Site Contrast and Font Size

[jd callow]

Years ago I read that there needed to be at least 60% difference between text and background. Meaning a black font should reside on a background that was no more than 40% black or a white font needs at least 60% black background.

When this design was put up there was a positive response to the white background. Now that you've had the opportunity to use the site what are your thoughts?

Additionally is the font too small, too large or just right?

I was going to use a poll, but I'd rather read opinions.

Thanks

[SusanV]

First of all let me say that it's very very easy to nitpik an existing design.
You can't please everyone.

I went around and looked at some existing forums online, and didn't see
anything I thought was an overall improvement to what you've created here,
jd. Forums, by nature are straightforward and utilitarian imo. I find this one
to be easy to navigate, and I like the way the "quick reply" and "advanced"
boxes work. There is much here in fact, that I do really like.


To answer your questions though...

The font size is fine for me, using high resolution settings on my monitors. I
like the font itself, too. simple is good.

The white background is ok... but I'd prefer a very light shade of grey, and
think it would visually tie together the forum page elements (including the
grey header bar {thread tools etc}, and the poster's identification block at
the left with the "offline/online" bottom bar). It would also be a little easier
on the eyes.

As always JD, thanks for all your hard work, and for always being open to
input from the users.

Susan

[rorye]

I think a little grey in the background would be nice. I also think a slightly larger font would be nice.
As Susan said thanks for all the hard work, it must be very time consuming. And for being open to input.
Best,
Rory

[Joe Lipka]

If you could darken the background just a smidgen (that is a technical term), it would help on eyestrain.

On font size, go with whatever strikes your fancy. Most browsers allow the user to change the font size. In Firefox, hold down the ctrl key and scroll with your mouse wheel. Font increases or decreases.

[frugal]

I find the font size a little small on my Windows box at work, I'll check it on my mac at home because that's a higher resolution screen, I remember reading the forum from home yet I'm trying to figure out how it would've been readable with the size I'm seeing here (unless my browser's overriding it).

On a related issue, I find the "post reply" and particularly the "pm" "reply with quote" "ignore user" "ignore thread" "ignore forum" and "report post" buttons very hard to read, I think it's the small font size in a lot of those buttons as well as the way that the text "bleeds" into the background, I just find my eyes get lost when I'm trying to read it.

[jd callow]

The buttons will be changed and made more legible. I may kick the font size up a pixel or give the option for multiple style sheets. It all depends upon time...

I have a small hurdle to cross with a client and will implement the changes as soon as this is accomplished -- with hope within a week.

[catem]

I haven't been visiting much recently but hope to do so more soon - I do find the font very small. The font seems to be larger when typing posts, and is a much better size. Although it's possible to use the browser (firefox) to enlarge the print it can make navigation trickier (or it does with me) - I hadn't really thought about it but I think it is a reason I spend short times here. I also find it very bright and would prefer a grey or bluish/grey background.

Though...I have to say I hadn't consciously thought about it until asked - so thanks for asking!

I agree the text at the bottom of each post is very hard to read, a combination of the relief writing and parts of the letters appearing to get lost.