mario garcia

82

Content rhythmThe American composer, Ira Gershwin, wrote about what he

called “fascinating rhythm.” The idea applies to design. Too often

editors put content into “baskets” from which they are not willing to

deviate.

Observing reader behavior for decades now has taught me that

readers are not on the same page, so to speak, as editors when it

comes to “rhythm.” In fact, they are on different pages, and follow-

ing different rhythms. The sanctuary of hard news in one corner,

and soft news on the other is a myth created by editors. Mix them,

and readers are happy.

In a modern publication this mixture is critical in keeping readers

interested and stimulated.

So page two of a newspaper, for example, may have a column, or a

soft feature, followed by a hard news item at the bottom, or vice

versa.

For a reader, fascinating rhythm comes when editors make that

monotony never sets in, and that, like life in general, each page

reflects the ups and downs of the day.