- From: Liam Quinn <liam@htmlhelp.com>
- Date: Thu, 05 Feb 1998 00:35:35 -0500
- To: w3c-wai-gl@w3.org
-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 1. From <http://www.w3.org/TR/1998/WD-WAI-PAGEAUTH-0203#Images and Image maps>: "Each image should have alternative text that describes the function of the graphic." I would argue that each image should have alternative text that *provides* the function of the graphic. The difference here is subtle, but I think it's an important distinction. Describing the function would mean ALT text like ALT="decoration", but alternative text like this gives unnecessary clutter to text-only users and search engines. If the ALT text were actually *giving* the function of the image, ALT="" would be the natural function of a purely decorative image. 2. The Working Draft also advises the use of ALT text with APPLET. I don't see a point to the existence of an ALT attribute with APPLET. Since alternate content including markup can be provided as the content of the APPLET element, surely this is a preferred way of supplying an alternative for browsers with Java disabled or not supported. Placing alternate content within the APPLET element also provides backwards compatibility with any browsers (or search engines) that do not recognize APPLET. 3. The Working Draft provides the following example of ALT text: <IMG src="logo.gif" alt="XYZ Logo"> This ALT text is descriptive rather than functional, so I think it would be better used as the TITLE. The ALT text should take the place of the image rather than describe it: <IMG src="logo.gif" alt="Welcome to XYZ" title="XYZ Logo"> 4. The Draft points out that text can be provided in the body of the OBJECT element. It should also note this ability with APPLET. -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP for Personal Privacy 5.0 Charset: noconv iQA/AwUBNNlPpfP8EtNrypTwEQKZ6ACgityHflnGoh9NWtJi//qde4AjKwcAoNwM FbA87Egws0rxUfjnmAgT/ghU =Z/NQ -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- -- Liam Quinn Web Design Group Enhanced Designs, Web Site Development http://www.htmlhelp.com/ http://enhanced-designs.com/
Received on Thursday, 5 February 1998 00:34:07 UTC