Online WYSIWYG Usability

[thing2b]

I am looking at several ways to allow users to post messages. The users need to be able to at least use headings and bullet points. One issue I have is the usability.

I have been looking at:

- Input via a WYSIWYG (embedded on a webpage)

- Using BBCode (Also know as Style Codes... Why not HTML instead)

- Allowing HTML (This is not really suitable for people new to the internet is it?)

- Only accepting plain text (lack the ability to create proper <h1>,<h2> headings)

- Allow only one format (eg <h1>, <p>) to be specified for each text box, but allow the use to add more textboxes as they need them? (Reminds me of the simple, quick webpage designers some web hosts offer. Would this interupt the writting flow, making users continually stop?)

Has any one else designed webpages / forums / comment forms for people who are not that great with computers, and if so, what was your choice for inputting.

(Also, could / should blind people with screen readers be taken into account?)

[Jazzee]

WYSIWYG seems like the best option IMO.

[LazyJim]

Definately.

But that's not to say making it WYSIWYG automatically makes it highly usable, you have to keep on thinking and making good choices / good ideas.

[TotalDesain]

Yeah.... I use WYSIWYG too. It make me submit article easily to my database without thinking html code

[Michael Allison]

WYSIWYG, definately.

I've had good results with Tiny MCE.

It's free and it's a solid application. I haven't had any problems with it. It's also easy to edit.

-Michael

[kwvarga]

- Input via a WYSIWYG (embedded on a webpage)

Definitely the best option, I am sure there is a tutorial about using them somewhere

- Using BBCode (Also know as Style Codes... Why not HTML instead)

HTML gives the user a lot of opportunities to exploit your code.. like making javascript stuff, etc.

- Allowing HTML (This is not really suitable for people new to the internet is it?)

same as last one

- Allow only one format (eg <h1>, ) to be specified for each text box, but allow the use to add more textboxes as they need them? (Reminds me of the simple, quick webpage designers some web hosts offer. Would this interupt the writting flow, making users continually stop?)

not sure what you are saying

Has any one else designed webpages / forums / comment forms for people who are not that great with computers, and if so, what was your choice for inputting.

I would go with a WYSIWYG editor, and maybe type up a small tutorial for how to use it

[Sabeur]

i would go for WYSIWYG but who gave it that name" WYSIWYG".

[Michael Allison]

What You See Is What You Get = WYSIWYG

They're lying, though...

-Michael

[Sabeur]

wht u see is wht u get is good.

better than not seeing ( html) and getting it wrong.