Paragraph formatting question

[Sparkly]

Hi all,

I remember ages ago being taught that paragraphs should either be in "modern" style (no indent, spaces between paragraphs) or traditional style (indented, no space between paragraphs).

Is it considered gauche to both indent and put space between paragraphs?

(For that matter, now that it's possible to use increments of space -- instead of just "return" as on a typewriter -- can a little space be used with an indent, or is that wrong?)

[DavidDvorkin]

1. If you're talking about a manuscript, traditional style

Modern style is business style. Use that for cover letters. For the book or story or article itself, use traditional style.

[Sparkly]

2. Thanks.

:)

[hermetic]

3. Internet books

I've read several recently and they all use modern style. My guess is that it is easier to follow when you are looking at a screen.

Thoughts?

[DavidDvorkin]

4. You're talking about the published result, though

Not what the author sends to the publisher, right?

But it's true that computer books are different. I had forgotten about those, since I focus on fiction. I've seen the manuscript of a computer book, in the form it was sent to the publisher, and it was all formatted, ready for printing. That's a whole different world, with its own standards.