quote:

ORIGINAL: candystripper

Whatever you might or might not think about spelling or grammar, legibility is non-negotiable.  If people literally cannot see what you have written, ipso facto, they cannot read it.
 
In writing on CM, by all means, use all the features you wish. There is a different feel to the same image in black and white vs. color, etc.  Color choices can enhance a message greatly.
 
However, there are limits.  If you use two colors which are very close to each other on the color wheel, there won't be enough contrast for the type to stand out from the background.  Dark blue and black are too close IMO.  So are white and grey. Pink and red. Etc.
 
People *expect* to see a dark-colored font on a light-colored background.  It's fine to switch them out...but if you choose to, you should enhance legibility in any other way you can IMO.

Font size also affects legibility.  The smaller than normal sizes detract from legibility, but I've been told that the larger-than-normal sizes are harder to read as well. You can use different size fonts if you use color, etc. to enhance legibility...it's a balance, IMO. 
 
Remember, the reader will be looking at what you have written on a computer screen, not a piece of paper.  And too, some CM members are vision-impaired.  I used to use a pink font color until someone with vision problems told me they couldn't see it.  IMO, it's not desirable to exclude people, especially by mistake.
 
The default typeface is not always especially legible, IMO.  If you choose to use it, fine....but don't exacerbate legibility by also choosing low contrast colors, etc. Likewise, if you use a 'custom' typeface, consider how 'readable' it is.  Again, balance.
 
Alignment choices also affect legibility.  I think most CM members would find align-right confusing.  Align-left is probably easiest for most people to read, but align-center is lovely and can enhance what is written...just check for balance.  *I* find align-center works best if the message is briefer and not especially 'dense'; it wouldn't be as easy to read a 'list' in align-center, e.g., but a sentence, yes. 

Lastly, create negative space -- use paragraghs and such to enhance legibility.   
 
I'm sure there are a whole raft of CM members with graphics expertise, and I'm not one, but I thought I'd mention a few basics. 
 
candystripper  [sm=pole.gif]

quote:

That wasn't really true back in tha day,

quote:

ORIGINAL: CalifChick

Wow.  Coming from you, candy, this is extremely ironic, since under one of your previous names, when I said the same thing, you basically said, "I am not aware of any such standards for readability" (paraphrased).  Surely you remember your "Pimping Y/yr Posts" thread??

This post, here: http://www.collarchat.com/fb.asp?m=1911804 

The entire thread starts here:  http://www.collarchat.com/fb.asp?m=1911804 

That was a trip down memory lane!


Cali

quote:

ORIGINAL: monywildcat

Hey, at least your posts don't look like they came off my 15 year old's cell phone, and that you weren't kidnapped and brainwashed by lolcats.  And the slashy S/speak makes my B/brain T/throb.