Typographic Train Wrecks

You’re in a store searching for that perfect picture frame. You pick one up that looks good—a simple wood frame with just enough detail to complement your photo.

And then you see the sample photo…with its typographic train wreck.

What’s strange about this type disaster is that the mistake is usually made in reverse. A common slip is to use straight quotation marks (dumb quotes), or even prime marks in place of typographic quotation marks. While that may be overlooked in texts and e-mails, it’s a no-no for professional work.

In the photo frame, the opposite occurred. We see typographic quotation marks in place of prime marks. An uncommon error, but one that should be avoided as well.

Unfortunately, disasters can cause multiple casualties. This is no exception. The letter “x” should be a dimension sign, “×.” This slip is more subtle, to be sure. But these blunders are enough to make the savvy shopper wonder about the quality of the product.

Hopefully the price is right.

 
Posted by Dave Spencer on January 31, 2011
Filed Under Typography | 7 Comments
 

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