NEW Journal Format-Print difficult to read

[TomDougherty]

I just received the first issue of the revised (??) Journal (now termed the IUJ.  The article print is extremely  light.  Light gray on a glossy page.  Many of us are long time model builders (hint, we're old guys)  with aging eyesight.  There's a reason why so many of us have Optivisors.   Trying to read light gray print on a glossy white page is difficult, to say the least requires strong light to make out the minimum contrast of the print with the page.  See attached photo of journal page and note the contrast between picture captions and the article text.  Could you turn up the text contrast for later issues; like maybe dark gray??  

BTW, the IUJ is already the abbreviation for the International Urogynecology Journal.  Unlikely the two will be confused..

 

Update

I started to read the articles (which seemed quite good) but only got to the Bearcat build before the eye strain was too much.  I did go through and look at the photos, and noticed that as mentioned by someone else, the photo sizes were all over the place.  On page 41, there is a caption about an F-105F Thunderchief Wild Weasel build, but the photo is of a B-52.  I have an F-105F in my collection and was interested in seeing the build, as I had just finished reading Dan Hampton's Hunter Killers.  I note that the SIGS on page are listed as IUJ SIGS; I thought we were IPMS SIGS, not tied to the Journal??   I hope that the editor(s) take the comments by several members into consideration for future editions.  

 

 

 

 

Edited August 23, 2024 by TomDougherty

[RJackson]

I agree.  While the lighter text makes the pictures and captions 'pop', it is still counter-productive to have the main text this light.  Even if 'pop' is the goal. to carry the light text into the announcements and editorial pages doesn't make sense.

[SkyKing]

Hi, Rick. It seems apparent to me that whoever put the Journal together is a graphic designer for web publishing, not print, and that no page proofs were printed. As I’m sure you know, what works well for a computer monitor doesn’t always translate to print.

[dhamilton]

I received my copy today and I can't say I'm impressed by what I showed up. I can't read in. Who's idea was it to print the text in light gray?  I feel bad for the people that spent so much time writing the articles. All that work and it can't be read. Are there plans to reprint it with the correct color ink, or are we stuck with a non-readable issue? If so, where do I get in line for a refund?  

What do you mean you can't read this? 

[Highlander]

I doff  my hat to you, Sir.  Game, set, match.

You have done the Corps proud.   Well done.  Oh, well done.

Edited August 24, 2024 by Highlander

[Circuitrider]

From the IPMS FB page:

For everyone that is still receiving the IPMS/USA Journal: We're getting multiple posts about the color of the text, the layout, the readability - so instead of posting multiple posts about the same issues - we just want to re-post the official response posted by Ro Annis, Publications Director of the journal earlier this week:

"Hello All. I am the Publications Director of the IPMS/USA Journal. The lighter gray text was a design decision we made while putting the new magazine together. I didn't realize that this would make it so hard to read and once I got my copy I realized that we will need to change this going forward (even my wife had a few choice words for me regarding this). Ultimately, this is my responsibility. I have set up a separate email address (iujfeedback@ipmsusa.org) where you can direct your constructive feedback. The new team worked hard to get this issue completed in order to get back on schedule. At this moment we are assembling the Nats winner's issue."

[geher2164]

I received my copy of the IPMS USA Journal today and noted the changes that have occurred.  My copy has already entered the recycling bin.  The unfortunate changes in the font have been well noted in this forum.    I'm sure that the next issue will differ in this respect and perhaps I'll take the trouble to read it through.   

But what the hell does IUJ mean!  The brand name is IPMS.  Anything different is just pretentious crap. I appreciate the desire of the volunteers to create a good product, but none of the changes do a darn thing to improve the publication.  It wasn't broke so what are you trying to fix?

Eli Geher

IPMS # 2164

Ocala, FL ... where crotchety old modelers go.

 

[dmorrissette]

IUJ- IPMS USA Journal. Glad they changed it too

 

Dave