In typography, the ransom note effect is the result of using an excessive number of juxtaposed typefaces. It takes its name from the appearance of a stereotypical ransom note, with the message formed from words or letters cut randomly from a magazine or newspaper in order to avoid using recognisable handwriting. The term is also used to describe poor typesetting or layout created by an untrained Web developer or desktop publishing user, but the problem is recognised in classical typography which cites handbills from the 18th and 19th centuries as particular examples.
Early versions of Macintosh system software, up through System 6, included a bitmapped font called San Francisco that replicated the ransom note effect. The font was not carried over into versions after System 7, though computer font renditions were created by hobbyists.
The ransom note effect may also occur when a web browser uses different fonts to display parts of a web page in different languages or encodings. To avoid this, web browsers try to use the same font for as much of the page as possible.
Famous quotes containing the words ransom, note and/or effect:
“For I could tell you a story which is true;
I know a lady with a terrible tongue,
Blear eyes fallen from blue,
All her perfections tarnished—and yet it is not long
Since she was lovelier than any of you.”
—John Crowe Ransom (1888–1974)
“I note that the Africa loves to depict the grace of reptiles.”
—Zora Neale Hurston (1891–1960)
“The machine has had a pernicious effect upon virtue, pity, and love, and young men used to machines which induce inertia, and fear, are near impotents.”
—Edward Dahlberg (1900–1977)