why have text size optionality when the forums want uniform text size?

why even have an option to change the text size when i'm going to get an automated message saying to not change the text size??

screenshot?


(i don't get any messages like that - probably cuz i have super powers)

I usually change the font size for headers, especially if I'm trying to make a nice, informative post.

Some such posts where I changed the font size are Victory Gardens! How-to, what to grow, and so much more!, Permies FAQ, Edible Plants for Shady &/or Wet Areas (especially in temperate climates like the Northwest), and All about SKIP, PEP, Badges, BBs and More!

Like Paul, I've never seen a notification for using a larger font size. I don't know if this is because I always used it in addition to smaller font sizes, or because I'm a moderator.

paul, much respect to you, plus you are like king of this site and you can do as you want (and funny changing fonts in reply :)).
you can trust me when i say i have option to change text size and publish it, and then got that automated message saying it is not published. (sigh) but from my high respect for you, here they r attached

Keshav Boddula wrote:why even have an option to change the text size when i'm going to get an automated message saying to not change the text size??

Why specifically would one want to change the font size?

some ideas

a subheading or heading

selling something and you want to point out a specific piece of information

it's useful for adding character to a post, in small amounts

For these examples, I close the size tag and let it revert to normal font so it's easier to read with a plugin that changes font or size.

why not to change the size

Most people on the internet are trained to ignore unusual formatting, sticky, all caps, fancy fonts.  By writing the entire post in non-standard formatting, you not only scream to the internet - IGNORE ME AND WHAT I HAVE TO SAY, it also makes it so people with vision problems, reading disabilities (aka, about 50% of the population) cannot use their normal method for adjusting the font/size to make it so they can read what you have to say.

It restricts accessibility to the content - that's not nice.  

And I suspect more than half of you passed by the subheadings without reading them.

to put it another way

Why do you want to write with your entire post in an unusual formatting?  What goal are you trying to achieve?

Perhaps we can come up with a better way of getting there?

I know in the past, some people made some really horrible posts by screwing around with color and font size.  Maybe somebody added an automated thing because of that.

The PM you got says it is from bio-staff.  People made of meat.  Not automated.  You activated a human to get pissed at you!

paul wheaton wrote:I know in the past, some people made some really horrible posts by screwing around with color and font size.  Maybe somebody added an automated thing because of that.

The PM you got says it is from bio-staff.  People made of meat.  Not automated.  You activated a human to get pissed at you!

hm, seems wierd, afterall, if you check my post (https://permies.com/t/275838/Plans-produce-maple-syrup-Wheaton), it is the "(not sure if this is the best forum to post this. let me know if there's a better one)" text that seemed right to put in smaller font, but not a big deal. just leaves me with another wierd, almost petty-like impression from permies people to put our efforts on such trivial things when there are very big issues at stake  that we're facing and have been (ya'll especially have been) succesfully leading the way in, you know

Some people here are dyslexic, or have visual impairments.

Messing about unnecessarily with the font sizes or colours can make things very difficult for them to read.

As I have aged, I have discovered that I enjoy being petty.  And I get the impression that my friends support my petty parties.  

You say "petty" like its a bad thing!  :)

yeah paul, for a leader to be petty is a bad thing... though there does seem to be a life-sense* to it

*https://sites.google.com/site/kboddula/evolved-thinking?authuser=0#h.y554nk30v9cr

I don't see what is petty about choosing a publishing style that is friendly towards people with disabilities or vision issues.


 Perhaps this might help to get to know the kind of culture we encourage on the permies forums.  

publishing standards
be nice
perennial discussions
probation posts
why me and not them?
Where did my apples go?