Re: Expanding longdesc use

Hi Laura and All:

Let me make clear up front that I do not oppose improving longdesc for
HTML 5, including having it pertain to more elements. That's all good.

However, I question the strategy. Consider the consequences. If we now
pause to wait for: new language to be written, vetted, and approved, it
will be that many more days, and I suspect the real story is weeks and
possibly months, before the longdesc reconsideration can move forward in
the HTML-WG.

Laura has been correct to point out to the HTML Chairs that the delays
in moving forward on the longdesc reconsideration are unfair and
damaging. Do we really want now to introduce yet more delays?

Put it differently, is there any reason why expanding the applicability
of the longdesc attribute needs be done at the same time as the
reconsideration of the decision that has kept 8it out of HTML 5? Why not
a 2-step process:

1.)	Put longdesc back in the spec where it belongs
2.)	Consider what else it may apply to.

So, I ask where the sober, smart strategy lies here.

Janina


Laura Carlson writes:
> Hi Leif,
> 
> > Could we expand your CP - now
> 
> I am open updating the CP if:
> 
> 1. The accessibility task force agrees and comes to consensus  that it
> is the best way to help successfully reinstate longdesc into HTML; and
> 
> 2. If someone volunteers to draft solid use cases; and
> 
> 3. If someone volunteers to draft additions for the spec text and
> those additions obtain task force consensus.
> 
> So for number one,  Silvia, Leonie, Janina and other task force
> members, would you support expanding longdesc? And if so under what
> circumstances? <img>, <table>, global? What is the scope?
> 
> Do we have any volunteers (from the accessibility task force or
> WAI-XTECH) to write the use cases?
> 
> Janina, if it seems that people are in favor of this idea and do the
> work, would you be willing to do the consensus call(s)?
> 
> Benjamin, you did a great job in drafting the spec text that we
> currently have. Would you be able to lead that effort again if we
> reach consensus on 1 and 2?
> 
> For this to be successful, the task force will need to pull together
> in the same direction.
> 
> If this all happens, I will be delighted to update the Change Proposal.
> 
> Best Regards,
> Laura
> 
> -- 
> Laura L. Carlson

-- 

Janina Sajka,	Phone:	+1.443.300.2200
		sip:janina@asterisk.rednote.net

Chair, Open Accessibility	janina@a11y.org	
Linux Foundation		http://a11y.org

Chair, Protocols & Formats
Web Accessibility Initiative	http://www.w3.org/wai/pf
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)

Received on Wednesday, 14 March 2012 17:32:09 UTC