David said:
Richard wrote: [snip]
Although some in the group oppose the use of tables and frames, that
I don't recall ever seeing anyone in this group oppose the use of
tables, only the abuse of them.
But *they* assume they know what "abuse" of tables is! Apparently, without
feeling the need to prove their case. Others simply feel this is "use" of
tables, with plenty of historical & other justification.
Usually they are informed why table abuse and frame use is a bad
idea, not physically attacked.
I rarely, if ever, see useful statements about why use of layout tables is a
bad idea. When I do see statements, they tend not to stand up to scrutiny. In
fact, I don't think I've seen a useful definition of what a layout table
actually is.
And "abuse", without supporting evidence, is just a silly word that people use
when they haven't got a *real* argument that will stand up to scrutiny.
[snip]
Well fine. I feel that if a person wants to inform people using
frames and abusing tables of the problems they might face and suggest
better ways then they can do that too. I also feel that if someone
(or some group, like the RNIB) wants to take a person abusing tables
or using frames to court using the Disabilities Discrimination Act,
then thats fine too.
[snip]
It has been known since April 1999 that a linearising browser can handle
layout tables. Such pages are quite safe from prosecution for that reason.
Here are the most reported problems:
TABLE 6: CHECKPOINTS ACCOUNTING FOR MOST REPORTED PROBLEMS
Checkpoint Priority
1.1 Provide a text equivalent for every non-text element 1
2.2 Ensure that foreground and background colour combinations provide
sufficient contrast when viewed by someone having colour deficits or when
viewed on a black and white screen 2/3
6.3 Ensure that pages are usable when scripts, applets, or other programmatic
objects are turned off or not supported. If this is not possible, provide
equivalent information on an alternative accessible page 1
7.3 Until user agents allow users to freeze moving content, avoid movement in
pages 2
10.1 Until user agents allow users to turn off spawned windows, do not cause
pop-ups or other windows to appear and do not change the current window
without informing the user 2
12.3 Divide large blocks of information into more manageable groups where
natural and appropriate 2
13.1 Clearly identify the target of each link 2
14.1 Use the clearest and simplest language appropriate for a site's content 1
Disability Rights Commission news item:
http://www.drc-gb.org/newsroom/newsdetails.asp?id=633§ion=1
Report at:
http://www.drc-gb.org/publicationsandreports/report.asp