[phkahler]

>> Creating a typeface which you own is cheaper than licensing a third-party typeface, at scale.

The cheapest fonts are the ones installed on a users system. Web sites and apps do not need to include fonts at all. In fact it's easy to argue that the users should be selecting the fonts on their devices in most cases.

[mozumder]

Never let the user control your brand. System fonts should always be thrown away.

Every company web site & app needs to include their own font. Otherwise, you become a commodity, and you can be replaced by your competitors.

Business is about being different from competitors, not the same. And people buy things that look good.

Companies that have crappy branding lose money, because they lose customers to other companies.

[jadedhacker]

If your major differentiating factor is mainly branding, you are already a commodity. Customers will often use shitty looking products if there's something in it for them.

[ggg9990]

Not for a network effect business. A network effect business doesn’t need a strong advantage or even any advantage if the network is strong enough. Note that eBay has barely changed in 20 years yet is still the only place to go to get Hamburglar sunglasses or whatever.

[jadedhacker]

Good point.