Re: [Usability] markup in the statusbar messages, why not

[Alan Horkan <horkana maths tcd ie>]

> From: Calum Benson <Calum Benson Sun COM>
> To: Alan Horkan <horkana maths tcd ie>
> Cc: usability gnome org
> Subject: Re: [Usability] markup in the statusbar messages, why not?
>
> On Mon, 2004-09-27 at 01:54, Alan Horkan wrote:
>
> > If there are reasons against using Markup on status bar messages (and if
> > anyone can find a specific refernce to it in the HIG) I would be
> > interested to hear that so as to help the Inkscape developer avoid any
> > problems or at least manage any known issues.
>
> I don't believe there's ever been a guideline to that effect in the
> HIG.

Perhaps it there was something similar about not using markup in the title
bar, I guess it is time for me to re-read the Guidelines again in full
from start to finish.

> To be honest I can't think of any huge arguments against it (other than
> the technical ones, like translation difficulties), in cases where it
> genuinely improved legibility, provided we had guidelines for regulating
> its usage.  However, I have to admit I can't think of any statusbar-type
> messages off the top of my head that would be improved by it; they
> shouldn't exactly be verbose.

It seems like the Inkscape developers are trying something a bit different
again.  They will be glad to know that there is nothing in the HIG
recommending against it and it will be interesting to see how well it
works out and if the minor technical problems can be reduced.

> If the markup is just being used to try and draw attention to the
> message, though, that's a different matter-- if it's important to demand
> attention, then the status bar isn't the place for it.  (And I think
> there is a guideline somewhere that says that.)

I made that point and I am almost certain there is nothing essential in
the status bar messages and I will certainly be watching it carefully.

Thanks for your comments, they were very helpful.  .

Sincerely

Alan Horkan

http://advogato.org/person/AlanHorkan/
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