Surfing with preferences locked (default) or modified?

Hello Everyone,
I'd like to get the opinions of many of you about the use of preferential
fonts, colors, sizing .. etc... when you surf.

My primary objectives are to try and gauge the use of the displayed fonts
pre-set by individuals on their own browsers and then to jump into the
design arena and determine what font the designer (or budding enthusiast)
chooses based on the first answer.

In other words ... when you design your websites ... do you choose a font
based on what you *think* the user will see or do you make that decision
based on how you *view* the web on your own browser by pre-setting your own
preferences?

Myself ... I choose to leave the preferences at default mainly because as a
designer, I what to deliver a presence based on the visual aspects of the
development based on what I *know* is available to the masses... whether
that be with the use of graphics or text.  Of course, all the while trying
desperately to deliver a well designed, cohesive and consistent feel to the
display.

I am not subjective to delusion ... I realize these settings are being
changed ... but are they being changed permanently or is it a case by case
basis ... like I travel?  If I run into a site that is just too difficult
to read ... be it too small or too large, the font chosen is what I do not
have and defaulting or worse yet, the designer failed to blend colors
effectively, I change the settings accordingly so that I may at least
absorb the content.  Then I change them back to default and continue on.

As more and more fonts are being included in today's browsing applications
... the limitations are dwindling ... But what of those who have figured
out how to change their defaults?

Is it the opinion of this group that their are more people out there
inclined to doing this, and thus diminishing the efforts of the designers
to use a preferred choice?  Or is it on a case by case basis?

This is not a trick question and also is not aimed at a targeted group of
individuals ... I'm looking for responses from all facets of this group to
try and accurately predict a percentage.  That means the hard core
designers, budding design enthusiasts, the robust traveler, the not-so
robust traveler, the business surfer, small business owner designing
his/her own home page, the gamer, mom and pop, grandpa and grandma ... how
do YOU like to see the web?

Look forward to reading from all of you ... (now that's subject to delusion
<G>)

cmj

------------Web Site Development & Consulting-----------
Chuck McGee, Jr.	http://web2.airmail.net/cmj/
---------------Member of HTML Writers Guild----------------
<Area Guide Manager: Theory, Critique, Standards>

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