My newspaper sometimes runs analyses of politicians’ speeches, with the words they mention most frequently appearing in larger fonts.

They’re always intriguing to look at, but it never occurred to me that they originated from a free program on the web called Wordle.com.

I’ve just discovered the site, and as it’s a bank holiday I’ve allowed myself to play with it for an hour or so. What fun!

I like the attitude of the creator, Jonathan Feinberg, as well. Here’s his reply to an FAQ which I have absolutely no doubt he has genuinely received:

Could you remove or change the name of the “Sexsmith” font? I don’t want my students to see it.

Yes, with pleasure. First, please write to the musician Ron Sexsmith, after whom the font is named, and get him to change his name. You may also want to write to Sexsmith, Alberta, Canada, and see if you can get them to change their name before any of your students inadvertently consult a map. Christian rocker Paula Sexsmith ought to be in your sights as well; don’t let her feel left out.

Here’s the first one I made, using as source material the Gwynedd chapter from Follies Grottoes & Garden Buildings by hem hem Gwyn Headley and Wim Meulenkamp. I suspect if you click on it it will appear in a larger window. If it doesn’t, I’ll fix it later.

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