Re[2]: Formatting Question

["Arlen P. Walker" <Arlen -dot- P -dot- Walker -at- JCI -dot- COM>]

      > >       I don't know if you consider this the proper forum for this
      > > type of question, but here goes:
      >
      > > In general, does a two column format save space? I prefer to use a
      single
      > > column but I am working with a large group on a proposal and do
      > > not have the final say.

      Actually, such a question is not only appropriate but, in the present
       politically-charged climate on the list, is a refreshing change of pace.
      :)

I agree, Steve. ;{>}

But it stops there, I'm afraid. I've found two-column text to be *easier* for me
to read, at normal sizes. I think it has something to do with the length of the
line. My eye can almost take in the entire column width in one glance, so my eye
moves in a straighter path down the page, rather than taking a zig-zag course
all over the page.

Now, there are modifiers to this. Newspaper-style columns, with the text square
with both edges of the column, can lead to unfortunate gaps of white space
between or inside words when produced with low-quality SW on low-res (say less
than 1000 dpi) printers. So unless you're using *real* DTP SW and imagesetter-
quality printers I wouldn't square the columns. And the larger the type, the
better it would be to go to single-column.


Have fun,
Arlen
Chief Managing Director In Charge, Department of Redundancy Department
DNRC 124

Arlen -dot- P -dot- Walker -at- JCI -dot- Com
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