568 [...] fadtastic - a multi-author web design trends journal » Blog Archive » The Secret Lives of Fonts   [link] [...] […] fadtastic - a multi-author web design trends journal » Blog Archive » The Secret Lives of Fonts   [link] […]

]]> By: henry http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-569 henry Mon, 13 Mar 2006 14:06:00 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-569 Damn, I print all mine in default notepad. No wonder I get such bad grades! Damn, I print all mine in default notepad. No wonder I get such bad grades!

]]> By: impresariostudios weblog» Blog Archive » Good Grades! Apply Within! http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-570 impresariostudios weblog» Blog Archive » Good Grades! Apply Within! Mon, 13 Mar 2006 14:13:16 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-570 [...] Phil Renaud talks about typography and how they relate to his grades. Although his example may seem a little suspect - I think his conclusions are absoultely true. Most people aren’t aware just how much their font and writing styles affect how their document looks. [...] […] Phil Renaud talks about typography and how they relate to his grades. Although his example may seem a little suspect - I think his conclusions are absoultely true. Most people aren’t aware just how much their font and writing styles affect how their document looks. […]

]]> By: Daniel http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-573 Daniel Mon, 13 Mar 2006 14:42:20 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-573 I heard years ago that sans serif fonts are for quick reads, and serif are a little more "difficult" to read, so the person reading it takes more time reading each word and this make him/her assimilate more what is being readed. Cool article! I'll write all my essays in Georgia from now on! I heard years ago that sans serif fonts are for quick reads, and serif are a little more “difficult” to read, so the person reading it takes more time reading each word and this make him/her assimilate more what is being readed. Cool article! I’ll write all my essays in Georgia from now on!

]]> By: Sicco Per Vetus » Better Grades Through Fonts! http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-574 Sicco Per Vetus » Better Grades Through Fonts! Mon, 13 Mar 2006 14:57:12 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-574 [...] Want to get a better grade on your papers? Use the Georgia font, says Phil Renaud of Fadtastic. Tags [...] […] Want to get a better grade on your papers? Use the Georgia font, says Phil Renaud of Fadtastic. Tags […]

]]> By: Resiny.org Links : http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-575 Resiny.org Links : Mon, 13 Mar 2006 15:17:55 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-575 [...] The secret lives of fonts [...] […] The secret lives of fonts […]

]]> By: Stingray http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-576 Stingray Mon, 13 Mar 2006 16:08:42 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-576 Nice article. When I had to write a lot of large reports back in the 1990s I found that Garamond seemed to gather the most compliments from readers, most of whom were attorneys and other highly-educated people. Nice article. When I had to write a lot of large reports back in the 1990s I found that Garamond seemed to gather the most compliments from readers, most of whom were attorneys and other highly-educated people.

]]> By: Adam Katz http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-577 Adam Katz Mon, 13 Mar 2006 16:19:15 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-577 This article fails to mention the author's impression of his own work - whether each paper deserved an A in his mind (or his impression of the grader's mind). To wildly assume that each of these papers would have scored perfectly were font not an issue is a gross mistake; nobody writes perfectly all the time. A good grade depends on both the student's interest and ability to write what the grader wants to see. That said, I've heard from "experts" that the brightest paper is the easiest to read. Additionally, anything that sticks out can be positive; if most of the class submits MS Times New Roman but you use Nimbus Serif, you will stand out. Sometimes, this is bad (hello, Monospace fonts!) This article fails to mention the author’s impression of his own work - whether each paper deserved an A in his mind (or his impression of the grader’s mind).

To wildly assume that each of these papers would have scored perfectly were font not an issue is a gross mistake; nobody writes perfectly all the time.

A good grade depends on both the student’s interest and ability to write what the grader wants to see.

That said, I’ve heard from “experts” that the brightest paper is the easiest to read. Additionally, anything that sticks out can be positive; if most of the class submits MS Times New Roman but you use Nimbus Serif, you will stand out. Sometimes, this is bad (hello, Monospace fonts!)

]]> By: Phil Renaud http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-578 Phil Renaud Mon, 13 Mar 2006 16:25:57 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-578 Adam: the only time I considered my own thoughts on the quality of my marks was when I talked about Trebuchet MS; it was earlier, when I used it, and my stuff in general was of higher quality; it seemed inversely proportional to the grades I was getting. That said, all I'm trying to prove here is that there is _probably_ some way that the typeface subconsciously affects the reader. Not that all my essays were of extraordinary quality. Adam: the only time I considered my own thoughts on the quality of my marks was when I talked about Trebuchet MS; it was earlier, when I used it, and my stuff in general was of higher quality; it seemed inversely proportional to the grades I was getting.

That said, all I’m trying to prove here is that there is _probably_ some way that the typeface subconsciously affects the reader. Not that all my essays were of extraordinary quality.

]]> By: Adam Kat http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-579 Adam Kat Mon, 13 Mar 2006 16:37:05 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-579 I also noticed that he mentioned his papers ranged "from Philosophy to Economics to Marketting to Political Science to Computer Science, even having paper on Computational Neuromodelling thrown in there [sic]." Ignoring the fact that this sentence is both misspelled and grammatically incorrect, it does not include any sciences that use the scientific method. :-p "Empirical" experiments are purely based on tests and are not conclusive. However, there are no control elements here, and there are FAR too many variables to come to this conclusion; what did the other students use? How did they perform? What reasons were given for the lower grades? I also noticed that he mentioned his papers ranged “from Philosophy to Economics to Marketting to Political Science to Computer Science, even having paper on Computational Neuromodelling thrown in there [sic].” Ignoring the fact that this sentence is both misspelled and grammatically incorrect, it does not include any sciences that use the scientific method. :-p

“Empirical” experiments are purely based on tests and are not conclusive. However, there are no control elements here, and there are FAR too many variables to come to this conclusion; what did the other students use? How did they perform? What reasons were given for the lower grades?

