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Gordon R. Meyer
Copyright 2002-2008
In praise of PDFs
Kevin Kelly, noted author, futurist, and former editor of Wired magazine, identifies five solid qualities that make PDF-based books an attractive alternative to other forms of electronic publishing. For me, the most salient point is:
A PDF is able to retain the highly evolved grammar, design and syntax that one thousand years of bookmaking has attained. [...] In my experience as a reader, a web designer, and a book designer, the reading experience on paper -- and PDFs -- is much more refined and elegant. [...]
It's well-worth reading Kelly's complete write-up, and while you're there you can sample five instructional texts, in PDF of course, that he finds commendable.
See also: A Hidden Cost in PDF Documentation and Customer Reactions to PDF Manuals.
Posted: Saturday, January 5, 2008 link to this item, respond to this item