Software Defined Talk

Episode 550: Typeface Philosophy

20 snips
Dec 12, 2025
Dive into the clash of fonts and emotions as the hosts debate the political symbolism behind typefaces like Times and Calibri. Explore Netflix's bold acquisition of Warner Bros and the implications of tech versus creative talent. Delve into IBM's strategy of acquiring open-source brands to deepen enterprise reach. Plus, hear about Anthropic's purchase of Bun and the integration of Claude Code in communication tools. The conversations blend nostalgia, tech M&A, and the quirky world of fonts, creating an engaging mix of insights and fun.
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INSIGHT

Typeface Conveys Institutional Personality

  • Typefaces convey institutional personality and historical vibe more than most realize.
  • Coté argues Courier New evokes authenticity and a kinetic, typewriter-era authority that shapes perception.
INSIGHT

Fonts Mix Politics, Accessibility, And Licensing

  • Font choices can be both political and technical, like ADA accessibility and scanability.
  • Brandon notes Calibri replaced Times for practical readability and licensing reasons despite aesthetic reactions.
ANECDOTE

Cartridge Font Shows Personal Branding

  • Coté uses a quirky font called Cartridge for presentations to signal playful, retro branding.
  • He describes its two modes including a rough variant that gives headings an Atari-like feel.
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