Text Etiquette is basically just a matter of Common Sense. When you are building your pages try to keep in mind that other people will be viewing them. The colors you choose may be cool and hip in your eyes, but glaring and blinding in someone else's!
Have a look at this example:
Is this annoying yet?
Is this annoying yet?
Is this annoying yet?
Is this annoying yet?
Is this annoying yet?
Is this annoying yet?
Is this annoying yet?
Is this annoying yet?
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Which color combination is least offensive to you? My choice would be the black. Believe me, I have seen worse. Let's take the above example and make the text much bigger, bold it, and slap italics on it 'just cuz it's cool!':
Is this annoying yet?
Is this annoying yet?
Is this annoying yet?
Is this annoying yet?
Is this annoying yet?
Is this annoying yet?
Is this annoying yet?
Is this annoying yet?
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Why anyone would choose any of the color combinations above I have NO idea... but I see these every day on the Web. Lots of them.
Oh but wait... it gets even worse!
Let's take that lovely color combination, add the atrocious spelling so prevalent on the Web these days, and then toss in a measure of supposedly cool Elite Hacker typing:
I'm L33T AnD y3r A lOz3r!!!!!!
I'm L33T AnD y3r A lOz3r!!!!!!
I'm L33T AnD y3r A lOz3r!!!!!!
I'm L33T AnD y3r A lOz3r!!!!!!
I'm L33T AnD y3r A lOz3r!!!!!!
I'm L33T AnD y3r A lOz3r!!!!!!
I'm L33T AnD y3r A lOz3r!!!!!!
I'm L33T AnD yEr A lOz3r!!!!!!
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That is actually supposed to say: "I am elite and you are a loser!". Go figure. Amazing what our educational system is doing these days for today's youth.
Of course, my point is, put some thought and consideration into your color scheme. Think about the size and color of text you are going to use, and PLEASE have someone spellcheck your work if you just can't spell very well.
A little bit of common sense and thought before you start designing your site will help you craft a much more readable and, ultimately, popular site.
