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Don’t use “click here” as link text (2001) (w3.org)

520 points by theandrewbailey · 392 days ago · 343 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses the W3C's guideline against using 'click here' as link text, recommending instead that link text be descriptive of its content. The guideline is intended to improve accessibility and user experience. The article's content is not available, but the discussion reveals that the guideline is not a standard, but rather a best practice. The W3C's recommendation is based on the idea that 'click here' is unnecessary and can be confusing for users with disabilities.

Main themes

  • accessibility
  • link text guidelines
  • user experience
  • web design
  • W3C recommendations
  • screen reader usability

What commenters say

  • Some commenters disagree with the guideline, finding 'click here' to be a clear and simple instruction.
  • Others argue that 'click here' is unnecessary and can be exclusionary towards users with different abilities or devices.
  • The use of descriptive link text is seen as important for accessibility, particularly for screen reader users who may rely on link text to navigate a page.
  • There is a debate about whether links should be used for calls to action or for providing additional information, with some arguing that buttons are more suitable for the former.
  • Some commenters believe that good design should prioritize accessibility, while others argue that accessibility and design are not always compatible.
  • The guideline is seen as outdated by some, who argue that it does not reflect current web development practices.
  • Others argue that the guideline is still relevant, as it promotes better accessibility and user experience.