Everyday there are at least a half a dozen posts that I want to boost but won’t because the images on them don’t have descriptions (“alt-text”) so they exclude people who use screen readers to experience the fediverse.
If I have time, I’ll write/extract the text from an image and reply to the thread. But most times, I just have to favourite and move on.
So come on folks, make it easier for me to boost your stuff and do the right thing by enabling everyone to experience your images and videos.
@aral I do this A LOT. So many good memes, etc I would be boosting. You don't have time to add the alt text, and I don't have time to correct you.
@aral
I think it's much more effective to give the responsibility of encouraging people to use alt-text to whichever client they use. This is both easier and more respectful to the users.
If someone toots without alt text and everyone complains, they will often respond in a hostile manner or start disliking the fediverse.
Besides, I think many new people simply don't know what it is and why they should consider doing it. Including a simple hint in the client will solve this for everyone.
@bnijbakker Yep, there’s a lot clients could do better.
@heals @aral @Skiyoshi I think a significant percentage of folks use third-party clients, and not many have this feature, unfortunately. I follow @PleaseCaption to catch me when I forget (also catches boosts of media without alt text!), and I’ve filed issues for the open source clients I like to implement it. But it’s not always quite as simple as “No excuse”.
@LauraLangdon @aral @Skiyoshi I might be out of the loop on android clients (and the official mastodon client likely doesn't have it on either platform that's true xD) - but the more popular iOS ones at least have it so let's hope more people pay attention to an option should it become available \o/
@aral Only one thing worse: When everyone you follow does add descriptive ALT text, but the client you’re trying out (that will remain nameless) didn’t think it a high priority on their roadmap
I get this a lot. I've even unfollowed a couple of people who post lots of politically provocative images but refuse to alt-tag.
It's especially disappointing when they claim to be socialists or anarchists, but refuse to engage in equality.
Does this hold for previews?
Before previews, I would add an image only if it contributes substantially to the post (and would add alt-text).
I link to articles a lot, and they now show up with an image preview. Should I alt-text those as well?
@aral should be a toggle option for admins to require alt text on their servers CC: @MastodonEngineering
@aral From my phone I use the Mastodon and Tusky apps to post, both of which have the ability to add Alt text, which I always do now (although it was a habit to learn having not done it coming from blue bird) but I can't seem to find the option when posting from the Whalebird app which installed on my Linux PC. Any help from anyone if they know would be much appreciated! I'll keep looking myself of course. #whalebird #alttext
@aral I dont use a screen reader but heck alt-text helps me understand what the devil Im looking at.