[uf-discuss] Expanding the abbr pattern

[Aaron Gustafson]

microformats-discuss-bounces at microformats.org wrote:
>>> Jeremy wrote:
>>>> The simplest solution is to simply expand the pattern to allow the
>>>> same usage of class and title on elements other than abbr (span is
>>>> specifically mentioned but this would potentially apply to any
>>>> element). ......... I'd be interested in hearing other arguments
>>>> for or against this idea. 
>>> 
>>> I have another one for.  This isn't from a screen reader
>>> perspective, but an IE perspective.
>>> 
>>> Because IE doesn't support the abbr element it is very difficult to
>>> target anything written using the abbr design pattern with CSS.
>> 
>> This is no longer true.  IE7 supports the abbr element.
> 
> Sorry, I meant to say IE6, not IE in general.
> 
>>> If we could use, say, a span this would solve that problem.
>> 
>> If you must have pixel-perfect rendering for your content/site in
>> older browsers that don't support abbr, and you need abbr-specific
>> styling, then yes, a workaround is to add a <span> element as a
>> styling hook for those older browsers.  However we MUST NOT
>> compromise microformats for browsers that failed to implement *an
>> entire HTML4 element*. 
> 
> Agreed. However, not being able to style an entire element in
> a browser that still has the lion's share of the market is a
> real pain in the behind.  I don't need a pixel-perfect
> rendering, but some control would be nice without CSS
> calisthenics.  Maybe we should just evangelize FF and/or IE7 more.

You could also use Dean Edwards' IE7 scripts [1] and deliver them via
conditional comments to IE6 and under. They add support for ABBR to IE6.
Then you will cover IE7 + all IE6 and under with JS support and can go on
about your business.

[1] http://dean.edwards.name/IE7/compatibility/

It isn't a perfect solution, for sure, but will likely get you 70-80% of the
way there, which is pretty good (and perhaps the best we can hope for).

Cheers,

Aaron

----
Aaron Gustafson
Easy! Designs, LLC
http://www.easy-designs.net
http://www.easy-reader.net