Chris, FWIW, I had an oblique font fail at the test stage (at least I think that was the reason) because I had the same problem and tried to ignore it. FontBook would not validate the font and would not display all characters. This setting in preferences makes correcting easier without too many distortions, but still requires lots of manual fiddling:

Mine is not failing and FontBook is quite happy with it, though? Go figure.

ChrisL

I think the points at extrema are desirable because of hinting.

But I don't think it's as important in italic, extrema aren't going to define widths as clearly. I see the same thing you do and I'm just going my merry with all those red arrows, whenever putting an extremum makes stuff look worse.

Hopefully a hinting maven can enlighten us. I was encouraged by hearing Matthew Carter say he breaks the "rules" regularly.

I've heard Matthew say the same, Bill, but I assume he knows better than I which red arrow to forget. Perhaps I should look at some italic fonts I own and see if any other type designers think the red arrows are pisssahs.

Yes, Bill, I also think hinting in italics is a whole nother thang than upright fonts.

ChrisL

I looked at a few typefaces from respected designers and some did not have nodes at extrema in italics!.

ChrisL

I forgot to mention: even the Type 1 spec says you don't need nodes at extrema in tight terminals like the bottom of the e and c.

Thanks, Bill. That is comforting. So is seeing them absent from quality types by established designers.

ChrisL

I have been told by people I trust that indeed there are many places where the little red arrows can & should be ignored. Especially if you know why you are doing it.

I am not sure about why--I just surmise that if it looks worse, it is worse.

ChrisL

Too right!