Client is asking to "eliminate all hyphens" in a newsletter

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#1011

From: mister_eaves
Date: Thu, 14 Jun 2007 16:37

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Hi All --

The project is an 8-page corporate editorial-style newsletter. 8.5 x 11" page, three-column grid, serif typeface (9.5 point Sabon on 13 points leading), ragged-right alignment.

The client has got some bug up her @$5 that "hyphens are bad in all circumstances" and has directed that no words shall ever be hyphenated. Ever.

Now, I understand that it's bad form to allow hyphens in headlines. Subheads. Deckheads. Maybe even pull quotes. But... eliminate all hyphens from the body copy? This is going to make for a rather awkward rag (at the best) or a lot of time spent walking the lines trying to fix the rag.

Anyone ever had this request? I'm sure there's gotta be some readability study out there that I can point to that proves hyphens -- when used sparingly in body copy -- actually help readability.

Thoughts?

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From: mister_eaves@adobeforums.com
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Subject: Client is asking to "eliminate all hyphens" in a newsletter
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