]]> By: Earmarks in Early Modern Culture » Blog Archive » Essay typography http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-580 Earmarks in Early Modern Culture » Blog Archive » Essay typography Mon, 13 Mar 2006 16:44:03 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-580 [...] Student Phil Renaud has a hunch that it does, and supports his hunch with empirical research — he has examined his own essay archive. [...] […] Student Phil Renaud has a hunch that it does, and supports his hunch with empirical research — he has examined his own essay archive. […]

]]> By: matt http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-581 matt Mon, 13 Mar 2006 16:45:53 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-581 that's so true. i used Georgia font for the last several years of school, primarily because I enjoy how it looked. Grades went up across the board. From that point on, I recommended everyone use Georgia font - the added bonus of awesome looking numbers gives data more "validity" somehow ;D that’s so true.

i used Georgia font for the last several years of school, primarily because I enjoy how it looked.

Grades went up across the board. From that point on, I recommended everyone use Georgia font - the added bonus of awesome looking numbers gives data more “validity” somehow ;D

]]> By: Joe http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-582 Joe Mon, 13 Mar 2006 17:22:19 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-582 A very interesting thesis… Although your sampling was rather small, it does prove a point, “looks matter!”. Another source of good “font” intelligence are those used in ads, book covers, etc. Use proper use of colour is as important too! A very interesting thesis… Although your sampling was rather small, it does prove a point, “looks matter!”. Another source of good “font” intelligence are those used in ads, book covers, etc. Use proper use of colour is as important too!

]]> By: aaaaaron http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-583 aaaaaron Mon, 13 Mar 2006 19:30:25 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-583 Sans-serif fonts are generally held to be more informal. They are great for on-screen reads, as they are less complex. However, for any scholarly or acedemic paper, they are suicide; they are simply not formal enough to be taken seriously. I would fail a paper submitted in a sans typeface. It's no surprise you scored high marks with Georgia (even if it is a screen font) - as it is a Matthew Carter piece... he is the world's finest modern typographer. I would suggest using Galliard - it is another Carter font, and is the gold standard for acedemic journals and the like. Check it out. Sans-serif fonts are generally held to be more informal. They are great for on-screen reads, as they are less complex. However, for any scholarly or acedemic paper, they are suicide; they are simply not formal enough to be taken seriously. I would fail a paper submitted in a sans typeface. It’s no surprise you scored high marks with Georgia (even if it is a screen font) - as it is a Matthew Carter piece… he is the world’s finest modern typographer. I would suggest using Galliard - it is another Carter font, and is the gold standard for acedemic journals and the like. Check it out.

]]> By: aaaaaron http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-584 aaaaaron Mon, 13 Mar 2006 19:32:48 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-584 I know, I spelled academic incorrectly... how embarrassing! I know, I spelled academic incorrectly… how embarrassing!

]]> By: BurningJellyfish » Blog Archive » Fonts in the Front http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-585 BurningJellyfish » Blog Archive » Fonts in the Front Mon, 13 Mar 2006 21:37:48 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-585 [...] Fonts speak louder than previously thought - This is really interesting. The poster claims that by changing the font face of his essays and papers, he received a higher (or not) grade on them. Times New Roman yielded an A-, Trebuchet MS yielded a B and Georgia yielded a good A. So, what are you trying to say? [...] […] Fonts speak louder than previously thought - This is really interesting. The poster claims that by changing the font face of his essays and papers, he received a higher (or not) grade on them. Times New Roman yielded an A-, Trebuchet MS yielded a B and Georgia yielded a good A. So, what are you trying to say? […]

]]> By: thedeplorableword | Archive | links for 2006-03-13 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-586 thedeplorableword | Archive | links for 2006-03-13 Mon, 13 Mar 2006 23:29:44 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-586 [...] The Secret Lives of Fonts Want an A+ use Georgia (tags: type design georgia) [...] […] The Secret Lives of Fonts Want an A+ use Georgia (tags: type design georgia) […]

]]> By: Wes P http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-587 Wes P Tue, 14 Mar 2006 00:13:49 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-587 My buddy used to copy all of his engineering assignments from other students. He tweaked things just enough not to get caught. The biggest difference was that he had nicer handwriting. The result was that he always got the better grade. My buddy used to copy all of his engineering assignments from other students. He tweaked things just enough not to get caught. The biggest difference was that he had nicer handwriting. The result was that he always got the better grade.

]]> By: Pogorzelski http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-588 Pogorzelski Tue, 14 Mar 2006 00:19:54 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-588 This is absolutely true. I once wrote an ingenious essay and got an F. I will never use Wingdings again. This is absolutely true. I once wrote an ingenious essay and got an F. I will never use Wingdings again.

]]> By: blatchdotnet » links for 2006-03-14 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-589 blatchdotnet » links for 2006-03-14 Tue, 14 Mar 2006 00:24:54 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-589 [...] fadtastic - a multi-author web design trends journal » Blog Archive » The Secret Lives of Fonts Then it hits me: the only thing I’ve really changed since I’ve been getting these grades is… my essay font. (tags: design font fonts Typography webdev) March 13th, 2006 @ 07:23 PM • Filed under Personal [...] […] fadtastic - a multi-author web design trends journal » Blog Archive » The Secret Lives of Fonts Then it hits me: the only thing I’ve really changed since I’ve been getting these grades is… my essay font. (tags: design font fonts Typography webdev) March 13th, 2006 @ 07:23 PM • Filed under Personal […]

]]> By: Daniel http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-590 Daniel Tue, 14 Mar 2006 01:06:03 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-590 i like angry blue thats a good font! i like angry blue thats a good font!

]]> By: a bright red snowflake - proof that I use the internet » I have soooo many links for you, part 3 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-591 a bright red snowflake - proof that I use the internet » I have soooo many links for you, part 3 Tue, 14 Mar 2006 01:25:50 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-591 [...] The secret lives of fonts. Are you using the right fonts? [...] […] The secret lives of fonts. Are you using the right fonts? […]

]]> By: During Digging » Blog Archive » The Secret Lives of Fonts http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-592 During Digging » Blog Archive » The Secret Lives of Fonts Tue, 14 Mar 2006 04:02:48 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-592 [...] =================== COOL, will use this in my resumeread more | digg story [...] […] =================== COOL, will use this in my resumeread more | digg story […]

]]> By: tim http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-594 tim Tue, 14 Mar 2006 11:36:20 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-594 @Pogorzelski: You deserve something for the best comment of this post ! @Pogorzelski:

You deserve something for the best comment of this post !

