Ban Comic Sans

[David]

Typography is one of those areas of design that people either don't care/know about at all or are completely evangelistic about. To be honest, once you know even a little about typography it is very hard not to care, unless you are a complete philistine.

So, I was very pleased to see this site (http://www.bancomicsans.com/). These people really care. In fact, they care so much about the misuse of the Microsoft Comic Sans font that they are campaigning to ban its use. I have to say that I support them all the way. What's wrong with Comic Sans? There's nothing wrong with it per se. It's just the way it is used - misused.

These guys are not against the use of comic fonts altogether and they even offer a wide range of free alternative fonts (http://www.bancomicsans.com/fonts.html) that can be used in place of Comic Sans.

If you care enough you can even buy the T-shirt (http://www.bancomicsans.com/merchandise.html).

If you're not entirely convinced or you actually enjoy seeing Comic Sans used at every possible opportunity, perhaps you should check out the Comic Sans Appreciation Society (http://www.littlewonder.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/ourcause/index.htm).

If you're looking for a good comic font then make sure you have a look at Blambot (http://www.blambot.com/dialogue.html) for some excellent and professional looking free fonts. Just because Comic Sans is there doesn't mean you have to use it.

Of course, in web design, the situation is a little different. Sadly, Comic Sans is the only web safe font (http://www.i4image.com/resources_wsfont.shtml) and that is part of the problem.

My advice? I have never used Comic Sans and I can't think of any situation in the future where I might. Living without it is easy.

[francis]

I saw that site a while ago and have been contemplating the purchase of a T shirt for a while. I hate comic sans with a passion, and people use it everywhere, especially at work. When I was in hospital, each bed had a laminated sheet of A4 hung above the bed so that the nurses could write stuff on it (patient's name, whether they were nil by mouth, etc). Each sheet had either 'Team A' or 'Team B' written on it - in Comic Sans. Every time I looked up, all I could see was damn Comic Sans (http://www.microsoft.com/typography/web/fonts/comicsns/default.htm) (that 'groovy font'). Arrgh.

[James]

I think its use indicates a psychological problem in the person using it, particularly in emails (loads of people use it at work).

They see its name - "COMIC sans" - and use it in the misguided belief that it will give recipients the impression that they are likeable, fun to be with, have a great sense of humour etc etc - that they are a COMIC / comedian and everyone likes them.

Often the people who use comic sans in emails are the same people who will use a GIF in their signature. (Excuse me while I run to the toilet and barf).

I bet David Brent uses it.

http://www.culturemove.it/news/imginc/hollywoodcs.jpg

[francis]

I agree with James - people see it as something that is friendly, approachable and nice. Interestingly, it was only ever designed to package children's software (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comic_Sans) and wasn't designed to be a typeface. I utterly despise that font.

[David]

Well, it looks like we are in agreement then - I was rather hoping that someone would disagree :P

It's interesting what the designer (http://www.connare.com/comic.htm) has to say on the subject. I guess he can be forgiven under the circumstances but that doesn't mean we have to like it.

[francis]

Tunbridge Wells' Early Learning Centre is in the process of being refurbished and their new shop logo is in Comic Sans. I screamed inside when I saw it during my lunch break today.

[James]

Look at this little beauty! (http://www.freightlinersfarm.org.uk/)