The Comic Sans of the business world, its the most unwelcome formatting there is.
That begs the question, "Why is it so prevalent?"
The answer is simple and sad. 7-point type has been proven to be overlooked and under-read. Nothing about small type (especially with a serif) says, "read me," and everyone knows it.
And why is this important? Because everyone who uses it wants to "get-away-with-something." The Creditors Bill of Rights is written in 7-point serif. Your cell-phone contract. Your auto lease. Your home owner's insurance. No coincidence that all of the above are legal in nature - lawyers are typically the ones looking to get-away-with-something.
Imagine if life were always written in an attempt to get away with something...
The Constitution would be in 7-point (or smaller) as would the Bills of Rights, the Emancipation Proclamation and even, "1984."
I think the world could use a little straight-forwardness and integrity. This culture needs some 12-point. Bring back the critical thinking in a use other-than espionage or skulduggery. Let's bring back clarity and usefulness.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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