I always try and add alt tags, descriptions, and (when relevant) transcripts to my images. But I thought it was worth checking to see if anyone who uses these things (because of visual impairments, text-only browsing, speaking English as a second language etc) has any preferences for me doing them differently (and thus I ask here, where I post my art, rather than at my Serious Business journal). If I'm going to do them I might as well make them as useful as possible.
I guess my main questions are:
1)do you find the
posts consisting of just a thumbnail which acts as a link confusing or otherwise annoying? I'd add descriptions but they get LONG sometimes and there's always a description at the DeviantArt page. Still, I'm not sure that's clear. Annoyingly, the DA template I use to make the thumbnail link doesn't come with alt tags so I have to remember them myself and sometimes I forget. I may complain.
2)Are the very short alt tags clear? I tend to just use the name of the piece assuming that's enough in context. For the previous type of post, would "Title of piece. Click for description" or something be better?
3)Do you find the descriptions and transcripts useable? It's hard to have them not get all mixed up with the notes etc on DeviantArt since there's just the one text box for everything (
here's an example DeviantArt comic with transcript) I tend to put all my comics on AO3 eventually but it's a hassle so DeviantArt is my default.
I've googled, but couldn't find any specific advice.
I can't guarantee I'll put all suggestions into effect (or at least not right away, I have trouble changing a behaviour pattern once I'm used to it) but I will definitely keep them all in mind and appreciate anything you guys have to suggest.