David Dixon wrote:
[...]
It would be useful to get a few more opinions on what others believe
the purpose is...
The purpose of 'text' in the alt-attribute it to expand/complete the
meaning - in context, (as close to) the same as the visible image itself
does.
Describing the image is not what the alt-attribute is there for.
An image may tell a "story", and/or strengthen (parts of) the
surrounding content. The alt-text should (ideally speaking) do the same
- or be left out.
Whatever one puts in that alt-attribute should make optimal sense - in
context. If it doesn't, then an alt="" is to be preferred in nearly all
cases.
---
The 'graphical' "version" should not influence or "cross-contaminate"
the 'text-only' "version" of a page at the User end.
Few 'text-only' Users can, or do, compare.
The 'text-only' "version" should carry _all_ that is relevant - and not
much else, while the 'graphical' may provide space for all the relevant,
less-relevant and/or non-relevant visual cues one may want to put in.
---
Images can, and often do, add value - when visible, as visual cues
along with text works well - visually.
Text - followed by an image - followed by more text, may work well in
most cases - for those of us who can see it all and scan in all directions.
---
Providing loss-less alternatives inside alt-attributes is impossible for
most images.
Providing short alternatives in context is somewhat easier, but most
often not necessary, or useful.
Very often the only logical alt-text for an image is a repetition, or
rewrite, of what's already in the text. Such a "logical" but repetitive
alt-text doesn't add anything of value. Repetitive, rewritten or 'out of
context' text adds noise, so it makes little or no sense to have any
alt-text.
Text - followed by a rewrite of the same or 'an out of context' text
(disguised as an "accessibility-improving" alt-attribute) - followed by
more (of the same) text, rarely ever make much sense.
Georg
--
http://www.gunlaug.no
******************************************************
The discussion list for http://webstandardsgroup.org/
See http://webstandardsgroup.org/mail/guidelines.cfm
for some hints on posting to the list & getting help
******************************************************