]]> By: MR http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-597 MR Tue, 14 Mar 2006 22:48:53 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-597 WINGDINGS WORKS EVERYTIME WINGDINGS

WORKS EVERYTIME

]]> By: Joshua Herzig-Marx - Do fonts make the grade? http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-598 Joshua Herzig-Marx - Do fonts make the grade? Wed, 15 Mar 2006 03:04:27 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-598 [...] fadtastic - a multi-author web design trends journal » Blog Archive » The Secret Lives of Fonts (via lifehack.org) [...] […] fadtastic - a multi-author web design trends journal » Blog Archive » The Secret Lives of Fonts (via lifehack.org) […]

]]> By: » Typographie im Web — cne _LOG Archiv http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-600 » Typographie im Web — cne _LOG Archiv Wed, 15 Mar 2006 12:04:16 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-600 [...] The Secret Lives of Fonts « Design Issues | [...] […] The Secret Lives of Fonts « Design Issues | […]

]]> By: Stephen Coles http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-605 Stephen Coles Thu, 16 Mar 2006 09:40:19 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-605 Interesting study. An important piece is missing from the variables, though. Times is a time-tested typeface with a lot of history to back it up, Georgia is a thoughtful book face by the greatest living type designer, Matthew Carter, and Trebuchet is an amateur design meant for short texts on screen. To give the sansies a fair shot you might have used Helvetica or Lucida. Interesting study. An important piece is missing from the variables, though. Times is a time-tested typeface with a lot of history to back it up, Georgia is a thoughtful book face by the greatest living type designer, Matthew Carter, and Trebuchet is an amateur design meant for short texts on screen. To give the sansies a fair shot you might have used Helvetica or Lucida.

]]> By: Intuitive Designs » Blog Archive » The Influence of Fonts http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-606 Intuitive Designs » Blog Archive » The Influence of Fonts Thu, 16 Mar 2006 13:41:24 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-606 [...] Article: The Secret Lives of Fonts [...] […] Article: The Secret Lives of Fonts […]

]]> By: Bradley Wajcman http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-611 Bradley Wajcman Thu, 16 Mar 2006 22:13:36 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-611 Funny. I do agree that typeface choice does affect the reader's consumption and interpretation of the text, it makes sense that the 'easier' it is to read a text the more positive an experience it will be to engage with it, both consciously and subconsciously. After all, type is supposed to be the median to an intended message and the more efficiently and successfully it can do this the better (that's what graphic design is all about). Still, the median itself is designed and carries its own additional message. But the funny thing for me is the whole stereotyping of serif vs. sans serif. Just like there are more successful serif typefaces, so are there more successful sans designs. He chose Trebuchet which is, in my opinion, a horrible example of sans serif type. I mean, come on, it was commissioned by Microsoft, need I say more? I will: it's unrefined, too playful and time-specific...and u-g-l-y! There is no elegance in it and I agree with the professors that see it as 'lacking in integrity' because it is! Damn Microsoft and their making users dumb. Stupid. The ironic (or maybe not) thing is that Georgia, another of the typefaces mentioned in the article, was also designed for MS. At least they hired Mathew Carter to design it, he's good at his job. Still, there are far better serif faces out there, other than the infamous Times New Roman and Georgia. Galliard is a damn good one, and Minion is still the designer's preferred serif for book designs. Sabon is also very good as is the classic Garamond. Use any of these and you'll be sure to impress. All this to say that it is a wrong assumption that sans typefaces in general can't give good results. To use Trebuchet as an example is an injustice to the whole typographical world and makes me downright sick! I have always trusted in Helvetica Neue (light 45 for body and bold 75 for titles, etc.) and it has never failed me. The funny thing is that through my stay in university I used it on all my papers and always got high marks and always good extra comments about how beautifully laid out they were and how they were a joy to read.........oh, and always a question about what font I used and how could they get it. And this was at a deisgn/art academic institution, famous for its theoretical insights into both art and design. So there you go, if you ask me, I worry not. Damn good choice. Though it's not only about the typeface you choose, it's how you use it and lay it out. Beyond the ubiquitous Helvetica, there are other very good sans faces. Univers is a classic, designed by Adrian Frutiger—a god in the world of typeface design. He also designed.........yup, you guessed it, Frutiger, which is used by Apple and is also a good sans. Akzidenz Grotesk is another classic and is great, very sexy. And there are plenty more good sans faces that are legible (though serif is the more legible style) and beautiful and refined and full of integrity. There are also hybrid faces like Meta (by Eric Spiekerman—boy did this typeface go superstar quickly, it was everywhere!) that use both sans & serif details, which are more legible, but in my opinion are less refined and date relatively quickly. Helvetica will never grow old and tired, it is forever fresh and beautiful, so pure and balanced. Funny. I do agree that typeface choice does affect the reader’s consumption and interpretation of the text, it makes sense that the ‘easier’ it is to read a text the more positive an experience it will be to engage with it, both consciously and subconsciously. After all, type is supposed to be the median to an intended message and the more efficiently and successfully it can do this the better (that’s what graphic design is all about). Still, the median itself is designed and carries its own additional message. But the funny thing for me is the whole stereotyping of serif vs. sans serif. Just like there are more successful serif typefaces, so are there more successful sans designs. He chose Trebuchet which is, in my opinion, a horrible example of sans serif type. I mean, come on, it was commissioned by Microsoft, need I say more? I will: it’s unrefined, too playful and time-specific…and u-g-l-y! There is no elegance in it and I agree with the professors that see it as ‘lacking in integrity’ because it is! Damn Microsoft and their making users dumb. Stupid. The ironic (or maybe not) thing is that Georgia, another of the typefaces mentioned in the article, was also designed for MS. At least they hired Mathew Carter to design it, he’s good at his job. Still, there are far better serif faces out there, other than the infamous Times New Roman and Georgia. Galliard is a damn good one, and Minion is still the designer’s preferred serif for book designs. Sabon is also very good as is the classic Garamond. Use any of these and you’ll be sure to impress.

