HTML 5 differences from HTML 4: inline style attribute a necessary evil

To the maximum extent possible I put all presentation in my CSS 
stylesheet either externally or, if an experimental sheet, in the head 
of the HTML file. I use HTML extensively to put together quizzes and 
tests for my classes, I code by hand. This makes all of my quizzes and 
tests available (after being administered!) to the students. I avoid 
using the inline style attribute, but sometimes I have to float a single 
image to get my file to print on one page. Sometimes I need to shrink 
the text of a single table, other times I float a single small data 
table. Again, this is usually to obtain a print out that saves paper and 
often improves the readability of the page for the students on their 
small monitors.  This would constitute "very specific small adjustments 
to a page" as noted in the document at:
http://esw.w3.org/topic/HTML/StyleAttribute

I have always prided myself on conforming to standards, and try to write 
HTML 4.01 strict and now HTML 5 technology preview conforming pages. If 
the inline style attribute is removed, then that will be an impossible 
goal for me. Pave the cow paths. Eelmine says 61% of web pages use 
inline style. That's a pretty hefty cow path to remove from the standard.

While HTML 5 says inline style is being removed as presentational, what 
is <b> and <i> if not presentational? As a science teacher I support the 
bringing back of <i> for scientific names, though I presently use <em>. 
Sometimes presentation cannot be fully separated for human beings.  The 
alternative is dozens of classes like .floatright {float:right;}, 
..textsmall {text-size:smaller;}
-- 

Dana Lee Ling
Professor
College of Micronesia-FSM/National site
http://www.comfsm.fm/~dleeling/ <http://www.comfsm.fm/%7Edleeling/>

Historically diverse, uniquely Micronesian and globally connected, the 
College of Micronesia-FSM is a continuously improving and student 
centered institute of higher education. The college is committed to 
assisting in the developing of the nation by providing academic, career 
and technical educational opportunity for learners in the Federated 
States of Micronesia.

Go Sharks!

Received on Friday, 9 November 2007 14:58:20 UTC