To Double Space or Not to Double Space

I've been writing my first story here on the site. Though, there has been one thing that has been plaguing my thoughts. Should I be double spacing my paragraphs or not?

I started writing my story in a standard indentation, similar to what one might find in a novel. Afterward, however, I have noticed that almost no other story on FIMFiction uses this method of formatting. Searching the site for a while, I have found other posts wondering about this as well, they were dated a few years though. Often what I have gathered is that it really just comes down to preference. I personally don't particularly care about the formatting, both are comfortable for me, so I suppose I'd like some more opinions on what others prefer. It's a simple edit to add in double spacing, and if it's more comfortable people to read double spaced paragraphs, it's not too much effort to format my story to aid in that.

Let me know, is double spacing the standard formatting for this site because it's the preferred method of formatting for others? Or why do I not see single spaced formatting at all? I'd be happy to reformat if people prefer double spacing, or if it's become the unspoken formatting for people on the site. I can't break tradition after all.

Comments

[Feather Book]

Personally I find double-spaced easier to read online. And as you said, it really does seam to be the norm here. But it hasn't bothered me at all while I read your story, so I'm happy with whatever way you choose.

[the other sans]

Majority of the tine storied are formatted with a double spacing to be easier to read and not make it look like the infamous 'wall of text' so to speak. I personally think the double spacing served as a sort of buffer line/bookmark so that you can more easily find where you left off and this holds true for stories that go past or near the 10k word mark.

Shorter stories are less affected by this 'phenomena'/downside but again it's all up to your preference in writing style.

[Twilight_Crow]

Yeah, now that you mention it, there are very few stories that use the standard indentation. Honestly, I don't notice it when the writer is doing a good job (so, didn't even notice your story was written that way until you mentioned it ), but I notice it a lot when they mess up their paragraphs, specially dialogue.

I agree with The other Sans; I remember someone complaining in some story's comments, about how the wall of text made it harder to read on the internet. And yeah, if you lost where you are on a chapter, it makes finding the part a bit easier. Maybe double space is the best option.

[Gatekeeper]

If people prefer double spacing and you don't mind editing, go ahead. Makes no difference to me.

[Blazeblast4]

Double space all the way. Single spaced paragraphs are much more annoying to read on phones.

[Dragonwaz]

Double Spacing is best spacing in my opinion. As to why you see almost no other story using indentation? I present exhibit A, from Fimfiction's writing guide found in the FAQ tab.

Paragraph spacing
Paragraph spacing is necessary to allow readers to unambiguously identify where one paragraph ends and another begins. There are two primary methods for spacing paragraphs:

Indentation is used most commonly in media where space is limited. Almost all books, magazines, newspapers – anything intended to be viewed on print – use indents, as they separate paragraphs without wasting space space. Since the purpose of indenting is to separate paragraphs, the first paragraph of any section need not be

Double spacing between paragraphs is more common in electronic media where the amount of space is much less finite. In a typical typesetting environment, double spacing is achieved by telling the typesetting software the amount of desired space between paragraphs. However, since most people will be submitting works through Fimfiction, the alternative is to insert a blank line between each paragraph.

Since the purpose of paragraph spacing is to identify paragraph separation, simultaneous use of both formats is redundant.

Which format you choose is a matter of taste, but you must choose one and stick with it. If readers can’t distinguish between paragraphs, they won’t be able to distinguish whether or not your story is any good, and they will banish it from their sight.

It's obviously not required reading, but I loved the guide's description of sentence pacing and how adding commas to a sentence cause a slower pace of action perfect for slower conversations. While using small sentences make things more tense.

[Ocerra]

Thanks for all of your thoughts. I've decided to edit the story to make it double spaced as well as having the common indentation, even if it may be redundant. Keeping both is to satisfy some sort of compulsion of mine, or something. I just didn't like it as much without it.

[NicLove]

Ask them

[Nobody Nick Particular]

4506137 Then you also need to make sure you include some sort of scene break to replace the standard double spacing method.

Ah, I see you already did. Far too many authors don't bother because "double spaced paragraphs count as scene breaks"... why they think that still works when every paragraph is double spaced is a mystery for the ages. Well, unless the answer is stupidity.

[link4]

was wondering if you were going to continue your story? seems great so far. little slow, but too bad

[KittyrinnAiko]

Would really love to see more of the story.