All this to say that it is a wrong assumption that sans typefaces in general can’t give good results. To use Trebuchet as an example is an injustice to the whole typographical world and makes me downright sick! I have always trusted in Helvetica Neue (light 45 for body and bold 75 for titles, etc.) and it has never failed me. The funny thing is that through my stay in university I used it on all my papers and always got high marks and always good extra comments about how beautifully laid out they were and how they were a joy to read………oh, and always a question about what font I used and how could they get it. And this was at a deisgn/art academic institution, famous for its theoretical insights into both art and design. So there you go, if you ask me, I worry not. Damn good choice. Though it’s not only about the typeface you choose, it’s how you use it and lay it out.

Beyond the ubiquitous Helvetica, there are other very good sans faces. Univers is a classic, designed by Adrian Frutiger—a god in the world of typeface design. He also designed………yup, you guessed it, Frutiger, which is used by Apple and is also a good sans. Akzidenz Grotesk is another classic and is great, very sexy. And there are plenty more good sans faces that are legible (though serif is the more legible style) and beautiful and refined and full of integrity. There are also hybrid faces like Meta (by Eric Spiekerman—boy did this typeface go superstar quickly, it was everywhere!) that use both sans & serif details, which are more legible, but in my opinion are less refined and date relatively quickly. Helvetica will never grow old and tired, it is forever fresh and beautiful, so pure and balanced.

]]> By: Serenity Now » Blog Archive » Fontastic! http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-641 Serenity Now » Blog Archive » Fontastic! Tue, 21 Mar 2006 03:40:37 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-641 [...] Another monday finished. I’m nearly through them all, thank goodness! My classes were okay today, nothing too interesting to report except I redid an assignment last week and I got back my mark today. For some strange reason the marking was completely different. In the first assignment I got 10/10 on a portion of the assignment (I got not so great marks on the other four parts thus the redoing!). When I got my assignment back, the part that I initially got 10/10 on … the EXACT same part! I only got 7/9! I lost three marks on the EXACT same thing. Talk about subjective marking! I’m not sure if I should say something since I got the opportunity to redo it, which is a very good thing (74% is much better than 15%) but I don’t know why I lost 3 marks on something that didn’t change. Hummm?! Maybe it was the font! I’m starting to get excited about the end of the week. I have signed up for my first conference! It’s a new teachers conference in Richmond, and I’m missing Friday to attend. I figure that I’d learn more at this event than the two classes I’ll be missing. I’m sure it will be just as boring as the classes I’m taking, I can’t imagine that a conference is going to much different since it’s essentially the same people who lecture at both; other teachers. I just hope that I’ll bring home some good resources and maybe find some inspiration for my practicum and my future teaching location. [...] […] Another monday finished. I’m nearly through them all, thank goodness! My classes were okay today, nothing too interesting to report except I redid an assignment last week and I got back my mark today. For some strange reason the marking was completely different. In the first assignment I got 10/10 on a portion of the assignment (I got not so great marks on the other four parts thus the redoing!). When I got my assignment back, the part that I initially got 10/10 on … the EXACT same part! I only got 7/9! I lost three marks on the EXACT same thing. Talk about subjective marking! I’m not sure if I should say something since I got the opportunity to redo it, which is a very good thing (74% is much better than 15%) but I don’t know why I lost 3 marks on something that didn’t change. Hummm?! Maybe it was the font! I’m starting to get excited about the end of the week. I have signed up for my first conference! It’s a new teachers conference in Richmond, and I’m missing Friday to attend. I figure that I’d learn more at this event than the two classes I’ll be missing. I’m sure it will be just as boring as the classes I’m taking, I can’t imagine that a conference is going to much different since it’s essentially the same people who lecture at both; other teachers. I just hope that I’ll bring home some good resources and maybe find some inspiration for my practicum and my future teaching location. […]

]]> By: WebJuice » Study on fonts http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-643 WebJuice » Study on fonts Tue, 21 Mar 2006 15:27:50 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-643 [...] Source March 21st 2006 Posted to QuickLinks, design and typography [...] […] Source March 21st 2006 Posted to QuickLinks, design and typography […]

]]> By: M http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-644 M Tue, 21 Mar 2006 19:03:37 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-644 It's true, fonts have changed, but then again, believe it or not, when viewing on the net, it's far easier to read a font that is Sans-Serif than one that is just Sans. It is spaced further apart, easier to read, and read fast. Sans-Serifs remind me of text books; they seem out of date with the times. (Pardon the pun!) It’s true, fonts have changed, but then again, believe it or not, when viewing on the net, it’s far easier to read a font that is Sans-Serif than one that is just Sans. It is spaced further apart, easier to read, and read fast. Sans-Serifs remind me of text books; they seem out of date with the times. (Pardon the pun!)

]]> By: gelund.art.music.politics» Blog Archive » The Secret Lives of Fonts http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-659 gelund.art.music.politics» Blog Archive » The Secret Lives of Fonts Thu, 23 Mar 2006 07:52:48 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-659 [...] read more | digg story [...] […] read more | digg story […]

]]> By: How Deep Is The Ocean? || Blog » Blog Archive » Choose your typeface wisely http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-696 How Deep Is The Ocean? || Blog » Blog Archive » Choose your typeface wisely Mon, 27 Mar 2006 21:49:04 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-696 [...] An interesting article on font selection… The Secret Lives of Fonts [...] […] An interesting article on font selection… The Secret Lives of Fonts […]

]]> By: Proof that presentation makes your work? at Pkchukiss - Life After National Service http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-703 Proof that presentation makes your work? at Pkchukiss - Life After National Service Tue, 28 Mar 2006 17:04:19 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-703 [...] Now, someone has actually taken the time to analyse all his corrected assignments to test out the theory that fonts do affect grading, and it turns out that Georgia is the best font to use in academia settings. Maybe it gets professors in the universities all homey thinking about their own undergraduate days. [...] […] Now, someone has actually taken the time to analyse all his corrected assignments to test out the theory that fonts do affect grading, and it turns out that Georgia is the best font to use in academia settings. Maybe it gets professors in the universities all homey thinking about their own undergraduate days. […]

