The Compendium of HTML Elements/htmlcompendium.org

Press Release regarding our update to revision 7.

October 26, 1998, Oxford-on-Rideau, Canada

I am please to present the 7th revision of the Compendium of HTML
Elements. Revision 7 contains many refinements and much expanded
information that will be of interest to the web authoring community.

New Format

Revision 7 uses a completely new format that retains the hierarchy
of previous releases but with faster access times and easier and faster
movement throughout the site. We have moved from tables-based formatting to
Cascading Style Sheets, for the most part, Level 2.

Downloadable Fonts

We are now using the Bitstream downloadable fonts to compliment the
move to CSS2. The texts can be read faster. As well, the downloadable fonts
aid in establishing the hierarchy that is so necessary with large amounts
of information like this. A big plus is the demonstration of downloadable
fonts themselves. The entire process is described in full. This is actually
the first series of Coding and Detail Notes.

Reorganization

HTML is still presented in full but is now divided into two lists,
one for the tag and supporting attributes and arguments, the other, for the
tag and supporting scripting events. In addition, we have moved the common
attribute notes and common argument notes to their own lists for quicker
reference.

Cascading Style Sheets are now presented as well. We have divided
the hierarchy into three parts, @rules, selectors and declarations
(properties and values). We have noted the properties and values as
relevant to CSS1 and/or CSS2. This should assist developers in selecting
elements appropriate to their target audience.

A wide range of Notes has been added. There are Attribute Notes
(those attributes that are common to multiple tags), Argument Notes
(arguments that are common to multiple attributes — like colours), Coding
Notes, Detail Notes and Reference Notes.

Coding Notes encompass a broad range of subjects. We have received
many requests for tags broken out by function. That was our starting point.
We quickly found that classifying tags was not easy. The result is a series
of topics that addresses accomplishing specific tasks as well as act as a
bridge between HTML and CSS. Further, they will contain tips on how to
achieve specific design goals in HTML and CSS and serve as a bridge between
the two technologies.

Detail Notes expand on specific topics that we feel qualified to
discuss. Our first notes discuss the uses and manipulation of typesetting
and fonts as they pertain to web pages.

Reference Notes provide points of reference for those hard to find
large clumps of information that you seldom need but when you do, you need
them quick.

Free Newsletter

This release of the Compendium, like previous releases, is a work
in progress. The large amount of information will make it difficult for
readers to examine new texts as they are added. To address this, we have
added the capability for a newsletter to our site. This will keep you
informed of changes and updates as they happen.

Advertising

The Compendium is now represented by the Grizzard Communications
Group in North America and the I-NeX Corporation Pty. Ltd in Australia. For
advertising information contact Bill Greene of Grizzard at
“mailto:William.Greene@Grizzard.com” or phone 1-800-241-9351. You may also
contact Adrian Bennett of I-NeX at “Adrian@I-NeX.com.au” or phone (08) 8410
6160/fax (08) 8410 6164 for advertising on the site in Australia.

Ron Woodall
nor@synapse.net

responsible for The Compendium of HTML Elements – available at:
http://htmlcompendium.i-nex.com.au/index.htm (Australia)
http://www.highway57.co.uk/html_ref/ (England)
http://www.uni-siegen.de/help/html/compendium/index.htm (Germany)
http://www.w3design.lv/html/index.htm (Latvia)
http://www.htmlcompendium.org/index.htm (North America)