Re: [WSG] Small element (was:Styling forms)

[Mike at Green-Beast.com]

Hi Thomas,

In HTML4 it's a font style element on the line with <b> and <i> etc

I guess I've always considered it a font-sizing element more than a styling 
thing, though the final result is a visual style. I've always felt it has a 
meaning of being less important than the surrounding text. An afterthought, 
a byline, some fineprint, or supporting sub-text.

can we say that <small> has a semantic meaning now?

I always felt it did in an odd sort of way. I judge its use again with 
styles off. If I really want the text to be smaller to effectively separate 
its meaning from the surrounding text, then I use the small element. If it 
shouldn't be, or if I'm not sure or can't decide, or I don't care one way or 
the other, then I don't use it. If I still want it to appear smaller for 
some reason I will likely use a span element instead to style the text in 
question without dimishing its value as it relate to the surrounding 
content. However, when I usually want text to be smaller, then it is usually 
because I feel it *is* less important falling into one of the categories I 
mentioned, so I usually end up using the small tag. I may use it more than 
some people for this reason.

Same thing applies to the b element, but differently. The b element is meant 
to be a highlight. I end up never using it because I always end up asking 
myself why I want to highlight something. My answer always guides me. If 
it's purely stylistic then I use a span, but I usually want to hightlight a 
word because it is meant to be spoken with emphasis (inflection) so I'll end 
up using em. Or it may be more important than the surrouding (a common 
reason to highlight a word or phrase), then I use the "important" element: 
strong. b is one of those I don't really have a use for. I use the i element 
more regularly becuase the W3C is more clear about it, and its uses are more 
distinct and meaningful

My thoughts on those two elements are spelled out in more detail here: 
http://green-beast.com/blog/?p=222

Cheers.
Mike








I think this might be one of those double-edged swords. 



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