]]> By: insaint http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-768 insaint Fri, 07 Apr 2006 08:18:40 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-768 well written! good read. keep it up :) well written! good read. keep it up :)

]]> By: all-encompassingly » Want Better Essay Grades?:: blog http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-1477 all-encompassingly » Want Better Essay Grades?:: blog Sat, 27 May 2006 23:57:09 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-1477 [...] Change the font that your papers are written in, if it is allowed. Posted by doug in whatnot, doug | [...] […] Change the font that your papers are written in, if it is allowed. Posted by doug in whatnot, doug | […]

]]> By: Mike Jones http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-1481 Mike Jones Sun, 28 May 2006 01:55:12 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-1481 I just wrote my undergraduate thesis in microbiology. With the advice if this page, I wrote the paper is all georgia. Got an A in the course (don't know the exact mark of the paper). Thanks! I just wrote my undergraduate thesis in microbiology. With the advice if this page, I wrote the paper is all georgia. Got an A in the course (don’t know the exact mark of the paper). Thanks!

]]> By: nick s http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-1569 nick s Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:03:16 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-1569 <i>Times is a time-tested typeface with a lot of history to back it up</i> But it's used totally out of context in the wordprocessing era. Times (and then, TNR) was created for short columns at small weights. It doesn't scale well to the width of a letter/A4 page. You'd be surprised at how well something like Century Schoolbook works on the page if you're looking to create an aura of authority. (Georgia has some of its characteristics.) For my doctoral thesis? Adobe Caslon. You really can't go wrong with a good Caslon, as long as you're sensitive to line height. Times is a time-tested typeface with a lot of history to back it up

But it’s used totally out of context in the wordprocessing era. Times (and then, TNR) was created for short columns at small weights. It doesn’t scale well to the width of a letter/A4 page. You’d be surprised at how well something like Century Schoolbook works on the page if you’re looking to create an aura of authority. (Georgia has some of its characteristics.) For my doctoral thesis? Adobe Caslon. You really can’t go wrong with a good Caslon, as long as you’re sensitive to line height.

]]> By: Old school typograph http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-1579 Old school typograph Thu, 01 Jun 2006 10:09:11 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-1579 Great reading! My experience with my students is that they choose Sans because they lack information about serif-fonts and how to use them (spacing, linespacing etc.) Choosing Georgia and Comic Sans shows a desire to get character in designing reading material but for an old-school typograph Georgia is like an loud-speaking young man who knows all (but lacks experience and therefore credibility and Comic Sans, well, is for comics. Times was originally designed 100 years ago, for printing in lead-presses on cheap, bulky paper (newspapers), and taking into design that on paper it smudged a little and fattened so the original design of the font was narrower, and the letters on paper took in wetness and thickened. After changes in technology, through typesetting machines to digital redesign of font-technology, also due to changing printing technology and better quality in industry-papers, I think Times has never been a good choice. Because of it's origin: it was ment to thicken on the paper and therefore the character of Times is stale. It doesn't have a strong character like Garamond or Baskerville. My personal favorite this last decade is Melior for reading material, both on paper and screen, but it is always important when choosing a font, to take into account: fontface (x-height taking into account)+line-length+leading. Great reading! My experience with my students is that they choose Sans because they lack information about serif-fonts and how to use them (spacing, linespacing etc.) Choosing Georgia and Comic Sans shows a desire to get character in designing reading material but for an old-school typograph Georgia is like an loud-speaking young man who knows all (but lacks experience and therefore credibility and Comic Sans, well, is for comics.

Times was originally designed 100 years ago, for printing in lead-presses on cheap, bulky paper (newspapers), and taking into design that on paper it smudged a little and fattened so the original design of the font was narrower, and the letters on paper took in wetness and thickened.
After changes in technology, through typesetting machines to digital redesign of font-technology, also due to changing printing technology and better quality in industry-papers, I think Times has never been a good choice. Because of it’s origin: it was ment to thicken on the paper and therefore the character of Times is stale. It doesn’t have a strong character like Garamond or Baskerville.

My personal favorite this last decade is Melior for reading material, both on paper and screen, but it is always important when choosing a font, to take into account: fontface (x-height taking into account)+line-length+leading.

]]> By: Avrila http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-1590 Avrila Sat, 03 Jun 2006 21:38:51 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-1590 Serious (aspiring) writers have known this for a while...for short poems it doesn't matter, but for anything with paragraphs, no sans-serif fonts. Times Roman is supposedly the best because it's the simplest, but now, I may try Georgia out sometime... Oh, and I like Palatino Linotype too. Serious (aspiring) writers have known this for a while…for short poems it doesn’t matter, but for anything with paragraphs, no sans-serif fonts. Times Roman is supposedly the best because it’s the simplest, but now, I may try Georgia out sometime…

Oh, and I like Palatino Linotype too.

]]> By: Ole Bjørsvik http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-2551 Ole Bjørsvik Thu, 03 Aug 2006 10:28:51 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-2551 I used to subscribe to "Rock & Ice", not exactly an academic publication. When they started to use sans-serif to be cool be cool, I cancelled my subsription after a couple of months. I used to subscribe to “Rock & Ice”, not exactly an academic publication. When they started to use sans-serif to be cool be cool, I cancelled my subsription after a couple
of months.

]]> By: strawbee » Ch Ch Ch Changes http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-3011 strawbee » Ch Ch Ch Changes Sat, 19 Aug 2006 17:15:43 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-3011 [...] It seems I’m very late to find this, but it’s appropriate since I’m going to university in October: Phil Renaud discovers that using different fonts can affect your scores in essays, in an informative but sadly inconclusive study. Apparently, the font “Georgia” gets you the best marks. [...] […] It seems I’m very late to find this, but it’s appropriate since I’m going to university in October: Phil Renaud discovers that using different fonts can affect your scores in essays, in an informative but sadly inconclusive study. Apparently, the font “Georgia” gets you the best marks. […]

]]> By: Carol M http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-3092 Carol M Wed, 23 Aug 2006 15:58:37 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-3092 I leave it as an excercise for the reader to write "The Medium is the Mesage" 100 times in your Word Processor and apply a different font to each line. Thanks for the statistics. I'll definately try Georgia if I need to impress someone. Silly me, I've been using Adobe Caslon just because I like it and its x-height. Someone please let me know when Georgia achieves oversaturation and we need to move on . I leave it as an excercise for the reader to write “The Medium is the Mesage” 100 times in your Word Processor and apply a different font to each line. Thanks for the statistics. I’ll definately try Georgia if I need to impress someone. Silly me, I’ve been using Adobe Caslon just because I like it and its x-height.

