Re: refresh

> Avoid using <META HTTP-EQUIV="refresh"> to automatically redirect users.

Yes, and other redirect methods (e.g. JavaScript, PHP) should be banned,
too; naturally, a working and pretty alternative is a server-side redirect (e.g.
via Apache's .htaccess) which should be mentioned, too (it doesn't break the
back button, and it is IMO faster than Meta, JavaScript etc. redirects.

> not having refresh effectively bans some applications form accessibility
> (like stock ticker) 1, this can be solved as a remove item for assistive
tech

Really? In general, nearly ~99% of all redirects started from applications
(Web sites) are questionable, and it should be recommended to offer e.g. an
'Update' button to enable the user to refresh time critical content. See also
Jakob Nielsen remarks (former newsnow.co.uk criticism, which refreshed its
page every five (!) minutes -- you won't find your just read news again if the
journalists were busy).

Sure, there are several additional remarks, but in short I'd prefer the WG
only recommend server-side redirects (if e.g. a site ain't available at an URI
anymore) and usable workarounds to enable the user to decide if he wants to
update.


All the best,
 Jens.



> 
> Avoid using <META HTTP-EQUIV="refresh"> to automatically redirect users.
> 
> I think Michel needs to raise an alert at grope coordination that we
> need to see if we can solve this issue from a different angle
>  
> not having refresh effectively bans some applications form accessibility
> (like stock ticker)
> 1, this can be solved as a remove item for assistive tech
>  
> it can be solves though a simple proxy (I can volunteer to put up an
> open free one, if it helps)
> and it can be integrated at a protocol level such as defining a scope of
> a refresh (e.g. just to the latest up date section of a page) or have a
> "non refresh" equivalent
>  
> banning refresh from the author is a bit unimaginative.   
> 
> All the best
> 
> Lisa Seeman
> 
>  
> 
> Visit us at the UB  <http://www.ubaccess.com/> Access website
> 
> UB Access - Moving internet accessibility
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 

-- 
Jens Meiert

Steubenstr. 28
D-26123 Oldenburg

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Telefon +49 (0)441 99 86 147
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Mail <jens@meiert.com>
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Received on Thursday, 17 July 2003 05:55:26 UTC