Reading Texts of Light and Pigment

by Lee Duane FitzSimmons

This subject revolves around the various differences involved when reading texts that are composed of light and pigment. Texts composed of pigment are written on stone, clay, wood, parchment, or some other type of solid physical substance. Texts composed of light are made up of tiny pixels on a monitor, television screen, or other similar electronic device. Texts composed of pigment use the subtractive colors of the spectrum; they are cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK). Texts composed of light use the additive colors of the spectrum; they are red, green, blue (RGB).

Since different areas of the eyes and brain process these two realities in very different ways, it would be beneficial to conduct empirical studies to determine the various differences that exist between the two. First, the texts composed of light seem to prefer sans-serif fonts as opposed to footed fonts and vice-versa. Also, it can be noted that when a text is read in print in a footed font, it is generally perceived as having more permanence. Texts written in light are often perceived as being more time-sensitive. It is also interesting to note the effects that the two different types of text have on the reader.

First, texts of light do not cause the mind and eyes to fatigue as quickly. Much larger amounts of text can be read, and larger amounts of this these texts can be more easily retained. Texts of pigment often slow down the reader's cognitive process due the higher amount of energy strain placed on the eyes when trying to read these types of texts. Therefore, finding sources of texts composed of light would be a very prudent thing to do.

Therefore, having these sources of light-based texts would be a very necessary step in the process of human evolution.

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