Archive for September 2002

There are people dead set against HTML newsletters while others say Text-formatted newsletters are a snore. Janet Robert’s E-Zine Tips reports that HTML Tops Text in Reader Preferences, which states, “Launching an HTML newsletter, with a worthy text counterpart, is probably a safer publication model now than it was a few years ago.”

However, HTML wasn’t heavily favored and those who preferred text felt strongly about this choice.

My preference? Text. Why? Because I can read it anywhere including on a PDA. Plus, some HTML newsletters are frickin’ slow to download. However, I do get some HTML newsletters that are excellent. The HTML doesn’t distract from the content, but rather enhances it.

I agree with the conclusion — if you have the ability to offer both formats, give the readers the choice. Watch the numbers.

Spam Solutions II on WebReference Update provides resources and suggestions for getting spam under control. Yes, there have been many articles written on spam. This isn’t a long article and just gives a few quick pointers.

A big happy birthday to Christine! We both have been so busy that we rarely chat, but she’s always in my thoughts. Many happy returns!

AbilityHub is a portal, so to speak, that directs people to adaptive equipment and alternative methods for accessing computers. Not only does it offer links for people with hearing and sight impairments, but also mobility impairments and reading challenges. [Link Neat New Stuff]

Unbelievable. One of the topics I look forward to writing about in the book is accessibility. It’ll be challenging, but a learning experience. I’ve been searching high and low along with Bob Regan’s help and have yet to find a qualified Web site. Not only does it need to be compliant, but also it needs to be attractive to prove the point that accessible Web sites don’t have to be blah.

I looked into several government Web sites listed on an accessibility list, after all, they’re supposed to be compliant — and yet, I found problems with them and tossed them out. I’m sure there are educational institutions with accessible Web sites — but the specific institution wouldn’t be of interest to very many. I try to pick examples that would interest an audience of broad interests.

I got some recommendations from other accessibility experts, but either it wasn’t a Web site that would make sense to the general public (because it has a niche audience) or the site was so plain, that it was an undesirable example. Help?!

The Process Group October Newsletter covers shoestring process improvement and practical project and process documentation.

Process improvement is one of the first to go when making cuts. If it’s cut, be ready to pay the price over the long term. Yes, it’s going to be tough at first…

Documentation. Love — hate affair. Look for the middleground.

Kids are starting to let online-speak sneak into their school papers and of course, it’s not acceptable to teachers as explained in Nu Shortcuts in School R 2 Much 4 Teachers (NYTimes — requires free login).

As a TTY (Teletypewriter) user, I sometimes call the relay through the modem instead of the actual TTY. Whenever using a TTY, I use required shortcuts like GA (go ahead) to signal the end of what I was saying and for the other end to speak) and SK (stop keying) to signal the end of the call.

Often, I would jump into IM after a computer relay call. At the end of my message, I would enter GA and hit return. Regardless of this accidental behavior, teachers are right in redlining such shortcuts.

So glad I’m not in school anymore.

Picture Yourself is a project that has received The Mirror Project’s stamp of approval. It’s similar only in that the pictures are not reflections. Instead, they’re pictures we take of ourselves with the camera pointing at us.

It’s funny because when I was thinking about a Mirror Project photo wondering if I ever caught anything, I remembered a photo I took on the honeymoon, but it wasn’t a reflection. Will have to dig it up.

Get a sneak peak at what’s new in XHTML 2.0 and how to put it to use. No more <b>, <img>, or <br> tags. Gasp! What the hey? XHTML looks like a mixture of HTML and XML with a focus on presentation. But man, it’s easier to do <b> than <strong>. But, I understand why and it’s explained in developerWorks: The Web’s future: XHTML 2.0.

Nikcon Inc. is recalling Coolpix 2000-Model Digital Cameras as explained in the CSPC press release. It’s reported that a short circuit can occur in the battery compartment, creating a possible thermal burn hazard to consumers if the battery compartment lid is touched. Remove batteries as soon as possible.

US Customer Product Safety Commission regularly announces recalls through its Web site and recall newsletter. The newsletter is worth the subscription. It takes two seconds to determine if you have the product or not.