History of the Blank Page

Before printing was invented all pages were blank. But there was no method by which the reader could be informed of that fact. Much confusion existed. With the invention of printing it became possible to indicate to the reader which pages were left blank and which had been printed. Much of the confusion still remained and was not completely cleared up until reading was invented some time later. However this is a history of the Blank Page and not of reading.

The tradition of the Blank Page is carried on today in the modem program manual. In most computer manuals several pages are set aside with but a single line printed on them indicating that they were "intentionally left blank." Although the page is in fact no longer blank, it is still a small tribute to the past. I had no room for a Blank Page until I reached this one. It, then, must serve the Blank Page for this manual. It has no useful information, and therefore it has been left blank. Since we have the room, let us explore the usage's of the Blank Page.

The normal use is to serve as a backing for a printed page. Another use might be for keeping notes. This can be done if the Blank Page has enough unused surface space. In the case of this Blank Page, there are small areas to the left of each paragraph for such use. However, if you use this, or any other Blank Page, for note keeping, it will not remain truly blank and could not qualify for such status. Notes should never be made on a printed page either, as it disrupts the readers concentration when endeavoring to interpret the incomprehensible and meaningless instructions normally printed thereon. And, to do so on a Blank Page would defeat the purpose for which the author left the page blank to begin with. Also, no message should be printed on a Blank Page, as its meaning becomes confusing, illogical, and unclear.

First of all, you should not have read any of the information on this page and, as it is a Blank Page, it should not have been printed here, as indicated above. It is advised that you not use this page for anything and forget all instructions herein contained. This includes the instructions in the previous, as well as this line. Try to forget this page exists. Put it behind you. Do not read the paragraph entitled 'What should I do if I read the next paragraph?".

If you are reading this paragraph you did not understand the information above, Re-read it carefully, and follow the instructions. Do not re-read this paragraph nor allow others to do so. Remember, this is an intentionally Blank Page. Under no circumstances read the last sentence on this page, unless you have nothing better to do with your time.

Sample of Blank Page

Return to Table of Contents

Return to the top of this section

Continue on to the next section? There isn't one!