Editorial: Am I Your Type?

Recently, The Banner has received feedback that the point size of the text in the newspaper is too small and too hard to read.
So, how’s this?
I increased the point size and changed the typeface to one seemingly more readable, but that may be up for debate.
Truthfully, it has been on my list of things to do this year, to update the look of the newspaper and upsize the text at least one point for those struggling to read it at its former size.
The Banner’s newspaper typeface and size have been the same for... maybe 20-30 years?
It has been the same since before 2009, when I started working here full-time after college.
But a lot has changed in 15 years. I didn’t need reading glasses then, I do now.
I’m not entirely sure when it changed to the typeface we have used for so long. I’d have to look through the archives with my type gauge and play “spot the difference.”
Newspaper type used to be hot lead and hands on; functional, not fancy.
Now, we have 1,000s of fonts to choose from on a computer that processes more data in a day than the first computers processed in a lifetime.
A lot has changed.
I’ve dabbled with the idea of changing typefaces a few times during my tenure, but nothing has ever been quite as good as “Nimrod,” the typeface we’ve been using for so long.
According to the newspaper guru, Kevin Slimp, it has a good x-height and repeatedly ranks high for “best newspaper font” when compared to its peers.
(I just googled best newspaper fonts and there was Nimrod, still in the top 10).
You know the old adage, “if it ain’t broke... don’t fix it.”

So I left it.
It has been a good font that has relayed a lot of good stories to readers.
Reader, please understand that while the frustration you feel trying to read the newspaper every week may feel like we are maliciously printing it smaller, it’s been the same size for a while.
You and I are the ones changing.
But still, maybe it is time for the newspaper to change?
Being a font nerd, I could drag you all down a rabbit hole that will have you screaming and clawing at the sides of it to get out; but I won’t do that to you.
And I won’t try to take you on a font experiment that will have you buying different readers every week for the fore-SEE-able future.
No, instead here is a font that may finally be worthy to go head-to-head with Nimrod; and here is the introduction of a redesign years in the making.
Utopia Std. in 9.3 point type has replaced Nimrod 8 point, and Barlow has replaced Helvetica and Gotham this week.
Fun fact: Barlow is the last name of the family that owned the newspaper before the Washburns/Martins, J. Frank Barlow, and later, his son Karl. My grandfather, James, was Karl’s business partner.
I love the symmetry of it.
This editorial is meant to be a type sample. (in print, online it is meant to be notification that the look of the print edition has changed).
Other than the pain of enduring my ramblings, how was the readability of this column?
I hope it was better. This is an open invitation to any reader that wants to weigh in on the new look of the newspaper.
I need you to contact us during business hours after you see this (M-F, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.). Call 731-352-3323, email TYPE@mckenziebanner.com, or mail to 3 Banner Row, McKenzie, TN 38201.
Thank you for reading.