[scribus] font usage

[John Culleton]

On Friday 14 August 2009 03:47:57 pm Craig wrote:
> Peter Nermander wrote:
> >> The most important thing is legibility, somewhat subjective,
> >> but in general a serif font will be more easily readable at
> >> small size than sans-serif. Some people, I think, get lost in
> >> the idea of wanting a "modern" look to the font, and
> >> sans-serif seems more sleek and modern. As your eye scans
> >> across text, it can have a hard time differentiating the
> >> number 1 from small letter l from capital I with some/many
> >> sans-serif fonts, which means that your brain then must use
> >> the context of surrounding letters, slowing the reading
> >> process and bringing about some cognitive distraction. The
> >> result is subtle visual and mental fatigue.
> >
> > As I understand it sans fonts are easier to read, but serif
> > fonts are generally faster to read.
> >
> > This comes down to how we read. People without reading problems
> > read "word images", we don't read the individual letters in the
> > words but just see the whole word and our brain interprets it
> > correctly. There are examples if this where words are written
> > with nonsense letters, but the words look like regular words
> > unless you spell through therm (like I just showed:-).
> >
> > But people with reading problems (or kids who are learning to
> > read) read words one letter at a time. Then sans fonts are
> > better because each letter stands by its own.
> >
> > For user manuals and similar there is no need to read fast,
> > it's more important to not misunderstand, but for a 300 pages
> > novel reading speed makes a difference (and it's less severe if
> > you missunderstand a word here and there).
>
> As an aside to the font question...
>
> There is always a need to read fast.. if you have lots to do.
>
> You can read fast and comprehend just as much. I once did a speed
> reading  course and went from a lazy 500-600 words per minute to
> over 1800 wpm with *improved* comprehension.
>
> Craig
>
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The book "Type & Layout" by Colin Wheidon & Geoffrey Heard comse 
down on the side of serif fonts for all uses in terms of 
comprehension. 

-- 
John Culleton
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