Author Topic: Do you slash your zeros? (Read 2866 times)

Aaron Hulett [MSFT] · « **on:** August 22, 2009, 12:04:11 AM »

When I write my zeros, I tend to draw a slash through them. It stems from seeing zeros drawn this way on my old Radio Shack TRS-80 and earlier 8088 IBM PC Clone machines (anyone remember WordStar?), and I do it today to help me know it's a zero, and to help keep people from changing the number (such as from a zero to an 8 on a check - yes I still write checks). For a comparison, here's how zero looks with the Lucida Console font (left) and the Consolas font (right) - I write my zeros like on the right:

I'm discovering, though, that people are mistaking this for a six rather than a zero, which is starting to impact things, such as the address on things I receive in the mail (where there's a 6 rather than a 0).

So I'm curious, am I one of a very few that slash their zeros? Do I need to bother doing so (a.k.a. should I take the tin foil hat off)? How do you write 'em?

Thanks,
//A

winchester73 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 22, 2009, 12:20:37 AM »

I slash them as well ...

I started as a kid with amateur ham radio where it was important to distinguish between the letter O and the number 0. I've noticed that the problem continues to this day since it is often difficult to easily tell the difference between the two in most type fonts. I'm still in the habit of always saying "zero" instead of "oh".

I've never had checks confused with a 6 instead of a 0, perhaps you are putting a small loop or bump at the top unintentionally?

Corrine · « **Reply #2 on:** August 22, 2009, 12:47:19 AM »

I also slash zeros, but do make sure the slash goes through the zero. Another method is putting a dot in the center of the zero. Additionally, I write the number seven as 7 and prefer the European date format, making today 20 August 2009. Much less confusion that way.

winchester73 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 22, 2009, 01:08:23 AM »

I also write my 7's that way, the line through the middle clearly differentiating the seven from the number one. I date my checks in the European style as well. Scary how alike we all are.

Corrine · « **Reply #4 on:** August 22, 2009, 01:26:50 AM »

Quote from: winchester73 on August 22, 2009, 01:08:23 AM

Scary how alike we all are.

It certainly is. Perhaps its a geek thing since we're not all of the same generation.

Basementgeek · « **Reply #5 on:** August 22, 2009, 03:25:51 AM »

I always write dates i.e. 20 August 2009, the military taught me that.

BG

Basil · « **Reply #6 on:** August 22, 2009, 07:17:09 AM »

I write my zeros without a line or dot in the middle. I must admit, however I often get confused between a zero and the letter "o". Especially when I type software activation codes. That is why I try to copy and paste.

I write the number 7 without a line when in the UK, but with a line when visiting another country like Greece or France.

I prefer the European style of a date (16 Aug. 2009).....The US style often confuses me.....

My problem when reading dates, is that I am not sure if they have been written in the US or European style.....All very confusing.......

GR@PH;<'S · « **Reply #7 on:** August 22, 2009, 07:20:25 AM »

Aaron Hulett - MSFT,
Well it looks to me as we all wite our zero's with a slash in them mind you I must admit I liked the idea of

Quote

putting a dot in the center of the zero

from Corrine we have never had any of them mistaken as a 6 or 8.
And Never been called a geek before

as both Netty and I both Slash our 7's .
oh and we both use the European date format but then living in the UK I guess we would

GR@PH;<'S

R-C · « **Reply #8 on:** August 22, 2009, 04:09:51 PM »

I as normal writing do not slash mine but when keeping track of certain code or passwords I sometimes do if I think there might be confusion. My husband is a CPA/CFO so deals with numbers constantly and he does slash his zeros diagonally but extends past the edge of the number, his 7 is pretty distinctive and does not slash.

Eric the Red · « **Reply #9 on:** August 22, 2009, 10:32:23 PM »

I have always written my zeroes and sevens with a slash (one that extends either side of a zero) but I guess that this is as a result of my Icelandic heritage, it's the way I was taught to write them. Being European I use the European date format except when I am posting here; previous misinterpretation by some of our readers means that I will post as "August 22, 2009" rather than "22/08/2009".

Aaron Hulett [MSFT] · « **Reply #10 on:** August 23, 2009, 07:24:22 AM »

I tend to write my 1s like a lower-case l unless I need to ensure clarity, then I write them like the 1 here with a line on the bottom. 7 is always 7 with no line. And dates, DD Mon YYYY for me - 23 Aug 2009. Apparently I just need to be more clear with my slashed zeros. Glad to know they're somewhat mainstream and that I'm not the sole slasher.

//A

GR@PH;<'S · « **Reply #11 on:** August 23, 2009, 07:49:07 AM »

Aaron Hulett - MSFT,
As you some times have clarity problems may I suggest that you try a little exercise,
Try writing a few cheques using your 7 .1 and your 0 make them out to Hammy

GR@PH;<'S

Aaron Hulett [MSFT] · « **Reply #12 on:** August 23, 2009, 08:59:38 AM »

LOL I'll get right on that

GR@PH;<'S · « **Reply #13 on:** August 24, 2009, 07:17:35 AM »

Aaron Hulett - MSFT,
After chequing them all my self I will ask the nice young lady at my local bank to re-cheque

GR@PH;<'S

Niecarrah · « **Reply #14 on:** August 25, 2009, 07:36:14 AM »

I never use a slash on my 0's or my 7's but I dealt with military contracts for many years and always write dates ie: 08/02/2009 and for years time was in military time ie: 18:00, but after some years have gotten away from that part.

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