C
Charlton Wilbur
CBF> However, let me point out that Usenet messages, written
CBF> according to the appropriate protocols, are using fixed width
CBF> fonts with fixed width spaces.
D> This is one of the few "usenet is/is not that" messages of Chuck
D> with real practical value. I am sure you know using fixed (same
D> for all characters) character width allows one to draw simple
D> graphics which will be lost with proportional fonts.
Indeed; but while I am aware of several RFCs that specify how I am to
encode and transmit my news messages, I am not aware of a single one
that specifies how I must display them.
Had Mr Falconer said, as you did, that it is *advisable* to use fixed
width fonts, that would be one thing; but he went a good deal farther
than that. Like most of his prescriptivist advice, this one goes so far
as to be absurd, and is an attempt to present his opinion as universal.
Charlton
CBF> according to the appropriate protocols, are using fixed width
CBF> fonts with fixed width spaces.
D> This is one of the few "usenet is/is not that" messages of Chuck
D> with real practical value. I am sure you know using fixed (same
D> for all characters) character width allows one to draw simple
D> graphics which will be lost with proportional fonts.
Indeed; but while I am aware of several RFCs that specify how I am to
encode and transmit my news messages, I am not aware of a single one
that specifies how I must display them.
Had Mr Falconer said, as you did, that it is *advisable* to use fixed
width fonts, that would be one thing; but he went a good deal farther
than that. Like most of his prescriptivist advice, this one goes so far
as to be absurd, and is an attempt to present his opinion as universal.
Charlton