insert code while it's not needed

[gate2vn]

I have seen this code

<ul id="utilitynav">
<li><a href="/sitemap.html" title="Site Map">Site Map</a> |</li>
<li><a href="/contact" title="Contact">Contact</a> |</li>
<li><a href="/login.html" title="Login">Login</a></li>
</ul>

the <ul>, <li> are customized by CSS, so when viewing in browser, it shows
Site Map | Contact | Login

why the <ul>, <li> are used there meanwhile we can do this, for the same viewing

<a href="/sitemap.html" title="Site Map">Site Map</a> |
<a href="/contact" title="Contact">Contact</a> |
<a href="/login.html" title="Login">Login</a>

When inserting more code, the code to text ratio will be higher, but it should be as low as possible, is that correct? So, what's the point of <ul>, <li> code here? Cause this sample code I got from a recommended SEO company I read somewhere, I am wondering if it have some good points, that I dont know!

[Bagi Zoltán]

Using <ul> <li> you can customize the space between the listed pages. I always use it.

[gate2vn]

not sure to understand. Can you give more details?

[Bagi Zoltán]

Using the second code you wrote in your first post the space between the Site Map and the Contact links will be the standard space.

In many cases I wanted to increase the scpace to improve the usability, and I didn't find any other solution than use <ul> <li> and set some padding-left value if they are displayed inline.

I hope it was a little better answer.

[gate2vn]

yeah, it's more clear. However, it gives me another question Increasing space will improve the usability? How? Do you have any document link, so I can read?

Big thank you

[Bagi Zoltán]

I would rather give you a link. http://www.i-connector.com/ Thoug i guess you won't understand the language at all, but you will see my two horizontal menu. I used the <ul> <li> solution in order to provide enough space between them. In my opinion it is breezier so it improve the usability. It is possible that is only an ideology, but I belive that this design help my visitors navigate in my site

[gate2vn]

yes, got your point now. However, correct me if I am wrong, if it's just for making space enough, we can set padding-left value for <a> tag, dont need to use <ul>, <li> there?

[Bagi Zoltán]

Well you are possibly right I was happy that I could solve the space problem that time, but you've just given a better solution. I will try it next time

[Johan007]

Originally Posted by Bagi Zoltán

I didn't find any other solution than use <ul> <li> and set some padding-left value if they are displayed inline.

Sorry I do not want to sound harsh but I can not believe what I am reading; absolute ignorance and failing to understand basic web standards. Arghhhhhhhhhhhhh

(note to self: calm down)

Lists should be marked up using lists. Amongst other related reasons this enables assistive technologies such as screen readers for the blind to read the number of list items out loud and then provide the user with the ability skip the list or jump to a specific item if it is ordered list. Otherwise the person is sat there having to wait for the entire list to be read out. For this reason all of your HTML should be marked out with correct HTML. For more information about blind users (there are many other users) please read my article Building better websites by understanding blind users browsing behaviour

[Bagi Zoltán]

You know Johan, I am not a professional web designer If i would be I would probably know those basic standards. I'm sorry that I injured them.

Otherwise my sites are not designed for blinds.

[Johan007]

Your site is not too bad but could do with a little more tweeking. If you have a US site you have to be accessible under Section 508 and the UK you have to comply with DDA. Many other countries are the same. You should make a basic pass but it is best to better and mark up correctly and show your users you have made the effort.

[Bagi Zoltán]

Well as I said my professional is not the design. Otherwise thanks for the tip, i will check those standards, but the emphasis of your first post wasn't to friendly even if my site would be a rubbish. All i wanted it to help him answering his question accordance with my poor knowledge.
But I promise that I will improve my capacities.

[Johan007]

Apologies if I sounded harsh on you because I was not having a go at just you! I was speaking to the V7n community who themselves have an Web Usability forum and many of the users are professionals. Good luck in your reading.

[seowoman]

One more important point about lists. There's evidence that keywords in a list are given a little more weight in the search engines, compared to keywords just hanging around in paragraphs. Every little bit helps, so it never hurts to put your navigation in a list.

Also, a link for Johan007: http://www.martinibuster.net/2006/06...icipation.html

[Johan007]

Thanks for the link and it seems I have much to learn too

[Ar3d]

the reason, is because they using CSS which means that they wanted to consize the codes and make it easily to them to make code that would the same for other by not using manual writing of codes or HTML.