When I was asked about what I thought of some text on a series of small pictures, I commented that the words are okay but that the font used is not ideal – because it looks messy and inconsistent, which does not gel well with the meticulously drawn pictures. The defensive reply I got was that ‘The font is that way… It’s too late to change.’ There were no reasons given as to why it’s suitable. Why ask for feedback when what wanted is only agreement?
It was a ‘funny’ reply because it implies that there is nothing wrong with the font just because it’s designed that way, while what I was really saying was that the font is not suitable for the pictures. Of course, there is no such thing as a ‘wrong font’ – other than when it doesn’t serve ideally in a given context. In fact, anyone can design their own font and no one can say it’s ‘wrong’.
The idea of accepting the quirks of a font just because it’s chosen is bizarre – as if it’s a rule. Why not just change to a better font? It’s amazing how some bad ideas are clung to tightly – even at the micro ‘font’ level. It’s not even a matter of individual aesthetic taste here, because the logic I presented was sound and remained undefeated. It was sheer insensible attachment. I hope I don’t make such similar mistakes in ‘designing’ my life.
Related Article:
Bad Faith for Good Feedback
https://moonpointer.com/new/2010/05/bad-faith-for-good-feedback