Re: HTML v. PDF

[Lou Quillio <quillio -at- gmail -dot- com>]

On Mon, 28 Mar 2005 11:36:46 -0500, Lee Hunter <leeghunter -at- gmail -dot- com> wrote:

> You might have done all the
> right things with the PDF but given the choice, I'd still click the
> HTML file. If PDF is the only option, I sometimes won't bother opening
> it.

Agree.  PDF (and PS) is *all about print*.  You literally can't create
a PDF without first specifying the paper size, an odd exercise for
documents not necessarily destined for print.  I approach it this way:
 PDF is the wrong choice *except* when it's the right choice.
Documents that *rely* on a print metaphor to be useful benefit from
PDF.  Now, maybe they shouldn't be relying on the print metaphor.

My point (and Neilsen's) is that PDF isn't a starting point, it's a
solution to a particular problem.  It entails strong negatives, which
are out-weighed by certain positives in certain applications.  PDF is
overused online, but it's good for what it's good for:  precise
digital representations of printed matter, with embedded graphics and
typefaces.

LQ

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

WEBWORKS FINALDRAFT - EDIT AND REVIEW, REDEFINED
Accelerate the document lifecycle with full online discussions and unique feedback-management capabilities. Unlimited, efficient reviews for Word
and FrameMaker authors. Live, online demo:
http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l

---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as:
archiver -at- techwr-l -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Send administrative questions to lisa -at- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-  Visit
http://www.techwr-l.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.