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: January 5, 2008 link to this item, Tweet this item, respond to this item