Someone please let me know when Georgia achieves oversaturation and we need to move on .

]]> By: Peter Kröner - Design, HTML, CSS, PHP » Blog Archive » Day Roman rockt http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-6931 Peter Kröner - Design, HTML, CSS, PHP » Blog Archive » Day Roman rockt Mon, 23 Oct 2006 20:58:10 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-6931 [...] Die Anregung mal etwas anderes zu versuchen kam, man glaubt es kaum, ein Blog für Webdesigntrends. Zusammenfassung des Artikels: Times New Roman ist im akademischen Einsatz besser als die durschnittliche Groteske (Schrift ohne Serife), und gute Serifschriften sind besser als die alte Times New Roman. [...] […] Die Anregung mal etwas anderes zu versuchen kam, man glaubt es kaum, ein Blog für Webdesigntrends. Zusammenfassung des Artikels: Times New Roman ist im akademischen Einsatz besser als die durschnittliche Groteske (Schrift ohne Serife), und gute Serifschriften sind besser als die alte Times New Roman. […]

]]> By: Miss604’s Canuck Life :: A Vancouver Blog » times is the new courier http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-12253 Miss604’s Canuck Life :: A Vancouver Blog » times is the new courier Mon, 20 Nov 2006 23:13:05 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-12253 [...] I continued the font-discussion-search and came across another article/post about the influence of fonts: “…be mindful of your target audience when you’re marking up a document, whether it’s a university essay or a commercial website. You never know just how loudly a font speaks.” [secret lives of fonts] [...] […] I continued the font-discussion-search and came across another article/post about the influence of fonts: “…be mindful of your target audience when you’re marking up a document, whether it’s a university essay or a commercial website. You never know just how loudly a font speaks.” [secret lives of fonts] […]

]]> By: siaran http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-13122 siaran Thu, 30 Nov 2006 13:39:49 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-13122 My essays have to be 10-12 point Times New Roman or Ariel. This makes it fairer for all students if what you hypothesize it correct. I like the idea though & found it when looking at the effect of handwriting on exam grades. It never occured to me that something similar may be at play when I typed an essay! My essays have to be 10-12 point Times New Roman or Ariel. This makes it fairer for all students if what you hypothesize it correct. I like the idea though & found it when looking at the effect of handwriting on exam grades. It never occured to me that something similar may be at play when I typed an essay!

]]> By: Raavea http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-20203 Raavea Mon, 01 Jan 2007 09:46:14 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-20203 You're right, this was true even back in secondary school for me. I've been using computers since I was two, so I guess I am more sensitive to it than my tutors were - I used this trick. And yes, awlays go for a serif'd font. I usually go for Centaur - it's smaller, so I need to increase point size before I print, but it's -just- different enough to seem to pop out at that poor teacher. :) Spiffy post. You’re right, this was true even back in secondary school for me. I’ve been using computers since I was two, so I guess I am more sensitive to it than my tutors were - I used this trick. And yes, awlays go for a serif’d font. I usually go for Centaur - it’s smaller, so I need to increase point size before I print, but it’s -just- different enough to seem to pop out at that poor teacher.

:) Spiffy post.

]]> By: Redesign - Shifting Pixel http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-30110 Redesign - Shifting Pixel Sat, 10 Feb 2007 06:35:29 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-30110 [...] I also focused a lot on the typography and vertical rhythm of the site. Without a lot of trickery, fonts on the web are pretty limited. I decided to go with Arial. While at lower sizes, I don’t really care for Arial, but at larger sizes, it actually looks kinda nice (although not quite as nice as Helvetica… sigh). For some details, I’m using Georgia… a font that is superior to Times New Roman. [...] […] I also focused a lot on the typography and vertical rhythm of the site. Without a lot of trickery, fonts on the web are pretty limited. I decided to go with Arial. While at lower sizes, I don’t really care for Arial, but at larger sizes, it actually looks kinda nice (although not quite as nice as Helvetica… sigh). For some details, I’m using Georgia… a font that is superior to Times New Roman. […]

]]> By: Josh Rickmar http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-35493 Josh Rickmar Wed, 21 Mar 2007 01:57:43 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-35493 I prefer to use Hoefler Text on all my essays, and it gives me an A every time. That is, as long as I have a Mac to work with... Junicode and Gentium are also very nice, though. I prefer to use Hoefler Text on all my essays, and it gives me an A every time. That is, as long as I have a Mac to work with…

Junicode and Gentium are also very nice, though.

]]> By: How to write an application letter for a teaching-related job at teaching.mrbelshaw.co.uk http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-42830 How to write an application letter for a teaching-related job at teaching.mrbelshaw.co.uk Mon, 30 Apr 2007 19:50:18 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-42830 [...] is a bit of a debate over which typefaces/fonts to use to influence people. After reading this blog post, I now favour Georgia over Times New Roman for both my essays and letters of application. [...] […] is a bit of a debate over which typefaces/fonts to use to influence people. After reading this blog post, I now favour Georgia over Times New Roman for both my essays and letters of application. […]

]]> By: lu http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-47995 lu Sun, 20 May 2007 20:24:22 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-47995 Nice observation. Your explanation sounds credible. But causality is not proven, I guess. It might be the other way around: You have chosen Georgia for your better papers, while Trebuchet MS has found its way into your less good works. Nice observation. Your explanation sounds credible. But causality is not proven, I guess. It might be the other way around: You have chosen Georgia for your better papers, while Trebuchet MS has found its way into your less good works.

