# Is it okay to ask questions pertaining to the aesthetics of mathematical symbols?

I'm fed up with the infinity glyph. For instance, when it's used to denote an interval like $[0,\infty),$ the infinity symbol is clearly not tall enough, and its far too elongated; it just doesn't fit with the rest of the number glyphs.

I want to ask people for ideas/preferences on alternative symbols (not in the sense of a different typeface, but in the sense of a different symbol altogether, like $\omega$, for example), but I don't know if this is the right site to do it on.

Acceptable, or not?

• Maybe it would be OK to ask for other notations that have been used... In this case: $[0,+\infty[$ or $[0,\rightarrow)$, etc. – GEdgar Mar 25 '13 at 13:55
• I cannot get enough of the infinity glyph, I find it smooth, friendly, relaxing, each time my eyes fall on its elongation, the sun begins to shine in my heart... Ad lib. Then, what do we do? – Did Mar 25 '13 at 16:02

This would be an example of a question which would fit the following closure criteria:

not constructive
As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. ...

I would vote to close such a question.

Besides what has already been said, the FAQ states that you shouldn't ask quesitons where

every answer is equally valid: “What’s your favorite ______?” or

there is no actual problem to be solved: “I’m curious if other people feel like I do.”

I would say that your question falls into these categories of questions.

I do not think that typography or notation are purely subjective as some answers seem to imply. But MSE is not the right place to discuss typography and I don't think there is much point in finding viable alternatives for symbols used as commonly.

• I think asking about preferences for alternatives is subjective, however. – user642796 Mar 25 '13 at 13:57
• @Arthur Point taken. – Michael Greinecker Mar 25 '13 at 15:18
• If it is supposed about typography, TeX.SE and Graphic Design beta both have typography tag; so those site might be appropriate. – Martin Sleziak Mar 25 '13 at 15:42

I fear that such a discussion (not here, but on MO) would be useless, since even if we agree to use a different symbol we would not able to persuade the mathematical community as a whole to change their habits. Neither $\omega$ nor $\aleph_0$ are good choices, btw.