[thelist] optimal line length

[Chris W. Parker]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: aardvark [mailto:roselli at earthlink.net]
> Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2002 4:35 PM
> To: thelist at lists.evolt.org
> Subject: [thelist] optimal line length

> "What can we conclude when users are reading prose text from
> monitors? Users tend to read faster if the line lengths are longer
> (up to 10 inches). If the line lengths are too short (2.5 inches or
> less) it may impede rapid reading. Finally, users tend to prefer
> lines that are moderately long (4 to 5 inches)."

inches are a bad way to measure something on screen. on the other hand
if he is taking into account the fact that a larger screen with a higher
resolution will contain more words per inch than a contrary setup...
then maybe i can handle it.

i think i would tend to like shorter line lengths than longer line
lengths. how long is short and how short is long? i'm not sure. ;)

but at the same time, using the 4 to 5 inch measurement suggested by the
author on the screen i'm looking at right now (17" at 1152x864) would
probably suit me just fine.

hmm... i don't think i was much help was i?


chris.