Why? Last class we talked about the outdated convention of using two spaces after a period. Here is a great explanation about why we do it and why we should stop from type-guru Ilene Strizver:
Why is typing a double space after the end of a sentence such a common practice? And why do so many writers still deliver copy this way? The answer: typing class! This is how most of us were taught to type (and still are, in many cases). The two-space habit is based on the limitations of typewriters; specifically, of typewriter fonts.
Typewriter fonts are monospaced, which means that every letter, whether it’s a wide letter such as ‘m’ or a narrow letter like ‘i’, takes up the same amount of space. This makes for very open-looking spacing, so the convention of adding an extra space between sentences was established to achieve a noticeable separation between sentences.
Conversely, nearly all computer fonts (except Courier) have proportional spacing, which means that the width of the characters and the spacing surrounding them are in proportion to each other. Proportional spacing results in a more even, balanced appearance. Because of this, a single space is enough to create the necessary visual separation between sentences.
Also, see this funny article about this particular "type crime." And if you really want to get the hair up on the back of your neck, read the comments. Sheesh!
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