Looking for website advice

[Dan Zollman]

Originally Posted by ajd

One question regarding alt text: I was under the impression that if there was a caption under the image that explained the image to both image-viewing and non-image-viewing readers, the alt text was unnecessary. Is that the case?

Alt text only needs to convey what would otherwise be missing from the document. You would want to use alt text if there's a gap between what the image conveys and what the caption says.

However, if you don't need/want alt text for an image, don't leave it out. Use an empty alt attribute: alt=""

Also, I have to disagree about external links opening in a new window. From a developer's point of view, it makes sense as a rule of them. However, don't assume that every user understands what happens when a new window is opened--they might not even notice it--so they have trouble getting back to the original site. (Why doesn't the "back" button work?)

Agreed about the blue dates--they look like links, which is a little confusing.

I like the site overall. The structure is simple and clear; when I look at the menu, I immediately know where to find what kind of information. The writing is clear and very well-oriented towards your audience(s).

I'd suggest working with the design of the navigation menu because it is not obvious that the second row of links is subordinate to the first, as opposed to a continuation of the first. In other words, if a user isn't very perceptive, they might not realize that the second nav bar shows different links on different pages.