Text disappears when using two or more columns

Question

OS is Mavericks and I have the latest 2011 update (14.3.9)

I have 2 columns.  I'm typing (it seems in either column) and suddenly (usually the right column) all the text vanishes.  I click in the right column or double click or scroll up/down (I can't seem to find a pattern) and then all the text reappears.  Like magic, only instead of creating awe it creates stomach acid.

Yes, I am using column breaks and page breaks (though I've seemed to notice it without page breaks at least), but those are part of the program, yes?  (I saw in another thread about text disappearing in a different situation someone suggesting clearing all breaks and then using them "judiciously" - which to me seems silly, like saying "apply the breaks on your car judiciously."  Shouldn't a feature just work?  (Naive, naive computer user, I know).

Anyone have any idea what's happening and (more importantly) how to stop it?

Thanks!

Answer 1

someone suggesting clearing all breaks and then using them "judiciously" - which to me seems silly, like saying "apply the breaks on your car judiciously."

Actually, you did not read the recommendation properly. It does not say to "clear all breaks" but to select the "Line [Breaks] and Page Breaks" tab, then to clear their options (Widow Control, Keep with Next, etc.). And yes, these attributes should be used only when needed, just like car brakes.