Re: Line spacing in bullet lists

[mpriestley -at- VNET -dot- IBM -dot- COM]

Keith Soltys writes:
>I'd like some feedback on formatting lists. When using bulleted lists,
>is there any standard for applying spacing between items? When I was

The rationale for the IBM standard (compact for single-line lists, uncompact
for lists that contain multiple-line items) is:

 - the bullets indicate a new list item, but the user has to be scanning the
   left column to notice it.  It's nice to provide a way to indicate a new
   list item, that goes across the whole page, so if they're scanning down
   the middle of the page, they still notice the break without having to
   depend on peripheral vision.

 - If every list item fits on a single line, then a new line itself signifies
   a new list item.  This is easy to scan for.

 - If some items are multiple lines, then the new line itself does not
   necessarily indicate a new list item.  So instead, you put an empty line
   between each list item, to break them up and set them apart.  Otherwise
   the list items can "blur" together, and it's harder to tell when you
   move from item to item.  Try removing the lines from the list in this note,
   and you'll see what I mean.

So: I'd stick with the IBM standard.  Compact lists (no lines between items)
when each list item fits on a single line.  Uncompact lists (one line
between items) when at least one item needs multiple lines.

That way, there's always a clear break between list items.

Note: this is _my_ justification for the standard, off the top of my head.

Hope this helps,

Michael Priestley
mpriestley -at- vnet -dot- ibm -dot- com
Disclaimer: speaking on my own behalf, not IBM's.