How much text is too much?

Here is an interesting graphic from the New York Times that presents information about the newcomers to Congress in an unusual way. The article is called “Freshman Voices in the Budget Fight” and it lists the stand-outs with accompanying superlatives, much like the “Most Likely to …” titles bestowed upon high school graduates. It is a very simple graphic, but the blocks of text somewhat deter the eye away from the subject matter—I think it would have been more eye-catching to start with the pictures, with their superlatives and states in larger bold print underneath. That way, the eye is encouraged to continue reading down the column to find out more about the members.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/04/07/us/politics/20110407-tea.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=thab1