Feedback on a magazine idea

[CrackedButter]

Hi there, I run a little wordpress blog (it's in my sig). I'm finding it a little limited after using it for 3 years. I'd need to learn CSS I guess in order to recreate it into something else.

As a side idea, I've just begun creating PDF versions of the content I write, I host them along side the web article for anybody who wants to read it for later with a better aesthetic appeal.

I'd like some feedback please. At the moment I'm writing a series of reviews and interviews so there has to be some conformity to them. so if I show the first one I can apply whatever feedback I'm given into future ones.

Here is the first one: At the top should be a logo btw, I haven't thought of one yet for myself. Everything else is finished though.

PDF can be found here:

http://jonathanjk.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/padport.pdfhttp://jonathanjk.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/padport.pdf

Thanks

 

[Blue Velvet]

Just some quick comments for now. Might come back to this a bit later.

1. Nice to see some Gill Sans in different weights, but go easy on those drop shadows on the pull quotes or call-outs depending on your terminology. Either do away with them, make them a different colour or reduce the distance of the drop shadow from the copy. They draw attention to themselves just a little too much, I think.

2. Nice to see a baseline grid being used. Consider using a half baseline grid to enable you to have incremental para breaks. However, if you're not keen on breaking paragraphs, use a first line indent on new paras instead, about an em (the width of a cap M) should do the trick.

3. Hyphenation. Either use it properly or do without. Without, you'll get a larger rag on the right side of columns which can look ugly. With, you need to do a little reading about H&Js, setting limits on how words break.

4. Make sure you strip out double spaces using find and replace on your copy before setting it. Double spaces after sentences have no place in proper typesetting.

5. Not sure about the Gill Bold for the subs. It's very contrasty with the Gill Light. Try a lighter weight, perhaps in a colour?

6. You need something at the top of the first page. At first, I wasn't sure if the PDF had loaded correctly and had to scroll down for content.

7. Column spacing seems a little tight.

Some type stuff for starters.

 

[CrackedButter]

1. Yes I thought so to, I'm going to change that.
2. Baselines grid, I think I understand, but just explain in a little more detail. I've googled the term as well but you'll probably clarify a bit better.
2a. I forgot about first line indenting, you're right.
3. You mean you've noticed how there aren't any and it looks weird on the right side of the text? H&Js? Is short for what?
4. I just read a Salon article about this, thanks for the reminder.
5. Agreed. I was just going to use regular instead of bold. Will investigate.
6. Yes the logo will go there, you're right though.
7. Yes, okay, I will play with this.

Thanks again Blue Velvet.

 

[citizenzen]

Nice to see some Gill Sans in different weights...

However, the body looks too light to me. If you're using a light version of that font, I'd consider using the normal or regular weight instead.

...but go easy on those drop shadows on the pull quotes or call-outs depending on your terminology. Either do away with them, make them a different colour or reduce the distance of the drop shadow from the copy. They draw attention to themselves just a little too much, I think.

Totally. Drop shadows should be subtle. I would greatly reduce the offset.

However, if you're not keen on breaking paragraphs, use a first line indent on new paras instead, about an em (the width of a cap M) should do the trick.

Good advice. People often go crazy with their indents... waaay too far.

 

[Blue Velvet]

2. Baselines grid, I think I understand, but just explain in a little more detail. I've googled the term as well but you'll probably clarify a bit better.

Simply put, it's a grid to snap your body copy and subs to, sometimes other page elements as well. Take a look at a magazine or newspaper; all the lines of copy line up with each other, making the page look neat and tidy. Personally, I use a half baseline grid after David Blatner e.g. 12pt leading, use a 6pt grid.

3. You mean you've noticed how there aren't any and it looks weird on the right side of the text? H&Js? Is short for what?

H&Js = Hyphenation and Justification. Control word spacing and word breaks on ragged columns automatically and apply those settings to style sheets. Can always tell whether they're being used or not when people don't tighten up the word spacing on heads.

Thanks again Blue Velvet.

No probs. I always assume that when people put something up for a crit at finished artwork stage that they're just looking for tweaks, not a wholesale revision... hence just my suggested small changes on how to look at your copy.

 

[citizenzen]

I use a half baseline grid after David Blatner e.g. 12pt leading, use a 6pt grid.

I use 12pt leading on a 3pt grid.

 

[wonderspark]

4. Make sure you strip out double spaces using find and replace on your copy before setting it. Double spaces after sentences have no place in proper typesetting.

I'm not sure how I got into the habit of double spaces after periods, but it's a very hard habit for me to break. I blame my typing teacher in high school.