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Common Mistakes

These are a few common mistakes to avoid when creating Web pages.

Using Shift-Enter all the time.
Only use Shift-Enter when a new line is needed without space between paragraphs. Otherwise just press Enter.

Using tables for positioning graphics or for other stylistic reasons.
Tables must only be used for actual charts of data. Using them for positioning graphics or other elements on a page is not compliant with federal Section 508 guidelines (see below).

Using distracting elements such as blinking or scrolling text.
Avoid highlighted, blinking, and scrolling text on your web pages. It looks unprofessional. There are other more subtle means of catching the viewer's attention -- try setting important text off in its own paragraph block, or judiciously using Heading tags to guide the viewer's attention through the page.

Using code that falls outside federal Section 508 guidelines.
Section 508 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act seeks to eliminate barriers in information technology for the disabled. SMU's web site endeavors to be in full compliance with Section 508, and the new SMU template follows these guidelines. Using outdated formatting tags such as <font> and <center> will put your site out of compliance.

Using the <font> tag to control the appearance of text.
Do not use outdated HTML tags such as <font> to adjust the size, color, or typeface of text on Web pages. The new SMU template makes use of Cascading Style Sheets to automatically control the appearance of text -- you as the site maintainer do not need to do anything to make your text appear in the proper size, color, and typeface.

Using "modifications" on every page.
There are certain modifications to the template that you can make in the HTML code of your pages, but the use of these should be the exception, not the rule. If you find yourself using the same modifications over and over (other than pageName and profile), you should talk to the Webmaster's Office about setting up additional profiles for your site that use these modifications as the default.

Making your site look "unique"
Please do not adjust the formatting on your site just to make it look "unique. " This practice often results in a distracting and unprofessional site, and can hurt university-wide site uniformity. The look of the new template, and the rules that go along with it, were developed by professional consultants working with SMU's public relations and technical staff and are in strict compliance with federal Section 508 guidelines. If you'd like an aesthetic overhaul of your site, the Public Affairs Office has a talented team of designers that may be able to assist you.