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Following last week’s ‘black or blue?’ ink debate, we’ve received the following inkformation from Su:
I am a civil servant and, in the days before computers, it was mandatory to use black ink on all official documents. This was because black was the only colour that did not fade – over time other colours fade out so the text cannot be seen. Red could be used for amendments but that was only because the amendments would be included in a final documents written in black ink.
Aaron meanwhile sheds light on why green ink is the ink of madness – because it’s the ink of choice for people who are surrounded by all the drugs! He says:
I work in a hospital (in the UK) and noticed on a drug chart that the pharmacist had written over the chart in GREEN INK!!!!
Well, it turns out the profession of pharmacist have claimed green ink for their own pointless notes on a drug charts, such as ‘take with food’ ‘give slowly’ and ‘mix with water’.
Answer me this: are there any other professions or trades that feel they need to claim a colour for themselves?
Evidently the civil service – see above – but readers, if you’re in a profession which insists upon, say, violet ink, or allows only orange Rorschach tests, then let us know in the comments. Although typing in boring old black and white is probably anathema to you.
By the way, Aaron, I’m going to guess that the green ink is a sensible measure so the notes are visible against the other prevailing colours on the drug charts. Also I don’t think that ‘take with food’ and ‘mix with water’ are at all pointless, as anyone who has tried ibuprofen on an empty stomach, or attempted to ingest dry Lemsip powder, will know.
Answer Me This! Podcast 
February 5, 2013 at 10:51 pm |
I’m a teacher. When we’re marking at my school, we’re not allowed to use red ink as it’s too negative for the children so we mark in green instead. (Too negative?!? Pfft!)
February 5, 2013 at 10:54 pm |
so now children will think green is negative – where will it end?? (Answer: emoticon-based marking. It is probably already happening.)
February 6, 2013 at 10:50 am |
Emoticon-based marking? In a way teachers have been doing this for years with ticks and crosses. Or little stickers saying “good work” or “see me after prep”.
February 6, 2013 at 12:14 pm
Some teachers are even avoiding putting crosses so are putting little dots instead! It’s all about the positives now, not focusing on the negatives!
February 5, 2013 at 9:57 pm |
When I worked for Grimsby Council, only auditors were allowed to use green ink.
February 5, 2013 at 1:44 pm |
G’day, I’m a Police officer in New South Wales, Australia. We have rules about what colour ink an officer may use in there pen. Constables may only use black ink, a Sergeant may only use blue ink, Inspectors use red ink and Superintendents and above use green ink….Oh how I dare to dream of one day being able use a different color other then black ink !
February 5, 2013 at 12:56 pm |
I think the head of MI6 uses red ink, while the MI5 head honcho uses green
February 5, 2013 at 11:53 am |
Ugh. Someone had the same thought as me but is clearly a faster typist. #grump
February 5, 2013 at 11:57 am |
Great minds think alike! Or saw the same episode of QI.
February 5, 2013 at 11:48 am |
I am fairly sure the head of MI6 signs documents with a green ‘C’, after the first director, Sir Mansfield Cummings. Not sure it’s the industry standard in spying, but it might be.
February 5, 2013 at 11:46 am |
The head of MI6 is another green ink user:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/5918467/MI6-boss-Sir-John-Scarlett-still-signs-letters-in-green-ink.html