Steve Green wrote:
> No, a form is not a list of form controls [...]

I agree. A form is not a list, nor is it tabular data. I know this was 
originally a demonstration to show the lesser of two evils, but evil is evil 
so less wrong still isn't right. What I don't understand is why there is 
this exploration of form layout structures to begin with when a form in of 
itself is it's own form layout structure. All the needed tools already 
exist.

Why is a div needed, for instance, when the fieldset is already a 
container -- the proper container I might add -- for these form controls. 
Start with a proper form with all the right elements and you have something 
which looks good, is functional, and is perfectly accessible, and that's 
without styles. Then add CSS to the equation and it makes the need for 
additional structures and elements pretty unnecessary.

Granted the differences between browsers can create challenges, some of 
which simply cannot be overcome, but those generally affect the styling of 
specific inputs like checkboxes as one example. But laying out a form is 
straightforward and I can't see a need for anything else.

> Definition lists are the new tables.

I'm not aware of this, but I won't disagree. I'm just not aware of rampant 
abuse (but I do believe it and I'm not surprised). I just wrote a simple 
tutorial post [1] on my blog concerning lists and what they should be used 
for. For a definition list I could only really come up with three examples:

1) A glossary
2) FAQs
3) An interview transcript (when combined with blockquotes).
(All have a sort of Q&A thing goin' on.)

I suppose there are other semantic uses for this HTML structure of elements, 
but I was hardpressed to come up with any that weren't pushing the envelope 
too much.

Just my two cents.

Respectfully,
Mike Cherim

[1] http://green-beast.com/blog/?p=185








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