Re: Excessive use of bold text

[DavidG]

Is it just me or is the excessive use of bold text about as annoying as in the old days when some guys typed in all capitals?

[Ragnarok]

I agree. It gets very annoying. Just about, if not as bad as the all capital days.

[Quikngruvn]

WHAT'S WRONG WITH ALL CAPS?

(Ouch, my ears are ringing now.... )

Quikngruvn

[ November 10, 2002, 03:54: Message edited by: Quikngruvn ]

[tbontob]

In itself, I don't think caps are annoying. It is the intent behind the use of capitalization which seems to be the determining factor.

For example, if my young daughter creates a note for me all in capitals, I would think it is cute.

But for someone who knows better, whether it be verbal shouting or written capitalization, the intent is the same... to overwhelm a person with force. The person makes the choice to use this tactic rather than present his position in a clear and open manner to his listener/reader.

Edit: The above applies to bold text as well, but possibly with a bit more latitude such as in the case where the person wants to make sure an important point is noticed. Excessively done, it can be as annoying as capitalization.

[ November 10, 2002, 04:03: Message edited by: tbontob ]

[Quikngruvn]

Originally posted by tbontob:
But for someone who knows better, whether it be verbal shouting or written capitalization, the intent is the same... to overwhelm a person with force.

Methinks you give people who use all caps too much benefit of the doubt. Most times I've seen all caps used, my impression was that the person was too clueless to turn off the Caps Lock.

Note that this is not the same impression I get from the person(s) allegedly overusing boldface. At the very least, there certainly appears to be a plan and reason behind the boldface. Indiscriminate use is different from (and worse than) excessive use....

Quikngruvn

[tbontob]

Originally posted by Quikngruvn:
Methinks you give people who use all caps too much benefit of the doubt. Most times I've seen all caps used, my impression was that the person was too clueless to turn off the Caps Lock.
Quikngruvn[/QB]

You make a good point.

But, the typest can see that he/she is typing all in caps just as the shouter can hear he is shouting.

Both continue with their offensive acts when they could stop.

My young daughter would be clueless.

Most of the individuals we are talking about do not fall in the same Category as my daughter since they are aware on some level of what they are doing but have made the choice to continue with their behaviour.

[ November 10, 2002, 05:07: Message edited by: tbontob ]

[Quikngruvn]

Originally posted by tbontob:
My young daughter would be clueless.

Perhaps, but she (most likely) doesn't know better.

The people I'm talking about being clueless should know better, but don't realize what effect their all caps/shouting is having on the listener.

The people you are talking about do know better, and shout anyway.

But it's really just a question of semantics, since, except for your daughter, they're all pretty annoying.

Quikngruvn

[Kamog]

HOW ABOUT BOTH BOLD *AND* CAPITALS?

Oh, now, that's REALLY annoying!

[KirbyEF]

If someone types their whole message using ALL CAPS or bold that is excessive, but there is nothing wrong with using it for emphasis or headings.

KirbyEF

P.S. bold...bold...bold...bold...bold...bold...bold...b old...bold...bold
P.S.S. ALLCAPS...ALLCAPS...ALLCAPS...ALLCAPS...ALLCAPS... ALLCAPS

[mlmbd]

As I have a sneaking impression that most of this is directed at me. And, bye the bye, I am not angry, annoyed, upset, disgruntled, mad, or anything else. With the fact(s), that they (caps and or bold type) are annoying, being brought to my attention. They are your opinions. And everyone is in titled to them. Since is seems that the use of emphasis is questionable and or annoying. I shall, cease and desist. Except for my Lurk Report. Then anyone that finds bold face or caps offensive, in any form, can just not read it.

My deepest apologies, for offending, upsetting or annoying!!

mlmbd