]]> By: The Total Résumé Makeover | So You Want To Teach? http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-67866 The Total Résumé Makeover | So You Want To Teach? Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:01:28 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-67866 [...] of letters on this site. What a huge difference it makes! Don’t just take my word. Look here, here, here, and here. The last one is a wonderful article about designing a résumé that you [...] […] of letters on this site. What a huge difference it makes! Don’t just take my word. Look here, here, here, and here. The last one is a wonderful article about designing a résumé that you […]

]]> By: Charis SIL: Bitstream Charter for Windows « solaris http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-69028 Charis SIL: Bitstream Charter for Windows « solaris Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:14:18 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-69028 [...] a related note, I would like to share a link: The Secret Lives of Fonts. A recommended read, especially for those still studying in collage :) Filed under: Information [...] […] a related note, I would like to share a link: The Secret Lives of Fonts. A recommended read, especially for those still studying in collage :) Filed under: Information […]

]]> By: smartass http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-77343 smartass Tue, 14 Aug 2007 05:33:09 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-77343 its ironic that your article isnt written in georgia, lol, but great observation its ironic that your article isnt written in georgia, lol, but great observation

]]> By: m lee cook dot com » Blog Archive » How to get good grades in school… http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-82211 m lee cook dot com » Blog Archive » How to get good grades in school… Sat, 25 Aug 2007 15:41:20 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-82211 [...] What else can I do to get good grades in school? Does the presentation style matter on a paper? Maybe this could shed some light on the subject. According to Phil Renaud over at Fadtastic, the font you use for a paper in school can make a [...] […] What else can I do to get good grades in school? Does the presentation style matter on a paper? Maybe this could shed some light on the subject. According to Phil Renaud over at Fadtastic, the font you use for a paper in school can make a […]

]]> By: Bob http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-83936 Bob Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:45:45 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-83936 I always use Georgia and always have, and this just gives me more proof that Georgia is the best font that is out there. I always use Georgia and always have, and this just gives me more proof that Georgia is the best font that is out there.

]]> By: palestars » Blog Archive » The Secret Lives of Fonts http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-91399 palestars » Blog Archive » The Secret Lives of Fonts Sat, 15 Sep 2007 21:22:23 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-91399 [...] Conclusion? Use serif fonts like Georgia, Book Antiqua, Palatino Linotype, Perpetua and Garamond in your paperwork if you want to be taken “seriously,” and stay away from sans-serif fonts like Arial and Verdana and Trebuchet. However, if you’re coding websites and want text to look good and be easily readable on the screen (as opposed to in print) san-serif fonts are the way to go. LINK→ [...] […] Conclusion? Use serif fonts like Georgia, Book Antiqua, Palatino Linotype, Perpetua and Garamond in your paperwork if you want to be taken “seriously,” and stay away from sans-serif fonts like Arial and Verdana and Trebuchet. However, if you’re coding websites and want text to look good and be easily readable on the screen (as opposed to in print) san-serif fonts are the way to go. LINK→ […]

]]> By: jerome l. http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-94274 jerome l. Fri, 21 Sep 2007 00:17:17 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-94274 hey. yeah. this makes alot of sense. im gonna take this into consideration and try it out. but um one question. snce im in community college, which font takes up the most space? could u email me? hey. yeah. this makes alot of sense. im gonna take this into consideration and try it out. but um one question. snce im in community college, which font takes up the most space? could u email me?

]]> By: Jx http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-162367 Jx Wed, 05 Dec 2007 18:27:58 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-162367 This has quipped my curiosity. Georgia it is from now on. This has quipped my curiosity. Georgia it is from now on.

]]> By: J’s Notes » What The Font? http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-195906 J’s Notes » What The Font? Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:56:07 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-195906 [...] Does a paper’s font impact its final grade? January 10th, 2008 at 12:55 pm | Tags: asides, interesting [...] […] Does a paper’s font impact its final grade? January 10th, 2008 at 12:55 pm | Tags: asides, interesting […]

]]> By: Tenth Estate - John Frost meets Godzilla meets the Internet » Blog Archive » This explains a lot… http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-195917 Tenth Estate - John Frost meets Godzilla meets the Internet » Blog Archive » This explains a lot… Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:07:30 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-195917 [...] always been a fan of the san-serif font (Helvetica or Arial) set. So a recent study that says college professors are more likely to give a good grade to papers presented in serif [...] […] always been a fan of the san-serif font (Helvetica or Arial) set. So a recent study that says college professors are more likely to give a good grade to papers presented in serif […]

]]> By: Gigi http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-195945 Gigi Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:47:31 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-195945 Interesting theory, but couldn't it also be that you're just becoming a better writer over time? It's all of your recent papers that are getting better grades. Maybe you're actually getting something out of your education! Interesting theory, but couldn’t it also be that you’re just becoming a better writer over time? It’s all of your recent papers that are getting better grades. Maybe you’re actually getting something out of your education!

]]> By: josh http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196001 josh Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:53:59 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196001 Before you jump to conclusions about typefaces, how about accounting for time trends in writing ability, course difficulty, or professor grading tendencies? Before you jump to conclusions about typefaces, how about accounting for time trends in writing ability, course difficulty, or professor grading tendencies?

]]> By: Sarah http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196014 Sarah Thu, 10 Jan 2008 20:23:03 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196014 Your findings bear out everything I learned over the course of 30 years in printing and publishing. Of course, back when I was in school, typewriters only offered Courier. Your findings bear out everything I learned over the course of 30 years in printing and publishing. Of course, back when I was in school, typewriters only offered Courier.

