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On this same note, why is the font size on HN so damn small?

Comments here are 9px Verdana.

Let's lead by example, all.




The answer to your question seems obvious: a larger font would make for poorer information density. I'm always surprised at how the alternative-to-HN websites that people build don't seem to get how important this is. They invariably show fewer posts per page.


Based on your logic, a 1 px font would be the best as it conveys the highest density of information. However, that is wrong.


My comment originally spelled out that there is a tradeoff between information density and readability, but then I deleted that part as obvious. Anyhow, the point is that HN's font sizes, as well as much of the rest of its design, are clearly an attempt to balance those two values.




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