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Subject:Re: Font Selection Methodology From:Arlen -dot- P -dot- Walker -at- jci -dot- com To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Thu, 18 Apr 2002 20:37:33 -0500
>Anyone looking for simple answers will be disappointed.
No, anyone looking for comprehensive answers will be disappointed.
Font selection is *very* simple:
1) Is it already selected for you, in the site style manual? (If "yes,"
you're done.)
2) Select a font you can read.
OK, you're done. Yes, it really *is* that simple. It only gets complicated
when one starts obsessing over having the absolutely perfect font. Since
that particular beastie is first cousin to the Unicorn, you'll not find it;
attempting to will only complicate your life, and encourage deadlines to
approach even faster than they normally would.
How do you select fonts? As some previous wise person noted, "Steal one
from a book that worked."
Write a doc in Palatino, Times New Roman, Baskerville, and Caslon. If
you've achieved 0.5% difference in readability for similarly sized type
(note I didn't say "same point size") I would be more than astonished.
Things that gain you so little should not be objects of obsession. Obsess
about facts; obsess about illustrations; obsess about clear presentation.
Fonts aren't worth more than a minute or two.
My faves? Baskerville, GillSans, and Caslon, in that order. But that's only
relevant if the site style manual doesn't say otherwise.
Have fun,
Arlen
Chief Managing Director In Charge, Department of Redundancy Department
DNRC 224
Arlen -dot- P -dot- Walker -at- JCI -dot- Com
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In God we trust; all others must provide data.
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Opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.
If JCI had an opinion on this, they'd hire someone else to deliver it.
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