ere we are in Chapter 3. The clock is ticking, and your computer beckons. You're thinking: "I don't have time to read a book. I have to get this project done today." Okay, we'll play along. You're on deadline. Now what? This chapter introduces the works-every-time layout because it does work every time. Its layout is foolproof and reader- friendly for simple projects such as a single ad or flyer. Even a complex project such as an entire page or screen of news stories ultimately breaks down into individual stories using variations on the works-every-time layout theme. Mastering the works-every-time layout will perk up your desktop professionalism even if you learn nothing else about design and layout. So put it in your design toolbox, and don't apologize for using it. H WHY THE WORKS-EVERY- TIME LAYOUT WORKS The works-every-time layout works because of the way Westerners read: from left to right and from top to bottom.