Sent by Rich Shepard on 29 October 2004 17:05
On Fri, 29 Oct 2004, Eric A. Meyer wrote:
> If you mean "Eric Meyer on CSS", that's actually my third book. (Fourth if
> you count the first edition of the pocket reference as a separate book.)
Hi, Eric!
I was referring to the two example books.
> If I remember correctly, out of 13 projects, tables are used in three of
> them. That seems to me an unusual definition of "so many" but I could be
> wrong.
I don't have the numbers, but the ones with tables stood out for me. I
meant to imply that it was neither a criticism nor a deficiency. It just
meant more thinking and work for the amateur that I am.
> For one of those, the project goal is to convert a table-and-spacer layout
> to a transitional design layout, using simple tables. In another, as you
> mentioned, the content being styled is a monthly calendar, which is in my
> opinion best represented using a table. The third is a form-styling
> exercise, and there is some thought that forms are also best structured using
> a table. I decided to go that route because it would be more familiar to
> readers, and also because it was a good chance to show how even when you use
> a table, you can keep it lightweight and CSS-friendly. (Okay, actually I
> tried to do that with all table-using projects.)
Is there a way of presenting content such as a calendar without tables?
I'm just curious. And I agree completely that the focus is appropriate: on
those transitioning from tables and frames to pure css. My site was such a
hack, and out of compliance with any standards known to man, that I decided
to jump into xhtml and only-css in one fell swoop.
Years ago I confirmed that I'm not a graphic artist nor a page layout
expert. I prefer to leave that to those with the skills that I lack. Your
two example books have been invaluable to me in understanding how to
achieve what I, and others, would consider to be a visually acceptable Web
site. For all this I am very grateful.
> I could've tried to jump through the structural and style hoops required
> to eliminate all tables from all projects, but it made more sense to use
> transitional (and appropriate) layout techniques instead. If it makes you
> feel any better, in "More Eric Meyer on CSS," a table is used in one out of
> 10 projects, and that one involves styling a financial report, which should
> be contained in a table anyway.
It was the excellent project 6 in the "More Eric Meyer on CSS" that taught
me how to change simple links to a functional, two-level menu. That's why
both books are in the bookcase.
I apologize for sounding critical. I want to get the revised site
functional as quickly as possible so that I can focus on finishing the last
edits on my book and focus my efforts on my business. What I've learned from
you has been invaluable and will continue to guide me as I tune and add to
the site.
Many thanks,
Rich
--
Dr. Richard B. Shepard, President
Applied Ecosystem Services, Inc. (TM)
<http://www.appl-ecosys.com> Voice: 503-667-4517 Fax: 503-667-8863
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