NEED OPINION ON ENGINE REBUILD BOOK ISSUE - Please Vote!

[Wayne 962]

Okay, I need your opinion on the BODY font for the new Engine Rebuild Book. (Not the captions, just the body, black text with white background):

Here is OPTION ONE, to use a serif font:



Here is OPTION TWO: to use a sans-serif font:



I have an opinion on this issue, but I will be silent until I've heard from you guys - the people who will actually be buying and reading the book!

Thanks for your input - it will really indeed determine the font for the book.

[Wayne 962]

Oh, and don't be a wuss, and look at this post without voting!

-Wayne

[island911]

I find the serif easier to read. . . but I prefer the look of the sans-serif (not so stuffy).

[GeorgeK]

The sans-serif is easier to read for me.
GeorgeK

[makaio]

Bottom one is easier to read.

[RallyJon]

Not really a question of which is easier to read--serif fonts win hands down there--but a question of style. For a technical book you won't be reading it like a novel anyway. The sans-serif definitely looks more techy and stylish, but I prefer serif: function over form.

[dtw]

I believe the sans serif has a cleaner look when combined with the illustrations and graphic design. It would be easier on my eyes, as well, if I was trying to quickly locate a block of text from further away than normal reading distance. That is a probably scenario if I am out in the garage wrenching and trying to read along or reference something.

As I look down at the two options again, I think the sans serif is definitely better with your page layout. You've really got a lot going on on your pages- the sans serif really helps clean up the look.

I recommend you send an email (NOT PM) to "zuffenhausen". He has years of experience with technical writing and professional page layout, and would be able to provide a trained eye.

[sbarrett]

A sans-serif font is generally used for headings. A serif font, with the little tails, facilitates the movement of the eyes through the text - making it easier to read; however, this isn't a novel!

Anything to make it easier to read is a plus!

[arcsine]

In my opinion, serif fonts shoud be used in books and novels where the reader is faced with large passages of prose. They can also be used as "flavor" in titles and headings but judiciously.

Sans serif faces work better in my opinion where the text is technical in nature.

In other words, go for the sans serif. There are cool ones out there so you don't have to use Arial or Helvetica.

[RatBoy4]

Option two, the sans-serif font looks much cleaner. I'd go with that one.

[Don Plumley]

Traditional typography says that serif fonts are easier on the eyes to read - but as this applies to page after page of reading.

I agree with the sentiment that for a technical publication, the sans-serif font works well and looks good.

[FIN]

One of the finest woodworking book series was written by a Danish Master woodworker named Tag Frid. If you start building projects out of even plywood, he's the guy to read up on.

His books were written in the typeset - UNIVERS. It's closer to the style of the second page and a standard in MS Word.

Give it a try.

[Eric Coffey]

I would explore other fonts, but between the two choices above, I would go with the sans-serif. It's a bit more "no-nonsense", and suited to the technical nature of the book IMO.

[pwd72s]

I'm in the minority here, preferring option #1. But I plan on buying the color version of the book no matter which you choose. And I wouldn't trust myself to try an engine rebuild...I'm a real life "Tim Taylor"...one of those guys who take 4 hours to do a 30 minute job...and is pleasantly shocked when it turns out well. But IF I ever live long enough to need an engine rebuild? This seems like it will be an excellent reference work.

[Wayne 962]

I may not get a choice. I just realized that changing the font size may potentially change the layout of where the text is with respect to the pics. The layout of text (being close to the pics, and avoiding Bruce Anderson syndrome) is more important to me than font size.

Still, it seems to me like everyone here would prefer the sans serif font, which is what I thought, and what I originally told my editor.



-Wayne

[Doug Zielke]

Originally posted by Wayne (that wag) at Pelican Parts
..... and avoiding Bruce Anderson syndrome.....
-Wayne

LOL!
Let's just hope the *info* contained in the new book is as (or more) accurate as Mr. Andersons.

[JBunkley]

Dear Wayne,

As a future purchaser of your book I have to say that I prefer Sans serif.

According to Marshall McLuhan, author of The
Medium Is The Message, a reader does not see the actual letter but he sees the outlying shape. Psychologically speaking a san serif font is easier to read and tires the eyes less, thus making it easier to comprehend the information.

I also recommend McLuhan's book, it will change the way you perceive the world and only take you two hours to read and anyone who is a writer should have at least read it once. McLuhan is the authority on the art of communication and a professor at North Carolina State.

Also as a writer have you ever read If On a Winters Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino? At least read the first ten pages. Jack Olsen have you read this?

[Wayne 962]

Ironic as a writer, but I don't read anymore. I read the WSJ every day, but I doubt that really counts. When I get really bored, I read the LA times - usually just the real estate section. I got spoiled reading the NY Times when I was growing up. The LA times is very much like other LA news... Nuff said there...

-Wayne

[TedSlick]

Sans Serif matches '101', so having consistency across the two books makes sense. Oh, and this of course means the font for all Wayne's books from now on is pre-selected

[nostatic]

sans serif, but I agree with your layout concerns. You should be able to find a font and size that works though...just depends on if the publisher wants to work with it. Frutiger is one of our favorites, as is univers.