It’s true, a font conference in Buffalo doesn’t exactly sound like a thrilling way to spend a weekend in July, but for those who’ve already joined the Ban Comic Sans campaign, seen the documentary Helvetica and know their Tahoma from their Times New Roman, it was the event of the year.

This very specific demographic, which for decades consisted almost entirely of European men with black wardrobes and brushed-titanium glasses, now includes tech-nerds in high-waisted denim and plop haircuts, middle-aged women who compare fonts to symphonies and swoon at the mere mention of Century Schoolbook and young hipsters in zip-up hoodies that say “KERN” on the front (with the zipper running between the E and R so the lettering is effectively kerned every time it’s done up – yes, it’s a type joke).

It’s a cool little overview of the conference, if you’re, you know, into that sort of thing. I wonder if anyone came dressed as their favorite typeface?

It’s a well-known competition, but did you know it’s been running since 1923? Take a look at the winners and an almost endless plethora of other great time-wasting eye-candy (or “research” of you may like to rationalize it) in the . If you’ve never visited, it’s a great place to destroy your afternoon.

It’s difficult to tell if they are supposed to be ordered by rank (I hope not), alphabetically (I, certainly, hope not), or randomly (perhaps). Whichever it is, #1 is Helvetica, and I’m sure you remember Chad’s post earlier this week about the eponymous font and its forthcoming documentary.

Even for someone not fascinated by typography, this sounds like a :

Helvetica is a feature-length independent film about typography, graphic design and global visual culture. It looks at the proliferation of one typeface (which will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2007) as part of a larger conversation about the way type affects our lives. The film is an exploration of urban spaces in major cities and the type that inhabits them, and a fluid discussion with renowned designers about their work, the creative process, and the choices and aesthetics behind their use of type.

Helvetica encompasses the worlds of design, advertising, psychology, and communication, and invites us to take a second look at the thousands of words we see every day.