Text Information and Media Notes

Text Information

• Text information can be written in:
  • Roman alphabet.
  • A script appropriate to the language of the reader.
• Text information should be written in the language most appropriate to the reader (e.g., Japanese, Chinese, and Korean textbooks use their own language).
• Readers are influenced and persuaded by written words.
• Reputable written work is a collective effort between writers and editors.

Creators of Text Information

• Author: Writes books, stories, or articles on various topics; usually writes lengthy pieces like novels, scholarly works, or textbooks.
  • An author is someone whose work has already been published.
• Writer: Associated with literary works like poems and short stories; often writes as an occupation (e.g., journalist, blogger, screenwriter).
• Contributor: Writes articles about topics of particular interest; submissions depend on theme or space availability.
  • Most writers work full-time for publications, but some are freelance.
  • A freelance writer is self-employed and not connected to a specific publication.
• Columnist: Writes and shares opinions, insights, and commentaries about social or political issues in newspapers or magazines on a regular basis.
  • Columnists must abide by the professional code of ethics for journalists, avoiding biased and derogatory remarks.
• Blogger: Writes personal opinions on topics of interest in online journals or websites (blogs).
  • Shares insights, ideas, reflections, experiences, and activities through blog entries.
• Editor: Coordinates with the author or writer in planning, reviewing, and revising content for publication.
  • Coordinates with layout artists to ensure corrections are implemented.
  • Gives the final say on the content of the written text.
• Publisher: Responsible for preparing, acquiring, and managing a publication.
  • Works with writers, authors, and layout artists; decides on the type and theme of the material to be published.

Classifications of Text Information

• Text information is classified into:
  • Fiction
  • Nonfiction
• Fiction: Stories that are products of the writer's imagination (e.g., fairy tales, mythologies, legends).
  • Considered forms of literature.
• Nonfiction: Based on facts and reality (e.g., biographies, news, scientific research).
  • Often found in textbooks, encyclopedias, periodicals, and journals.

How Text Information is Produced

• Steps:
  1. The writer selects a topic or issue to write about.
  2. The writer thoroughly gathers information about the topic.
  3. The writer constructs an outline of the topic and composes the draft.
  4. The writer develops the draft into a full text.
  5. The writer submits the article to the editor or publisher.

Types of Text and Common File Formats

Types of Text

• Hypertext: Links different electronic documents, enabling nonlinear navigation.
• Plaintext (Unformatted Text): Fixed-size characters with the same appearance.
• Formatted Text: Appearance can be changed using font parameters (bold, underline, italic, font size, font color, etc.).

Typeface

• Also called font, font type, or type.
• Refers to the representation or style of a text in the digital format.
• Comprised of alphabets, numbers, punctuation marks, symbols, and other special characters.

Types of Typefaces

• Serif: Connotes formality and readability in large amounts of text.
  • Used in body text of books, newspapers, magazines, and research publications.
  • Gives a classic or elegant look when used for titles or headings.
  • Examples: Times New Roman, Garamond, Baskerville.
• Sans Serif: Brings a clean or minimalist look to the text.
  • Used for clear and direct meaning of text, such as road signage, building directories, or nutrition facts.
  • Gives a modern look and is used primarily in webpage design.
  • Examples: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, Verdana, Calibri.
• Slab Serif: Carries a solid or heavy look to text.
  • Used for large advertising signs on billboards.
  • Examples: Rockwell, Playbill, Blackoak.
• Script: Draws much attention because of its brush-like strokes.
  • Used sparingly and not in large body text.
  • Usually used in wedding invitation cards or other formal events.
  • Examples: Edwardian, Vladimir, Kunstler.
• Decorative/Display: Caters to a wide variety of emotions (celebration, fear, horror, etc.) or themes (cowboys, circus, holidays, summer, kiddie, etc.).
  • Examples: Chiller, Jokerman, Curlz MT.

File Type Selection When Saving an MS Word Document

• Options include:
  • Word Document
  • Word Macro-Enabled Document
  • Word 97-2003 Document
  • Word Template
  • Word Macro-Enabled Template
  • Word 97-2003 Template
  • PDF
  • XPS Document
  • Single File Web Page
  • Web Page
  • Web Page, Filtered
  • Rich Text Format
  • Plain Text
  • Word XML Document
  • Word 2003 XML Document
  • Strict Open XML Document
  • OpenDocument Text
  • Works 6-9 Document

Design Principles and Elements

Design Principles

1. Emphasis: Importance or value given to a part of the text-based content.
   • Methods: bold, italicized, heavier weight, darkened or lightened, enlarged.
2. Appropriateness: How fitting or suitable the text is for a specific audience and purpose.
3. Proximity: How near or far the text elements are from each other.
   • Closely related elements should be near each other.
4. Alignment: How the text is positioned on the page (left, center, right, or justified).
5. Organization: Conscious effort to organize different text elements on a page.
   • Ensures that separated text elements are still connected to the rest of the elements.
6. Repetition: Consistency of elements, creating unity in the entire design.
   • Repeating some typefaces within the page.
7. Contrast: Creates visual interest.
   • Two elements are different from each other.
   • Examples:
     • White text on a dark background
     • Large font with a small font
     • Serif and sans serif
     • Thin elements with wide elements
     • Cool and warm colors