I'm not sure I agree when it comes to "you shouldn't plaster a site with
"stickers" for valid xhtml/css/508 etc. I guess we all have a common
interest in higher awareness about standards. Maybe the "stickers" wont
mean anything to all people but lets hope they'll ask what it is. That
way the "stickers" could turn into a kind off "quality stamp" in the
long run.
Just my humble opinion
Kim
Patrick H. Lauke wrote:
designer wrote:
[1] Do folk regard the w3c validation logos in much the same way
that other
industries regard the kitemark?
I think an important thing to remember here is: who are these logos
for? Sure, you get the peer recognition, but do consumers and end
users *really* care about whether or not your site is XHTML 1.0 Strict
compliant? I'd posit that no, for the most part, users will come to
your site to get a service or information. It's a bit like plastering
a nice big sticker on a new building saying "built with bob's special
concrete mix". As long as the site (or building) performs as it
should, customers do not need to know this sort of stuff...they
couldn't care less.
[2] if not, is this because they aren't 'official' ?
Well, the kitemarks assure consumers that their products won't just
blow up or catch fire or something. With a web site, it really has no
meaning. A site can be fully W3C compliant and still be unfit for
purpose. Compliance does not necessarily equate high standard.
[3] Have there been any attempts to get an official kitemark (or
kitemarks)
for valid, accessible sites?
Let's not confuse validation with accessibility. There is a certain
benefit to advertising (or otherwise making clear) that a site has
made steps towards being accessible...although I'd argue that even
then this sort of thing should be invisible, i.e.: a user with certain
access needs should realise a site is accessible by actually using it,
and not because he/she is being told.
It seems to me that a 'proper' kitemark would really be an incentive for
folk to use standards.
Who would be the awarding body? Who would monitor continuous compliance?
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