Something similar to the Windows Live Messenger Icon; it is well known to represent 'user', and is likely to be linked to your own posts when you first see it.
To be fair, a lot of people don't want those icons but they are apparently required for screen readers.
I say apparently as I raised the point earlier as to whether invisible background images with alt-text could be utilised.
Personally speaking I would be happy with bold titles for unread.
I don't need an icon telling me which threads I've posted in.
I already know which ones I've posted in and if I don't, it makes not a jot of difference.
The icon isn't just for the blind (Regarding screen readers), but also for the visually impaired, like Floris, who has stated he would need a visual marker.
Fair points. Just making my own view known. Less is more.
I accept the point about screenreaders though, it's important that this area is catered for, some sites have a legal responsibility to do so.
Anything related to business requires it in the United States now, though it really isn't enforced (There have been lawsuits however, like the one against target).
Yes, I've been asking a similar sort of question myself.
I might see if I can test it with a screen reader with a bold title to see how it works...
I'm not completely au-fait with screenreaders, but I would have thought that the title attribute of the link, which (already) reads Go to first unread message would be a better indication for a screenreader than some abstract image.
As far as icons go, we now have code to display an icon against threads in which you have posted, I'm just weighing up styling options for how to present that data.
The icon is actually for the visually impaired, as only the alt text is read by screen readers; I am not sure it reads the title text instead of the actual link text when a title is provided, I would have to ask my moms boyfriend.
I can say, due to having problems seeing yesterday (My eyes been swollen and vision being completely blurred for most of the day from lack of sleep for several weeks), I see a dire need for an icon to represent. Text really isn't great for differentiating for someone having vision issues.
I mean if the status of the thread is already being pulled i guess we should leave the icon up to the member to implement it but im not too sure, delicate topic here.
How many people are going to introduce icons when they don't have to?
Also, many companies tend to use utilize forums as a mean of support. The United States requires that all business sites be in compliance to a set of accessibility standards for the disabled. Failing to do so can result in a lawsuit (Especially if its support for a product already paid for).
It also leads to user frustration for those that do have difficulty with seeing.
) for this purpose, and consider using it for a new purpose-- to designate "hot" threads (threads with lots of recent activity), like vB3 did with the normally blue thread icon to an orangish color. (
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