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John, I have to agree with you. (well, I don't *have to*, but I do)...
For me, the problem has arisen when I see more, ummm..... creatively
formatted styles. Yes, people do scan pages and they are attracted to things
that stand out. When something has been given a boldface, I am immediately
attracted to it (it's like a shiny object to me). Therefore, when I design a
document, then I need to make sure that what I am attracting people to, is
worth it for the reader.
That being said, I also agree that the doc shouldn't look like it has the
measles (or the plague). I believe that if you are going to apply
formatting, then *apply* formatting. If you are using 12pt type for the body
<<shudder>> then please don't use a mere 14pt for the heading. It just looks
like your printer driver is messed up and printing unpredictably. Great care
needs to be taken when determining the formatting style. (And no, I am not
implying that anyone here isn't). There's a certain Gestalt approach that I
think is helpful - the entire page needs to be a cohesive "picture" for the
reader.
Just my $0.02
Rob Domaschuk | 312.853.8337 - t
Technical Writer | 630.430.4162 - m
Datalogics inc. | 719.623.7431 - f
"Life is far too important to be taken seriously."
- Oscar Wilde
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