Clear communication: (was RE: Re: Accessibility of "CHM" format resources)

Orion Adrian wrote:
> 
> I don't mind being corrected. What I do mind is saying, even taking
> into perspective the commenters, that calling X, Y it someone
> eliminates all my experience. I wasn't by the way just having a bad
> day, but people do make typos, mistakes and so on. The rapidity that
> people came down on me to challege my knowledge was disturbing.

Orion,

On June 6th you made a bold assertation to this list, and I quote: "I'm a
certified Master CSS2 programmer"
(http://lists.w3.org/Archives/Public/w3c-wai-ig/2005AprJun/0398.html).

You then proceeded to make comments about existing CSS issues using
incorrect terms and descriptions, and argued with list members on whether
CSS or HTML is programming or not. (It's not!)  Some long time list members
took you to task (rightly so) about this apparent disconnect ("Masters"
would never use wrong terminology), as well as questioned "exactly where"
did you get this certification.

This list is about accessibility, and the need for clear communication is
one of those little things that many of us 'fixtures' worry about.  Without
clear communication, your ideas become less accessible, as end readers need
to try and discern what it is you *really* mean.  Using incorrect
terminology can cause a cognitive issue, as people do not understand what
you are talking about.  You witnessed this first hand.

	"WCAG Priority 1:14.1 Use the clearest and simplest language
appropriate for a site's content."  (I might add to also use the appropriate
and accurate language)

Many on this list also believe that a more-or-less strict adherence to
published standards (whether they are right or wrong) is the best way to
ensure that the content is accessible to as many as possible.  You argued
for proprietary "extensions" authored by your self.  This too will be
roundly beaten upon on this list.

You appear to have a technically rich understanding of the technologies (I
don't know about "Master"), and you seem willing to contribute and comment
on issues germane to this list - so for that, Welcome and thanks.  But
please, choose your words carefully and if you claim to be an 'expert' be
prepared to back it up.

Peace.

JF
--
John Foliot  foliot@wats.ca
Web Accessibility Specialist / Co-founder of WATS.ca
Web Accessibility Testing and Services
http://www.wats.ca   
Phone: 1-613-482-7053

Received on Tuesday, 7 June 2005 14:21:06 UTC