Good job pointing out that gray text decreases legibility. Even more annoying to me is inverted text (white on black background), which makes your eyes sear with pain.
Poor job pointing out that your site is black on gray. While it DOES make the overall contrast easier on the eyes, it is still less discernable than black on white.
It is a proven fact that black text on a white background increases readership of content by as much as 20% !!! There are many reasons for this... both physical and psychological, but that's the way it is.
Good to see a discussion on this. I have definately seen a trend on the use of grey text, have even come accross several design portfolio sites where a grey background is coupled with a lighter toned grey text. Looks cool and designy, but a challenge to read.
I think in the examples you have shown, any designer who would put grey text on a white background in an informational based site isn't really thinking about the user's experience. I would suggest Roger Black's book, "Building Web Sites that Work" (a late 90's book, a little dated but good), in it he discusses various contrast issues and color usage.
I really like the message here. I have been using Gray text on most of the last 50 or so sites I have designed and have not considered the alternative discussed in this article. The only challenge becomes integrating images into the colored background. You would need to always make sure your Photoshop background layer is the correct color when generating support images. The challenge comes into play when that subtle background color changes -- it may require graphics redesign efforts on all support related images. - Mike
First of all, because the subject interested me' and because I like to give credit when due - the article was concise and enlighting, but... For a site that whats to be taken seriously about design - you shouldn't make viewers scroll horizontally!
Before writing this comment, I read other readers comments and saw you reply to another reader (r937 dd. Jan. 21st. 2003) on the same subject.
So I know you listen to your readers and respect them.
If you need to you a larger screen for legitimate reasons - just say so up front. That way we will know that your know what your doing!
This is my first visit to your site. Like what I see so far.
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