[CSS 2.1][Section 9.5.2] Clearance and margin-collapsing: editorial clarifications suggested

Hello all,

I read a lot (but not all, there is a lot to read) of the thread (august
2010) with subject line "[css2.1] Issue 158 and Issue 178 Resolution"
http://lists.w3.org/Archives/Public/www-style/2010Aug/0078.html

I see 2 sources of confusion or 2 misunderstandings created by the
formulation, textual presentation of section 9.5.2, including the revised
one [1]

1-
"
Computing the clearance of an element on which 'clear' is set is done by
first determining the hypothetical position of the element's top border
edge within its parent block.
"

Right there, a normal reader would be already semi-confused. In my
opinion, that sentence should be preceded with an introductory sentence
(trying to give an overall picture of what is ahead) saying something like
:

"Before trying to compute the clearance of an element, it must be first
established if clearance is necessary. This possibility can be determined
thanks to the hypothetical position of the element's top border edge
within its parent block." (or some sentences like that)

Because computing the clearance can not be performed if clearance is not
necessary to begin with. The text does not emphasize this.

2-
"
If this hypothetical position of the element's top border edge is
not past the relevant floats, then clearance is introduced, and margins
collapse according to the rules in 8.3.1.
"

I would precede that sentence with its exact opposite, therefore
reinforcing the purpose of establishing/finding that famous "hypothetical
position" and closing that alternative, exiting that branch.

Eg.:
"
If this hypothetical position of the element's top border edge is
past the relevant floats, then no clearance is required.
If this hypothetical position of the element's top border edge is
not past the relevant floats, then clearance is introduced, and margins
collapse according to the rules in 8.3.1.
"

A simplified example should be presented, provided in section 9.5.2.

[1]: http://lists.w3.org/Archives/Public/www-style/2010Aug/0458.html

regards, Gérard
-- 
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Received on Sunday, 5 December 2010 08:07:37 UTC