Some recent tidbits of information, help and questions have come my way that I want to pass along:
1. Why don’t screen readers support self labeling?
I love self labeling because it makes the design more compact and protects the text from search engines.
Why would you want to protect text from search engines?
Joe Dolson takes on this discussion with some stunning feedback, such as,
One of the problems with self-labeling is that, should a user start to fill in a text box, but stops (for whatever reason), they’ll have lost the label to that form field. In simple web sites, with only one input box for a search form, for example, this may be a minor issue. However, in the case of larger forms, imagine that a user becomes confused in the form and enters the wrong information in a field - through a misunderstanding or whatever.
2. This new web testing tool may save some time: New combined CSS and (X)HTML validator, Alpha test version .
3. For those who remain unconvinced that the needs of everybody are best served if you intend on providing services or information to them, Court rules Target must make website accessible to the blind.
Matt Bailey goes in-depth on this topic in Court Denies Target.com Plea for Dismissal
4. Do colors mean something? One color per (web site) feature. Colors have meanings. Which color means which feature?
5. If you are experienced with card sorting, we would love to hear from you in Card sorting method: Could anybody explain properly?
For Search Engine Marketing
The final word on Yahoo directory?
I actually didn’t know that getting listed in the Yahoo Directory is a good Sandbox Beater. I guess that is one way to get out of the sandbox.
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This is great. I can’t imagine what the advanced package would be.
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Hi, Kim! Thanks for the call out! I do want to comment on one little thing, though - it’s worth pointing out (as Matt does) that the ruling on the Target case does not actually require websites to be accessible - the ruling merely states that it is reasonable and allowable to sue a company on the grounds that they have an inaccessible website.
The lawsuit itself has not yet gone to court - this ruling was in response to Target’s plea for dismissal on the grounds that the ADA is not applicable to websites. Their grounds for the suit was rejected by the court, thankfully.
This is, nonetheless, a pretty big step!
Thanks for the clarification Joe
I find it interesting that the line between brick and mortar business and online business is starting to become invisible.
I agree - it’s fascinating how that division is being gradually eroded. It’s got to be expected, though - with the massive impact the online business world has created in the last few years, these rules and regulations have to gradually trickle over.
And, to be frank, it’s totally possible that a small mom-and-pop brick and mortar shop can become a major concern in the online world.