paragraph-rhythm-and-indent

name	paragraph-rhythm-and-indent
description	Use when setting paragraph styles for editorial content. Indent vs space-between is a deliberate choice with different aesthetics.

Paragraph Rhythm and Indent

Print convention: first-line indent. Web convention: space-between. Choose intentionally — they signal different content tones.

Indent vs space-between

First-line indent (print convention):

• Use for: long-form editorial, fiction, academic content
• CSS: text-indent: 1.5em on paragraph (skip first)
• Feel: bookish, classic, deliberate

Space-between (web convention):

• Use for: blog, marketing, app UI
• CSS: margin-bottom: 1.5em between paragraphs
• Feel: modern, scannable, digital

Mixed approach

Some editorial designs use BOTH:

• Space-between sections
• Indent within sections (paragraphs after the first)

This hybrid feels 'editorial digital' — combining book-typography with modern web reading. Used in The New Yorker online, Bloomberg long-form.

First-paragraph treatment

Whether using indent or space-between, the FIRST paragraph after a heading should NOT have indent — it sits flush. Subsequent paragraphs (if using indent) get the 1.5em indent. CSS: p + p { text-indent: 1.5em; }

Where this fits in the X3 empire

Used in CardPrepAI methodology and education long-form content.