I always wanted to have a text editor capable of writing several columns of text side by side. This way, I could have a large file split into several columns with easy visualization. Editors like vim can split the screen vertically, but they're not great at keeping these columns in sync for the same file. This could be similar to the text flow option you'd find in desktop publishing software.
Write thin to write fast
61–70 of 146 posts
Re: Write thin to write fast
#62I recall reading somewhere that in typesetting the goal is to have 10-12 words / line because that is how much of a line the eye reads without side-to-side scanning.
Personally I find that with long lines I often waver to a different line as I scan from left to right. Thus I need to re-read the line which otherwise I would have read in a single pass.
Re: Write thin to write fast
#63Re: Write thin to write fast
#64Surprised no mention of distraction free mode, sometimes called Hemingway mode: everything except the current sentence is faded out. Actually how I do most of my bulk writing.
Where do you find and use this mode?
I think Hemingway mode is when backspace and delete are disabled. Ghostwriter (https://wereturtle.github.io/ghostwriter/) has Hemingway mode and another mode that they call "distraction free mode" which highlights just the current sentence.
FWIW I find it really distracting to have the current sentence highlighted because it means the file's appearance changes more than it otherwise would. Sublime Text has a "distraction free mode" (shift+F11) which goes to fullscreen, hides all menus, limits the current file width, and centers the file's contents.
Re: Write thin to write fast
#65Really interested to try this out. I crank out between 5 and 15 content pieces each week (blog posts, ebooks, white papers) and am constantly looking for ways to optimize my workflow. It has never occurred to me to modify column width to get a "jump start" on the editing process. Excited to futz around with this tomorrow.
Re: Write thin to write fast
#66Really interested to try this out. I crank out between 5 and 15 content pieces each week (blog posts, ebooks, white papers) and am constantly looking for ways to optimize my workflow. It has never occurred to me to modify column width to get a "jump start" on the editing process. Excited to futz around with this tomorrow.
5 to 15 per week is incredible already
Re: Write thin to write fast
#67Really interested to try this out. I crank out between 5 and 15 content pieces each week (blog posts, ebooks, white papers) and am constantly looking for ways to optimize my workflow. It has never occurred to me to modify column width to get a "jump start" on the editing process. Excited to futz around with this tomorrow.
5 to 15 per week is incredible already
I agree, I can feel my own burning jealousy.
Re: Write thin to write fast
#68I noticed this effect when ACM CHI switched their format. When I was writing in two thin columns, my writing really seemed to act more professional. I have a feeling it is because of the association and not reading fluency, as suggested, but I do agree there is an effect!
Re: Write thin to write fast
#69Really interested to try this out. I crank out between 5 and 15 content pieces each week (blog posts, ebooks, white papers) and am constantly looking for ways to optimize my workflow. It has never occurred to me to modify column width to get a "jump start" on the editing process. Excited to futz around with this tomorrow.
5 to 15 per week is incredible already
it depends on the length, really.
Re: Write thin to write fast
#70It would be interesting to find out whether you can get the same effect by moving the screen further away, thereby reducing the field of view you have to scan through.