i agree with the printing part of your argument (difficult to read -
wastes ink).
i also don't like the massive ("normal") header taking up so much space
on the screen. We desperately need a "compact" header that only shows the subject
line. Also, the "normal" header should reduce the spacing between the
"subject" and "from" lines.
i do kind of like the fact that it is always visible, BUT only if the
space it takes up is kept to a minimum (i.e. a "compact" header and
reduce the spacing).
Robin Whittle wrote:
> I have reported this designed-in "feature" as bug:
>
> http://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=71130
>
> I criticise the fixed placement of the box on the screen, taking up
> valuable screen space, and list a number of problems this box creates
> when printing.
>
> Please vote for it if you agree, or add comments if you don't.
>
> Another bug relating to usability of mail/news is the one regarding
> double clicking taking the old window to the new window's destination as
> well. I just voted for it:
>
> http://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=35389
>
> - Robin
>
>
> When reading mail or news, the bottom window has a fixed width shaded
> section for Subject:, From:, Date:, To:, CC: etc. This does not scroll
> as the message text scrolls, so it reduces the ability of the user to
> read the message, and therefore engourages them to maximise the lower
> window at the expense of the upper.
>
> I see no reason for this box-like header at all - scrollable or
> otherwise. I am perfectly happy with the way N4.x displays and prints
> the headers.
>
> A related issue is that this box-like thing is printed. This involves
> shaded backgrounds, which means:
>
> 1 - The text harder to read.
>
> 2 - Toner or ink is wasted.
>
> 3 - On an ink-jet, printing takes longer - because the head has
> to traverse the wider box.
>
> 4 - On an ink-jet, this area of the page becomes a bit soggy.
>
> 5 - On all printers, this area becomes harder to annotate with
> a pen or pencil.
>
>
> I understand the desire to distinguish the headers from the body of the
> message, but the lack of scrolling means less screen space and so a
> severe impediment to usage. On the printed page, I think it achieves
> nothing and has quite a number of drawbacks.
