Ban Comic Sans

neildmitchell · Jun 19, 2005, 03:30 PM

http://bancomicsans.com
In 1995 Microsoft released the font Comic Sans originally designed for comic book style talk bubbles containing informational help text. Since that time the typeface has been used in countless contexts from restaurant signage to college exams to medical information. These widespread abuses of printed type threaten to erode the very foundations upon which centuries of typographic history are built.

While we recognize the font may be appropriate in a few specific instances, our position is that the only effective means of ending this epidemic of abuse is to completely ban Comic Sans.

We understand font selection is a matter of personal preference and that many people may disagree with us. Those who do not share our views should visit the Comic Sans Appreciation Society and the Illustrated History of Comic Sans.

poundsmack · Jun 19, 2005, 03:32 PM

this sounds like a case of going overboard on this one......is a ban really required? personaly i would rather get rid of joker man font

CanadaRAM · Jun 19, 2005, 03:34 PM

Yup. Let's all go back to Trajan.

neildmitchell · Jun 19, 2005, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poundsmack

this sounds like a case of going overboard on this one......is a ban really required? personaly i would rather get rid of joker man font

Its a half hearted joke, there isnt going to be typohiles taking to the street in protest.
That would be hilarious to see though.

If you check out the Statistics page, and look at the projected Comic sans Usage graph, it becomes even more clear, this is all about having fun.
http://bancomicsans.com/statistics.html

I have seen Comic Sans used innappropriately in "professional" mailers, the font was most innapropriate for the context. The font has its place, but far too often it is placed in the wrong hands.

MongoTheGeek · Jun 19, 2005, 05:19 PM

I hate fonts in general. Comic sans is a bad on. The only thing it has going for it is that it isn't Helvetica, the root of all evil.

crowndiva · Jun 20, 2005, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MongoTheGeek

I hate fonts in general. Comic sans is a bad on. The only thing it has going for it is that it isn't Helvetica, the root of all evil.

Hate Fonts? Helvetica the root of all evil?

I would have to say that Quark is the root of all evil.

Mechcozmo · Jun 20, 2005, 02:32 AM

Damn you, Wingdings 1, 2, and 3! And your friend, Webdings, too!

crowndiva · Jun 20, 2005, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechcozmo

Damn you, Wingdings 1, 2, and 3! And your friend, Webdings, too!

Why you hate'n the 'dings?

pinto32 · Jun 20, 2005, 03:44 AM

Perhaps this is the right moment to ask....WHAT THE HELL ARE WINGDINGS SUPPOSED TO BE??? ARE WE ACTUALLY EXPECTED TO READ THEM??? AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Ok, all better now....

I am a switcher...I used to use comic sans for MOST of my non-school related typing, but have since come to my senses and "switched" to arial and verenda. (hint: Apple "switch" ad spoof is in order for this very topic).

snkTab · Jun 20, 2005, 04:02 AM

I wonder if there's a Comic Serif?

neildmitchell · Jun 20, 2005, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinto32

Perhaps this is the right moment to ask....WHAT THE HELL ARE WINGDINGS SUPPOSED TO BE??? ARE WE ACTUALLY EXPECTED TO READ THEM??? AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Ok, all better now....

I am a switcher...I used to use comic sans for MOST of my non-school related typing, but have since come to my senses and "switched" to arial and verenda. (hint: Apple "switch" ad spoof is in order for this very topic).

lol, no the 'dings are not to be for reading.

If your into graphic design they are a great starting place to get ideas from, or when you just need a quick symbol of some sort. I have used the astrological symbols in a recent postcard series.

neildmitchell · Jun 20, 2005, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snkTab

I wonder if there's a Comic Serif?

BOO HISS

Dont thinkthat there is, and hope there isnt

scem0 · Jun 20, 2005, 04:53 AM

Comic Sans makes us who refuse to use it look better, so I'm not for banning it.

Horrible font, though.

scem0

iGav · Jun 20, 2005, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MongoTheGeek

Helvetica, the root of all evil.

you surely jest

wrldwzrd89 · Jun 20, 2005, 05:39 AM

I agree with the point of the linked-to web site (Comic Sans is overused to the point of abuse), but I think the stuff extrapolated from that is completely unrealistic. Still, this thread made me laugh.

stubeeef · Jun 20, 2005, 08:28 AM

AAARRRGGGG! This thread is will be sending back into font-therapy. To many fonts, used incorrectly, make it stop. Oh the humanity! Next thing you know people will be mixing Times and Times New Roman in the same paragraph. Have you no shame people!

