somethings a fellow author thinks about other authors

wait what

  • lmmarsano@lemmynsfw.comEnglish
    3·
    1 month ago

    Needs accessibility: pure image of text for no legitimate reason.

    Explanation of text alternative.

    Images of text break much that text alternatives do not. Losses due to image of text lacking alternative:

    • usability
      • we can’t quote the text without pointless bullshit like retyping it or OCR
      • text search is unavailable
      • the system can’t
        • reflow text to varied screen sizes
        • vary presentation (size, contrast)
        • vary modality (audio, braille)
    • accessibility
      • lacks semantic structure (tags for titles, heading levels, sections, paragraphs, lists, emphasis, code, links, accessibility features, etc)
      • some users can’t read this due to lack of alt text
      • users can’t adapt the text for dyslexia or vision impairments
      • systems can’t read the text to them or send it to braille devices
    • searchability: the “text” isn’t indexable by search engine in a meaningful way
    • fault tolerance: no text fallback if
      • image breaks
      • image host is geoblocked due to insane regulations.

    Contrary to age & humble appearance, text is an advanced technology that provides all these capabilities absent from images.

            • Stiffy@lemmy.worldOP
              21·
              1 month ago

              I’m unsure how I am supposed to make my posts more accessible to others. I understand the meaning now, but I am still struggling with how I am supposed to make it more accessible. I will research ways I can improve my post so more people can enjoy my content. If you have any pointers or suggestions I’d greatly appreciate it! :)

              • lmmarsano@lemmynsfw.comEnglish
                2·
                1 month ago

                Post submissions/edits have a field for text: instead of posting an image of text, simply enter the text in the text field. Keeping the redundant image would be fine, too, though unnecessary. Where it makes sense to keep the image, the Alt Text field in post submissions/edits should be filled.

                The text for this image is obvious. Guidelines by web accessibility resources clarify less obvious cases. Screenshots of a social media post should really have the URL field set to the post (or backup) address.