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1. iStockphoto to Sell Logos

Big news this week from iStockphoto: the site plans to offer logos for sale in the near future. Commenters on their forum seem to favor the deal, while designers are (not surprisingly) much less enthused.

To their credit, iStockphoto is trying something different with the logos they plan to sell. Logos will be unique items, only sold once apiece. In addition, they will cost much more than stock photos. Whereas a decent sized image might run $7-$10, a logo could run $100-$750.

But tell me, who is going to buy these things and who is going to supply them? Is there really such a thing as a stock logo? I think we know the answer…

2. Sub-pixel typefaces

I found this reference to a subpixel typeface through Tom Carden’s Delicious links. Through the comments I found out about another, similar typeface from computer graphics guru Kevin Perlin. Both are fascinating.

Neither is exactly subpixel, but three pixels high is mighty small. Both claim to be the smallest legible text you can render on a monitor, an effect achieved by painstakingly manipulating the colors of each individual pixel to fool the eye.

For my money, Perlin’s font (left) is technically proficient and likely more readable, but I admire the craft of miha’s letterforms (right) a bit more. To get that much finesse from so little is impressive.

3. Online Dating Advice: Exactly What To Say In A First Message

Dating site OK Cupid analyzed over 500,000 first contact messages in an attempt to understand what words or phrases most often resulted in reciprocated interest. Perhaps (if we stretch a bit!) there’s something to be learned here about what makes for a more successful first impression or marketing message.

One graph, which I found counter-intuitive, seems to suggest that when it comes to companionship, expressing confidence may not be as successful as a bit of awkwardness.

It could be that appearing unsure makes the writer seem more vulnerable and less threatening. It could be that women like guys who write mumbly. But either way: men should be careful not to let the appearance of vulnerability become the appearance of sweaty desperation: please is on the negative list (22% reply rate), and in fact it is the only word that is actually worse for you than its netspeak equivalent (pls, 23%)!

4. Nine Scientifically Proven Ways to Get Retweeted on Twitter

Want to know which words, phrases, and punctuation are more likely to spread your tweets? Viral marketing scientist Dan Zarrella thinks he can tell you. Fast Company is running a piece on his research, comprised of over 5 million tweets and 40 million retweets.

Beggars Can Be Choosers

Although conventional wisdom suggests that SPAMmy pleas, such as “PLEASE RETWEET,” would be generally ignored, Zarrella found the opposite. “Please” and “retweet” were his third and fourth “most retweetable” words, preceeded only by “Twitter” (duh) and “you.” Also worth noting: “Check out” and “new blog post” were Nos. 19 and 20, respectively.