MongoTheGeek · Jun 20, 2005, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MongoTheGeek

The only thing it has going for it is that it isn't Helvetica, the root of all evil.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iGav

you surely jest

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crown Diva

Hate Fonts? Helvetica the root of all evil?

I would have to say that Quark is the root of all evil.

Helvetica is evil because there are so many versions that are slightly incompatible and or bastardized running around. And everyone assumes that everyone else that people have their version.

Why did the text overset?
The server didn't have the right version of the font.
I only used Helvetica...
....at this point there is long conversation about how used Helvetica out of a different foundry or about how helvetica narrow condensed is not a standard weight or about how they are mixing and matching versions of the font leading to error messages and inconsistent results.

Quark is evil yes. It allows for a bunch of things that it shouldn't. Adobe isn't all sweetness and light either.

Honestly, I don't like fonts because it the thing the artists are most likely to get wrong and I hate telling people how to do their jobs. Especially people who have more experience than I do. I just want to curl up in my little hole and look at 9 pt monaco. Nice fixed pitch font with slashed 0's and I's that don't look like l's.

Mr. Anderson · Jun 20, 2005, 09:27 AM

I saw a truck going down the road the other day and it had its logo in Comic Sans on the side.....thought it was a choice I wouldn't make and didn't think more on it - But now after looking at this, even if it is a bit of a joke, he's on to something....

D

elizabeth · Jun 20, 2005, 09:32 AM

As a student teacher, i have to use comic sans for stuff to use in class, as it's "easier to read".

Mitthrawnuruodo · Jun 20, 2005, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elizabeth

As a student teacher, i have to use comic sans for stuff to use in class, as it's "easier to read".

Try using a real font in a slightly larger size, instead. Should be easer to read (serif for paper, sans serif for screen as a thumb rule), too...

More advices/suggestions in the favorite fonts-thread or the readable font for articles-thread.

evilernie · Jun 20, 2005, 09:56 AM

Great thread. I am already boycotting comic sans, I hate that butt-ugly font. Glad I'm not the only one.

I agree, Helvetica sucks and Quark is evil. Why do we need Helvetica book, Helvetica roman, Helvetica Neue Book, Helvetica Neue Roman, etc. etc. It's the same damn font. Not to mention having duplicates in OS9 system fonts and OSX system fonts.

skunk · Jun 20, 2005, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elizabeth

As a student teacher, i have to use comic sans for stuff to use in class, as it's "easier to read".

Presumably "easier" because it's less "formal", less "authoritarian". We don't want to frighten the little darlings with a nasty, pointy serif, now do we?

feakbeak · Jun 20, 2005, 10:08 AM

Comic Sans became quite popular for a while, but I think it is heading out now. Fonts seem to have fads - they become popular for a while, then they die out. I've noticed Papyrus is gaining popularity these days. I see that font far too often these days.

DavidLeblond · Jun 20, 2005, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechcozmo

Damn you, Wingdings 1, 2, and 3! And your friend, Webdings, too!

Hey now, without Wingdings I'd have to draw my avatar's smiley and voice bubble by hand... can't be havin' none of that!

efoto · Jun 20, 2005, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skunk

Presumably "easier" because it's less "formal", less "authoritarian". We don't want to frighten the little darlings with a nasty, pointy serif, now do we?

Of course not, we would rather feed them sloppily rounded shi**y font and let not only their minds be warped by their eyes as well. Books will hence-forth all be published in Comic Sans as well as all newspapers and magazines. All published materials, including those on the internet, are to be published using COMIC SANS! Takeover soon to commence....just after season 5 of 24

...I just gave away the topic actually. Terrorists hack the *insert fancy government agency* database and replace everything with COMIC SANS! ARGH!

Personally feeding kids Comic Sans at school is lesser to the pointed, nasty serif IMO. Afterall, we want the children to be pointed and have some tact don't we?

I'm not responsible either way, I haven't reproduced

Jun 19, 2005, 03:30 PM	#1
neildmitchell macrumors 6502a Join Date: May 2005 Location: California	Ban Comic Sans http://bancomicsans.com In 1995 Microsoft released the font Comic Sans originally designed for comic book style talk bubbles containing informational help text. Since that time the typeface has been used in countless contexts from restaurant signage to college exams to medical information. These widespread abuses of printed type threaten to erode the very foundations upon which centuries of typographic history are built. While we recognize the font may be appropriate in a few specific instances, our position is that the only effective means of ending this epidemic of abuse is to completely ban Comic Sans. We understand font selection is a matter of personal preference and that many people may disagree with us. Those who do not share our views should visit the Comic Sans Appreciation Society and the Illustrated History of Comic Sans.

