Re: Bug in acroread?
Joe Hart wrote:
> My position comes from the fact that companies try to push their
> proprietary formats down our throats. PDF is a perfect example of a
> file type that I have disliked since I moved to Europe where the paper
> format is different than the US. With PDF files, one cannot change the
> paper format. I end up with empty space on the pages or images that are
> distorted. Some pdf files that I have downloaded are set for some
> really strange paper (brochure perhaps) that of course I don't have.
>
> There is no such problem with other files. Unfortunately, PDF has
> become a standard. Luckily there are gpl tools that can handle them,
> but I don't think you can thank adobe for that.
The concept behind pdf is a different one. The aim is not to have every
thing printed to the margins on different paper sizes. The concept is
that the printout, including line and page breaks, should be the same no
matter where the file is viewed/printed. I could send a pdf to someone
across the atlantic and we could discuss about line 3 on page 5. Any
format that you seem to advocate would use the paper space more
efficiently, but consequently fail for that.
Depending on different needs, there are advantages and disadvantages to
both forms. Most people seem to prefer the advantages of pdf.
Besides, the pdf format was never forced on anyone. Argueably, the M$'s
.doc format was promoted and/or forced on users much more heavily.
Regarding the features you require, it's also a closer match. However,
it is so ill designed and so closed proprietary, that it is unusable as
a standard.
We should thank Adobe that --despite the limitations-- their format is
usable and efficient -- both read and write on open source. I use it on
a daily basis and it is efficient for my needs.
Johannes
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