My favorite two fonts among the ones that came with my computer are Arial and Comic Sans. I started using Arial instead of Times New Roman years ago because I find it to be be cleaner and easier to read. And I’ve used Comic Sans for captions in cartoons because it’s much more casual. Now when reading about graphic design and fonts I find some people look down their noses at people like me. š
As far as I can tell using Comic Sans is like wearing torn jeans and a ratty T-shirt out in public. And in the critics’ eyes Arial is a “shameless imposter” that was designed as an inferior replacement for, and is more widely used than, Helvetica. If you’re interested in seeing the differences between the two fonts, click here.
It doesn’t surprise me that some people like different fonts than I do, but it did surprise me at first that some people actively hate my choices. But then humans do tend to have a snobbishness gene and like to think of themselves as superior to others. Why should the area of fonts be any different? What do you think? Have you experienced much snobbishness in your life?
Being a Snob myself, I don’t notice it so much. I grew up in a W.Va town & our family owned the Jones Department Store. I thought “Keeping up with the Joneses” was fitting.
I used Times New Roman before. Now I’m switching to Comic Sans. Thanks for the tip.
bikehikebabe,
Yes, Comic Sans does have a bit more zip. It’s not so civilized. š
Comic Sans looks like a drunk trying to write. I don’t like it at all. Though a drunk writing is better than a drunk not writing.
The difference between Arial and Helvetica so small it’s ludicrous. For reasons unimportant this minute I am an aficionado of type faces. I use many for many different purposes. On the whole I keep it simple. Makes it easier on other people’s eyes.
Snob? I have picked up on the subject on my own blog.
U
U,
I liked Comic Sans for the captions on my cartoons. It’s a font that doesn’t take itself seriously.
I agree with you about the difference between Helvetica and Arial, but some people take the matter very seriously. I downloaded an iPad app which gave quizzes on the differences. I was doing quite well until I read the sample that said, “You must have a sad life to get this app.” I was laughing so hard I didn’t bother to check what the answer was. I thought they had the right attitude. Does that make me an anti-snob (reverse) snob?
When Comic Sans first came out, I used it a lot…then I switched to “narrow anything” and at one time “Goudy Old Style” – on my desktop computer I have Chinese Takeaway and some other weird fonts that I like to use when I wanna have fun.
I’m also a fan of Wingdings – because it feels like a “foreign language of symbols” and when I was at Uni and had to do strange symbols on words, I loved strolling through those boxes…
Font snob = pretentious twit.
For a long time, we used Times New Roman at work, for the most part. Arial has pretty much replaced it, especially in PowerPoint presentations, though, sometimes, I use Comic Sans.
I don’t even know what font I use regularly! Now, if that is being snobbish, so be it.
Have I known snobs? You bet I have. Enough and more to last a life time. I don’t have to put up with them any more and so I don’t, but I have had the experience of having to lump them during my working years.
Cathy,
Yes! I love strolling through fonts too. I thought it was just me.
Mike,
Great definition of snob!
Rummuser,
Yes, one of the great things about being retired is we get to choose who we interact with, for the most part.
āYou must have a sad life to get this app.ā I agree: Seriously funny.
I like Mike’s link between being a ‘snob’ and ‘pretentious’. Oh, yes.
U
I’ve experienced plenty of snobbishness. Sometimes I think England is snobbery capital of the world. Most people are obsessed with their position in the social heirarchy, looking down on anyone supposedly below them and feeling totally inferior to anyone above them.
Being lower middle class myself (he says, reluctantly categorising himself), I’ve been given the cold shoulder regularly by those who regard themselves as financially, culturally, educationally or occupationally superior. What a load of bollocks it all is. But I’m glad to say Northern Irish folk are much less status-conscious. Plumbers and chief executives mingle quite happily. Shock horror, they may even live next door to each other.
Nick,
I knew that was true in the past, but I thought it might have changed after WWII. That’s too bad. I’m glad it’s not that way in Northern Ireland. From what I’ve heard Scandinavians are more egalitarian too.
>And Iāve used Comic Sans for captions in cartoons because itās much more casual.
– Itās one of my favourite fonts when Iām writing some light hearted newsletters to family and friends.
>And in the criticsā eyes Arial is a āshameless imposterā
– This made me laugh. Itās as if fonts are beings with personalities.
>but it did surprise me at first that some people actively hate my choices.
– I still get surprised by how emotional charged people get over someone elseās choices that do not affect their lives in any way. After I get over the surprise, I have a good laugh. š
>But then humans do tend to have a snobbishness gene
– Ah, now I know what to blame! It aināt me! Itās my daddy and mummy! Hee hee!
>and like to think of themselves as superior to others.
– Iām a lot less guilty of this today, but now and again, I find myself slipping back into this once well-worn groove.
>Have you experienced much snobbishness in your life?
– Yes, but today, I let it roll off my back with a āvive la difference!ā attitude. I truly believe it boils down to that.
Kate
Kate,
I think it’s funny too. š