- Font identification is a service that a number of us enjoy doing and there is no reluctance on any of our parts to do so. - Thank you for being clear on this. I've always worried I was asking someone to stop what they were doing and the living they are making to help me out, so I always try to find answers without interrupting someones work day. Signs101 members have helped out many, many times. There have been a few instances though where help has not been possible, I guess.
Some interruptions are welcome breaks.
When no answer is immediately forthcoming, it is usually because either the artwork is poor or the font is not in the database of one's identification program or the memory of the viewer.
- I personally think we do a better job than WhattheFont. For openers, our IDs are not limited to fonts we sell and include fonts from many of the free sites. - Without a doubt, the responses on Signs101 are superior to WhattheFont.
Well stated.
- It can at times be educational for our members which is at the heart of what we do here. How so?
Although many of the 9800+ threads in the Fonts and Typography section deal with nothing more than a straightforward font ID, there are any number of threads that get into how the ID was made as well as the history and classification of type which makes identifying unknown samples easier.
- As the owner and Admin here, why would I want to send members somewhere else for a font ID when we're quite capable of performing that service right here? - There is no reason why you would want to send members somewhere else. However, people may appreciate having additional tools in their box, may not like asking for help if they can figure it out themselves, may need an answer at 2am, etc, etc. Many message boards, this one included, instruct members to "do a search" that makes a lot of folks try everything they can before "bothering" others.
Again, let me say that Signs101 has been a HUGE help to us, is hands down the best source for font help, and it is greatly appreciated.
I don't think that a font ID can be efficiently searched for in our archives. Just too many threads and not much in the way of obvious keywords. I have no problem with members using any tools available to find an answer but I have never taken the attitude that simply asking is lazy or out of line. Lot's of members aren't well versed in search tactics and forum usage. So they simply ask for help. Providing the help, to me, has a much higher priority than pointing them at the search box. One of the best things that can happen at any forum is participation and activity along with providing help and solutions in a patient and polite manner.
I personally love puzzles ... which is what a font ID is like for me. These days I mostly use an identification program. In former days, it was mostly from memory. But IDing a font, like solving a puzzle, is mentally stimulating and welcome at any time.