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Archiver > TMG > 2000-05 > 0957185615


From: JEFFREY OWENS <>
Subject: [TMG-L:] Re: TMG-L: Font Handling Problem
Date: Mon, 01 May 2000 08:53:35 -0400
References: <3902069B.7C595110@epix.net> <4.1.20000423183814.009619e0@pop.mis.net> <390453DB.B70ADF18@epix.net> <000a01bfae2b$167a3e00$4a6130c1@in2p3.fr> <012401bfb0fd$5432e7e0$caa15ac2@1> <004601bfb12b$8e842c00$1da70218@mrdn1.ct.home.com> <010e01bfb2fc$1dba13e0$c9a15ac2@1> <00f801bfb308$8ca07720$1660f7a5@lautman>


fran jacobowitz wrote:
>
> The typeface ARIAL is very easy to read on a computer screen, because of
> the clarity of the typeface. The letters are smooth, rounded, and for some
> reason, easy to read on a screen.
>
> However, when printing on paper, it is always preferable to use a SERIF
> typeface such as Times Roman. (Serif's are the little feet that can be
> found on letters. They are most noticeable on letters like M, N, t, l, h.
> Typefaces without Serifs, such as ARIAL are called SANS-serif.)
>
> It is a generally agreed upon typographical convention that Body Copy,
> (long pages of text) should always be in serif typeface. The serifs provide
> a break-up of the spacing, and physically make it easier for the human eye
> to perceive.
>
> So, I would definitely recommend that anything printed on paper be done
> in serif. Times Roman is one of the more readily recognizable of the serif
> typefaces, and in recent years has, by default, become the computer
> standard.

Quite a long explanation of what seems to be your personal observations
and preferences.

I just did a most unscientific survey. Here in my messy office I picked
up at random, (everything's at random) six catalogs and magazines, and
six corporate annual reports. All twelve of my highly scientific survey
were in ARIAL typeface.

What authority do you quote as your definitve pronouncement that Times
New Roman is the world's most readable typface for English?

Jeff Owens
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