Re: Multi column layout question.

Here's an idea. I don't know whether or not it is possible, but I'll 
throw it out there.

Could there be a column tag that each individual can define in the 
preferences file? The problem is mainly that there are widely varying 
screen sizes, so what fits one page on one machine will be either too 
long or too short or even too wide for another. So how about a tag that 
allows the browser to define the depth and width of a two-column format? 
This still would not allow for precise placing of elements within a 
column (which I agree is against the concept of HTML), but it does allow 
a two-colum format which is easier to read. I've been a typographer for 
25 years, and the fact is that it is easier to read shorter lines of 
text. You don't get lost at the end of the line and end up either 
re-reading or skipping a line with your eyes scan back to the lefthand 
edge of the page.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lauren Dieguez Langford    [ldieguez@best.com]

On Fri, 23 Jun 1995, kitblake wrote:

> Adding....
> 
> >Then again, if *precise* formatting is vital to a specific presentaion of
> >information, there *are* better tools than html ... and Adobe Acrobat, for
> >one, also allows article threading, among other features.
> 
> The Problem is Acrobat generates very large files, especially with pictures.
> 
> We really need the otion to place HTML text somewhere on a page, not either
> left or center. Or right. 
> 
> This discussion began with the observation that many companies, with fast
> links and nice monitors, are making very wide pages. Check out
> http://www.alias.com/. It's at least 700 pixels.
> This generates long lines of text, which are hard to read. 
> 
> Having some control mechanism to organize text in columns makes for better
> communication. A caption can be under a picture. Or next to it. Two or
> three important items can share the header space. Things to be skimmed, as
> in a newspaper, can be in narrow columns. Or linked footnotes can be on a
> wide margin. 
> 
> Ultimately, it is just a desire to improve the experience fo exploring
> information on the Web.
> Kit Blake
> 
> 
> 
> 
>

Received on Saturday, 24 June 1995 19:50:37 UTC