]]> By: Dave http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196030 Dave Thu, 10 Jan 2008 20:56:38 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196030 <blockquote> What struck me about your article wasn’t the bit about fonts… it was the fact that a B- is bad grade in the U.S. — is that true? In Europe you’ll hardly ever get near a B unless you’re a genius — and don’t even think about getting an A.</blockquote>You'd be able to get an A in UL. They use the American system with GPA etc.. Proper Universities don't though ;) <blockquote> What struck me about your article wasn’t the bit about fonts… it was the fact that a B- is bad grade in the U.S. — is that true? In Europe you’ll hardly ever get near a B unless you’re a genius — and don’t even think about getting an A.</blockquote>You’d be able to get an A in UL. They use the American system with GPA etc.. Proper Universities don’t though ;)

]]> By: Jeff http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196206 Jeff Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:49:40 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196206 I've had a similar experience.  I switched from Times New Roman to Garamond Pro (with ligatures, etc) and changed the kerning on my papers a little bit.  My grades definitely went up.  The way I see it, really good typography can make a paper easier to physically read - your eyes have to do less work to keep on track.  If your paper is better typeset than the fifty others its in a stack with, even if the professor isn't conscious of it, it's a breath of fresh air, so to speak.  That subtle feeling of relief makes them likely to mark your paper higher.  It was always worth the three minutes, considering I'd usually spent two weeks writing the paper. I’ve had a similar experience.  I switched from Times New Roman to Garamond Pro (with ligatures, etc) and changed the kerning on my papers a little bit.  My grades definitely went up.  The way I see it, really good typography can make a paper easier to physically read - your eyes have to do less work to keep on track.  If your paper is better typeset than the fifty others its in a stack with, even if the professor isn’t conscious of it, it’s a breath of fresh air, so to speak.  That subtle feeling of relief makes them likely to mark your paper higher.  It was always worth the three minutes, considering I’d usually spent two weeks writing the paper.

]]> By: hendron’s digest » Blog Archive » How might a font affect your grade? http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196248 hendron’s digest » Blog Archive » How might a font affect your grade? Fri, 11 Jan 2008 01:28:36 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196248 [...] This blog post suggests your font choice may impact your grade. [...] […] This blog post suggests your font choice may impact your grade. […]

]]> By: Does Your Choice of Font Affect What Grade Your Essays Get? « GracefulFlavor http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196255 Does Your Choice of Font Affect What Grade Your Essays Get? « GracefulFlavor Fri, 11 Jan 2008 01:35:06 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196255 [...] 10, 2008 · No Comments Phil Renaud’s clever, 52-paper-wide analysis of the typefaces he used for university essays and the grades he averaged with each. [...] […] 10, 2008 · No Comments Phil Renaud’s clever, 52-paper-wide analysis of the typefaces he used for university essays and the grades he averaged with each. […]

]]> By: links for 2008-01-11 at The New Reader http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196294 links for 2008-01-11 at The New Reader Fri, 11 Jan 2008 02:23:53 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196294 [...] » The Secret Lives of Fonts » fadtastic - a multi-author web design trends journal What I’ve always suspected is now proven to be true: it DOES matter what font you use on papers (tags: fonts typography) Published by ichen January 11th, 2008 in General [...] […] » The Secret Lives of Fonts » fadtastic - a multi-author web design trends journal What I’ve always suspected is now proven to be true: it DOES matter what font you use on papers (tags: fonts typography) Published by ichen January 11th, 2008 in General […]

]]> By: amanda http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196377 amanda Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:48:24 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196377 What about the percentage of grades (A, B-) in each category (Times, Trebuche)? This can illustrate your point better than just an average. You could get even number of each grade in one category and still get an average of B or something. What about the percentage of grades (A, B-) in each category (Times, Trebuche)? This can illustrate your point better than just an average. You could get even number of each grade in one category and still get an average of B or something.

]]> By: Anthony Barnett http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196681 Anthony Barnett Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:09:45 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196681 When I launched openDemocracy in 2001 I researched fonts. Two had been developed, could it have been by Microsoft, but they were not propriatory, a serif and a sans for the screen. the serif was Georgia, which I immediately adopted for the pdf version and for all pamphlets etc. It has a thickness that ensures it works as a serif face on the screen. In all longish essays, papers, documents etc, it is always much easier to read a serif. Sans is really a display face. It can be better to read on screen, with the light coming 'through' it, unlike paper, especially in short articles and posts. I think the face created for the creeen was verdana? I am not at all surprised that fonts effect marks. Times Roman is a cliche, using Trebuchet or any sans serif looks trendy and 'thoughtless' and is harder to take in. Georgia has authority and readability When I launched openDemocracy in 2001 I researched fonts. Two had been developed, could it have been by Microsoft, but they were not propriatory, a serif and a sans for the screen. the serif was Georgia, which I immediately adopted for the pdf version and for all pamphlets etc. It has a thickness that ensures it works as a serif face on the screen. In all longish essays, papers, documents etc, it is always much easier to read a serif. Sans is really a display face. It can be better to read on screen, with the light coming ‘through’ it, unlike paper, especially in short articles and posts. I think the face created for the creeen was verdana? I am not at all surprised that fonts effect marks. Times Roman is a cliche, using Trebuchet or any sans serif looks trendy and ‘thoughtless’ and is harder to take in. Georgia has authority and readability

]]> By: Patrik http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196833 Patrik Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:36:46 +0000 http://fadtastic.net/2006/03/12/the-secret-lives-of-fonts/#comment-196833 From my experience as a designer, the final creation is usually judged for about 50% on content and 50% on presentation. This is pretty obvious when designing say a magazine. But most people don't realize that this also holds true when writing a paper. The perception is probably something like 95% content and 5% presentation.You may think 50% is a lot for a paper, but it isn’t. That is because a lot of the presentation is actually part of the writing itself: things like spelling, writing style and how you’ve organized your content. Much of the rest is layout: choice of type, size, line spacing etc. These are the things that improve readability, but also the first impression a reader gets when he first picks your paper. But other factors also play a role. For example the choice of paper. Almost everybody uses standard printer paper. I quickly discovered that I could easily improve my scores on about anything I presented, simply by selecting a heavier paper that also had a nice tactile feel to it. The devil is in the details. From my experience as a designer, the final creation is usually judged for about 50% on content and 50% on presentation. This is pretty obvious when designing say a magazine. But most people don’t realize that this also holds true when writing a paper. The perception is probably something like 95% content and 5% presentation.You may think 50% is a lot for a paper, but it isn’t. That is because a lot of the presentation is actually part of the writing itself: things like spelling, writing style and how you’ve organized your content. Much of the rest is layout: choice of type, size, line spacing etc. These are the things that improve readability, but also the first impression a reader gets when he first picks your paper. But other factors also play a role. For example the choice of paper. Almost