I think a fieldset could be used outside a form if you are using it to group similar links. We can fixate on the name or look at the purpose. It says, the fields inside it are related. If the standards say it can be outside a form than we can use it to group similar objects. I have used it to group similar links and don't feel it is inappropriate.
For instance, we have a packinglist on our site. It is broken up into different categories, such as clothing, personal effects, electronics, etc. I could easily put each section in a div to give it the presentation but that is just an unordered list in a div, no strong relationship is implied. I could put an H3 tag before the list. Better, but there is still no direct relationship between the header tag and the list, just an implied relationship. With a fieldset, I am able to label this list as clothing items and reinforce the relationship between these items. If the goal of semantic coding is to give data context, which is one of my favorite parts, I think a fieldset could be used outside a form. Ted -----Original Message----- From: Mark Stanton [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, November 22, 2004 8:25 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [WSG] Correct use of <fieldset> Hi Brad Welcome to the list. According to the HTML 4.01 DTD, Fieldset can live outside a form block. But it you find yourself putting outside one you're probably due for a sanity check. Are you using it for semantic purposes or just for presentational purposes? If you're using it for semantic purposes (to group a set of fields together), you'll probably want to check why you are putting form fields outside a form - they are pretty useless out there! If you're using it for presentational purposes, then the hardcore standards crew will probably put a hex on you and your family. This is basically the same as using tables for visual layout. If you can do the same thing using more appropriate elements and some CSS, you'll be blessed with eternal good karma and will be worshipped as a standards guru by the millions of list members. Enjoy. -- Mark Stanton Gruden Pty Ltd http://www.gruden.com ****************************************************** The discussion list for http://webstandardsgroup.org/ See http://webstandardsgroup.org/mail/guidelines.cfm for some hints on posting to the list & getting help ****************************************************** ****************************************************** The discussion list for http://webstandardsgroup.org/ See http://webstandardsgroup.org/mail/guidelines.cfm for some hints on posting to the list & getting help ******************************************************
