What sort of paragraph spacing do you prefer?

bfollowell · 10-27-2010, 12:34 AM

I am working on converting a large batch of ebooks from Microsoft Reader format to mobi for use on my Kindle. Typically, I convert from lit to epub using Calibre so that I can cleanup and edit using the awesome Sigil editor, then I use Calibre again to perform a final conversion from epub to mobi.

My question, and this is more of an opinion poll I guess, concerns that paragraph spacing. When I convert from lit to epub, there is a pretty fair amount of space between paragraphs. Actually, it's technically not a space but a large top margin for the next paragraph. Without this large space, the paragraphs are closer together and the ebook has more of a traditional, printed book look to it. I've heard a lot of people mention that they prefer these extra-wide spaces between the paragraphs though.

I'm sort of curious how you guys prefer your spacing and what some of your reasons are. I'm anxious to see some of your responses.

Thanks.

Sincerely,
- Byron Followell

bfollowell · 10-27-2010, 12:45 AM

Sorry guys,

I didn't look closely enough before I posted this one. There've been at least two other polls on this same, exact subject. Please disregard this one. I'll go look there and see what the results of the previous polls were. I seriously doubt they've changed all that much in the past couple of years.

- Byron

SameOldStory · 10-27-2010, 08:10 PM

I can read faster when the paragraphs aren't a monolithic block. When I take a break from reading, a well defined paragraph helps me to return to the place where I left off.

I find the same problem with paragraphs that are fully justified, left and right. My eye can track better when the right side is naturally uneven.

Others fined the straight line up of text on both sides better. I don't think that either group will be able to understand the others viewpoint.

================================================== ============================

"I didn't look closely enough before I posted this one. There've been at least two other polls on this same, exact subject."

Unless this subject is covered under a different heading I couldn't find it. If you can post a link I'll move it over

Amalthia · 10-27-2010, 08:31 PM

Where are the links to the other polls? I'm a bit curious myself.

bfollowell · 10-27-2010, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amalthia

Where are the links to the other polls? I'm a bit curious myself.

Well, I can seem to find only one other one now. The other one is out there somewhere though. Here's the one I was able to locate:

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45384

- Byron

View Poll Results: What sort of paragraph spacing do you prefer?
Wide spacing between paragraphs.	1	4.00%
Just a little bit of extra spacing between paragraphs.	12	48.00%
No extras pacing between paragraphs. Just like a printed book.	12	48.00%
Voters: 25. You may not vote on this poll

10-27-2010, 12:34 AM	#1
bfollowell Fanatic Posts: 541 Karma: 1152752 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Evansville, IN, USA Device: Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook & Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5	What sort of paragraph spacing do you prefer? I am working on converting a large batch of ebooks from Microsoft Reader format to mobi for use on my Kindle. Typically, I convert from lit to epub using Calibre so that I can cleanup and edit using the awesome Sigil editor, then I use Calibre again to perform a final conversion from epub to mobi. My question, and this is more of an opinion poll I guess, concerns that paragraph spacing. When I convert from lit to epub, there is a pretty fair amount of space between paragraphs. Actually, it's technically not a space but a large top margin for the next paragraph. Without this large space, the paragraphs are closer together and the ebook has more of a traditional, printed book look to it. I've heard a lot of people mention that they prefer these extra-wide spaces between the paragraphs though. I'm sort of curious how you guys prefer your spacing and what some of your reasons are. I'm anxious to see some of your responses. Thanks. Sincerely, - Byron Followell

10-27-2010, 08:10 PM	#3
SameOldStory My True Self Posts: 3,126 Karma: 66242098 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Trantor, Galactic Center Device: Galaxy Tab 2 7.0	I can read faster when the paragraphs aren't a monolithic block. When I take a break from reading, a well defined paragraph helps me to return to the place where I left off. I find the same problem with paragraphs that are fully justified, left and right. My eye can track better when the right side is naturally uneven. Others fined the straight line up of text on both sides better. I don't think that either group will be able to understand the others viewpoint. ================================================== ============================ *"I didn't look closely enough before I posted this one. There've been at least two other polls on this same, exact subject."* Unless this subject is covered under a different heading I couldn't find it. If you can post a link I'll move it over Last edited by SameOldStory; 10-27-2010 at 08:13 PM.

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10-27-2010, 12:45 AM	#2
bfollowell Fanatic Posts: 541 Karma: 1152752 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Evansville, IN, USA Device: Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook & Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5	Sorry guys, I didn't look closely enough before I posted this one. There've been at least two other polls on this same, exact subject. Please disregard this one. I'll go look there and see what the results of the previous polls were. I seriously doubt they've changed all that much in the past couple of years. - Byron

10-27-2010, 08:31 PM	#4
Amalthia Wizard Posts: 1,158 Karma: 32196 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Anchorage, AK Device: Sony Reader PRS-505, PRS-650, PRS-T3, Pocketbook HD2	Where are the links to the other polls? I'm a bit curious myself.

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