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Subject:Re: Font question From:Pro TechWriter <pro -dot- techwriter -at- gmail -dot- com> To:Heather Anderson <Heather -dot- Anderson -at- cubrc -dot- org> Date:Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:50:53 -0500
My preferences:
For serif fonts, try Georgia or Cambria (Windows fonts).
For sans-serif, try Trebuchet or Verdana.
Both sets are designed to be easy-to-read on screen as well as good for
print applications. I generally use a sans-serif font for online help files,
but use serif for a PDF that could be read either on screen or paper.
Microsoft has done quite a bit of work to develop their fonts for screen and
hard copy use. Personally, I don't mind using all their research (and saving
all that money!) to make my document fonts attractive and easy to read. Read
about their work here: http://www.microsoft.com/typography/default.mspx
Best,
PT
On Wed, Aug 25, 2010 at 11:15 AM, Heather Anderson <
Heather -dot- Anderson -at- cubrc -dot- org> wrote:
> He actually didn't tell me what he didn't like about it and when I asked
> via email, I never did get a response.
>
> I like the idea of showing him some alternatives.
>
> For font usage, I know I need one that's going to be in the MS Word 2007
> suite of fonts. Other than that, I think I'll just toss him a list.
>
> He did use Calibri for a document, and Arial for another. Beats me what
> the next document will have.
>
> It's more for my own sanity and consistency that I want to have him choose
> a font that he can live with.
>
> ~ Heather
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Pinkham, Jim [mailto:Jim -dot- Pinkham -at- voith -dot- com]
> Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 11:10 AM
> To: Heather Anderson; techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> Subject: RE: Font question
>
> Heather, since the reaction of your boss seems purely subjective, you're
> engaging in, and inviting, guesswork on the part of all of us. Yes, as
> you've seen, we can give suggestions on what might look professional.
> But what is it about TNR that sets him or her off? You certainly don't
> want to waste time with fonts that have similarly aggravating
> characteristics. If the boss cannot articulate his or her objections,
> maybe you can show the boss some visual alternatives and get some
> helpful reaction. One way to get at this would be to download a tool
> such as AMP Font Viewer (http://www.ampsoft.net/) and define a sample
> text. Perhaps something like this
>http://www.yourfilelink.com/get.php?fid=565809 (allow about 10 seconds
> and then click on the download link)-- or perhaps a more tactful example
> :)
>
> HTH,
> Jim
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+jim -dot- pinkham=voith -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+jim.pinkham <techwr-l-bounces%2Bjim.pinkham>=
> voith -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On
> Behalf Of Heather Anderson
> Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 9:03 AM
> To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> Subject: Font question
>
> I discovered that my boss hates hates hates Times New Roman with a
> passion.
>
> So other than Times New Roman, what are considered acceptable fonts for
> a professional document?
>
> I know Arial is one of them, but any others?
>
> I need to amend my style guide.
>
> Thanks!!
>
> ~ Heather
>
>
> Heather Anderson
> Technical Writer
> CUBRC, INC.
> Office - 937-432-9845
> Cell - 317-797-7418
> Heather -dot- Anderson -at- cubrc -dot- org<mailto:Heather -dot- Anderson -at- cubrc -dot- org>
>
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