- From: Charles McCathieNevile <charles@w3.org>
- Date: Thu, 4 Feb 1999 10:45:09 -0500 (EST)
- To: "Neff, Robert" <Robert.Neff@usmint.treas.gov>
- cc: "'w3c-wai-eo@w3.org'" <w3c-wai-eo@w3.org>
A justification: The use of CSS, in compliance with both the rest of the quicktips and the full Guidelines, which requires that information is structured independently of any declaration of presentation, does not cause any problems for a 1.x browser. The use of HTML 3.2 presentational mark-up and mark-up (ab)used for presentation does cause problems in such browsers. The proper use of CSS in websites, instead of the current mish-mash of markup, would be a Good Thing (TM) for accessibility. I share with many people an expectation that websites will migrate to doing this, and some surprise and dismay that the implementation of this has taken so long. If a CIO or manager reads this and says 'use CSS' (The Government of Victoria, Australia did just that in the requirements for the Health Department website, and I believe that the Australian Federal Government is following suit) in enough places it will stimulate demand for CSS-compliant browsers, which will stimulate the use of CSS in a positive feedback loop. And I am not convinced that CSS makes a designer's job harder, once they have learned how to use it. Learning how to do things right is, in my humble opinion, part of a designer's job, not an added extra burden. my 2c worth Charles McCathieNevile On Thu, 4 Feb 1999, Neff, Robert wrote: >7. Page Organization Use headings, lists, and consistent structure. Use CSS >for layout and style. ROB> I still disagree with the statement, "Use CSS for layout and style." Justification: Why? How are designers in the trenches going to understand this? Their audience may be HTML 3.2. We are seeing browser versions 1.x and 2.x . I am curious how you can tell someone who has to be in compliance with ADA and Rehab Act Section 508, and has to design for multiple browsers and versions, that they must use CSS. I think it is wrong to say "Use CSS for layout and style" . Imagine if a Federal Manager or CIO reads this and tells their web service that they must use CSS because it is on the QUICKTIPS! Please do not make our jobs any more difficult. Suggest we say, "For layout and style, recommend CSS or accessible HTML"
Received on Thursday, 4 February 1999 10:45:14 UTC