Ransom note typography

Just found a great new phrase on girtby.net:

Ransom note typography is rampant amongst the technical documents that I see on most days.

He links to this definition:

ransom note typography

Using too many fonts in a document. The term comes from the text in a ransom note that is pasted together from words cut out of different magazines and newspapers.

The ease with which fonts can be selected in a word processor has led many inexperienced people to use too many fonts in a document or newsletter. Typographers and graphics artists know that only two or three fonts are necessary for the most professional appearance.

It's a great turn of phrase; I'll be sure to use it soon. Make sure your fonts are selected with care if you're asking me to review your document!

Portrait of Matt Ryall

About Matt

I’m a technology nerd, husband and father of four, living in beautiful Sydney, Australia.

My passion is building technology products that make the world a better place. In 2021, I started Mawson Rovers to develop robotics and software for space exploration. Prior to this, I led product teams at Atlassian to create collaboration tools for 15 years.

I'm also a startup advisor and investor, with an interest in advancing the Australian space industry. You can read more about my work on my LinkedIn profile.

blog@mattryall.net