Readers' Ombudsman: Was this style over substance – or at least something similar to it?

SOMETIMES, when old-fashioned newspaper hacks like me gather in darkened corners to reminisce and take stock of our present-day business, there are mutterings about "the tyranny of design". The phrase is delivered in the manner of Billy Bones saying, "the curse of the black spot", and the response is always a muted, "It's never just about the words any more". Yes, it probably is a bit sad, and there are more important things in the world, but at least it shows we care

Design is a vital part of newspapers; it is what makes them appealing to read and distinctive, and sets the tone for the whole newspaper. There can be no doubt it plays an increasing role in modern newspaper thinking, and, for some of us old hands, t...