[whatwg] Deprecating <small> , <b>

> I was thinking mostly about the tag's current usage on the web, which is a 
> crazy mix between the HTML4 and HTML5 definition of the element. HTML4 
> defines it purely presentational, HTML5 mostly semantical. In that 
> context, I believe <small> is inappropriate.
>
> However, as you write and as HTML5 defines it, there is nothing wrong with 
> <small> per se, and I agree that as an element indicating "smallprint", it 
> works just fine.
>
> Since my initial reply might have been a bit too colored by the HTML4 
> definition of the element and its current usage on the web, I hereby 
> withdraw my comment and conclude that I mostly agree with you. :-)
>

But isn't this just the reason why it should be dis-used?
The HTML4 spec defined it as a styling tag, and that is how it is *mostly* 
used and understood by the majority of the users/authors.
Just because HTML5 redefines the element does not mean that the element will 
suddenly be semantic. Even if people start using it purely semantically from 
now on (and what is the chance of that?), the existing websites still carry 
small-tags that are not compliant with the new definition. By redefining it 
the (existing) web "breaks"; allbeit purely in the semantic area.

Received on Monday, 24 November 2008 14:30:01 UTC