[bilban]

I can't read a white background unless I'm in a very bright room. Off whites are better for me. But personally I prefer light on dark. But it's a personal thing.

I rue the day the browser default background colour changed from being light grey to white.

[derobert]

You may want to lower your monitor's backlight level (if LCD) or brightness/contrast (if CRT).

[bilban]

Thanks - but it is pretty darn low already.