Jun 19, 2005, 05:19 PM	#5
MongoTheGeek macrumors 68040 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Its not so much where you are as when you are.	I hate fonts in general. Comic sans is a bad on. The only thing it has going for it is that it isn't Helvetica, the root of all evil. __________________ The future ain't what it used to be.

Jun 20, 2005, 02:32 AM	#7
Mechcozmo macrumors 601 Join Date: Jul 2004	Damn you, Wingdings 1, 2, and 3! And your friend, Webdings, too! __________________ This is not the signature you're looking for. This is not the signature we're looking for. You can scroll down now. You can scroll down now.

Jun 20, 2005, 03:44 AM	#9
pinto32 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: PA	Perhaps this is the right moment to ask....WHAT THE HELL ARE WINGDINGS SUPPOSED TO BE??? ARE WE ACTUALLY EXPECTED TO READ THEM??? AHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Ok, all better now.... I am a switcher...I used to use comic sans for MOST of my non-school related typing, but have since come to my senses and "switched" to arial and verenda. (hint: Apple "switch" ad spoof is in order for this very topic). __________________ No computer is to slow to FOLD!!!!

Jun 20, 2005, 04:53 AM	#13
scem0 macrumors 601 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: back in NYC!	Comic Sans makes us who refuse to use it look better, so I'm not for banning it. Horrible font, though. scem0 __________________ GradientCreator.com - Gradiented Text on Forums

Jun 19, 2005, 03:32 PM	#2
poundsmack macrumors 6502 Join Date: Apr 2005	this sounds like a case of going overboard on this one......is a ban really required? personaly i would rather get rid of joker man font

Jun 19, 2005, 03:34 PM	#3
CanadaRAM Contributor Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: On the Left Coast - Victoria BC Canada	Yup. Let's all go back to Trajan.

Jun 20, 2005, 04:02 AM	#10
snkTab macrumors 6502a Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Cincinnati, OH	I wonder if there's a Comic Serif?

Jun 20, 2005, 05:39 AM	#15
wrldwzrd89 macrumors 601 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Solon, OH	I agree with the point of the linked-to web site (Comic Sans is overused to the point of abuse), but I think the stuff extrapolated from that is completely unrealistic. Still, this thread made me laugh. __________________ Proud iMac and iPod touch owner Successfully upgraded iMac to 1TB HDD

Jun 20, 2005, 08:28 AM	#16
stubeeef macrumors 68020 Join Date: Aug 2004	AAARRRGGGG! This thread is will be sending back into font-therapy. To many fonts, used incorrectly, make it stop. Oh the humanity! Next thing you know people will be mixing Times and Times New Roman in the same paragraph. Have you no shame people! __________________ Change! Change I say yes

Jun 20, 2005, 09:27 AM	#18
Mr. Anderson Demi-God (Moderator) Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Back in VA	I saw a truck going down the road the other day and it had its logo in Comic Sans on the side.....thought it was a choice I wouldn't make and didn't think more on it - But now after looking at this, even if it is a bit of a joke, he's on to something.... D __________________ "Klaatu varada nikto!"

Jun 20, 2005, 09:32 AM	#19
elizabeth macrumors newbie Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: canterbury/nottingham	As a student teacher, i have to use comic sans for stuff to use in class, as it's "easier to read".

Jun 20, 2005, 09:56 AM	#21
evilernie macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jan 2005	I already do Great thread. I am already boycotting comic sans, I hate that butt-ugly font. Glad I'm not the only one. I agree, Helvetica sucks and Quark is evil. Why do we need Helvetica book, Helvetica roman, Helvetica Neue Book, Helvetica Neue Roman, etc. etc. It's the same damn font. Not to mention having duplicates in OS9 system fonts and OSX system fonts. __________________ PowerBook G4 15" (Rev. D) 1.67GHz 2GB RAM 100GB HD 128MB VRAM Dell 2005FPW Monitor 15GB iPod

Jun 20, 2005, 10:08 AM	#23
feakbeak macrumors 6502a Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Michigan	Comic Sans became quite popular for a while, but I think it is heading out now. Fonts seem to have fads - they become popular for a while, then they die out. I've noticed Papyrus is gaining popularity these days. I see that font far too often these days. __________________ ~ Athlon 3800+ X2 / 2 GB / ATI HD 4850 ~ 1.42 GHz G4 Mac mini / 1 GB / AE & BT / Super Drive ~ 8 GB iPhone

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