I’ve been collecting data from Spring CSS Reboot 2006 sites. And, whereas, it is commendable that these sites participated regardless of the plentitude of Word Press factory-purchased templates used or divitis in CSS code, it is both appalling and sad how many sites did not pass validation for either Markup or CSS or each. Validation does not indicate good code nor knowledge of web standards; it’s a tool for assistance in becoming (or, being) knowledgeable about web standards. (I recommend these articles as an introduction regarding “code validation”: March to Your Own Standard by Mike Davidson [June 12, 2004] and Validation, Moderation, Constipation by Dave Shea [June 17, 2004] and Validity does not equal best practices by Roger Johansson [March 20, 2006].)
Validation isn’t difficult. Some web developers do perform validation; some do not. Therefore, in the spirit of Flying Monkeys from Borneo, the following is proposed for sites which cannot perform validation.
Vague proclamations, statements and mottoes, when written simply, are miraculous. They appear profound. They appear authoritative. They appear comforting. They aren’t fraudulent.
There’s this.
[Image not shown actual size]
What does the text in the enlarged image above offer?
The printed text states, “Inspected for wholesomeness by U.S. Department of Agriculture.” This seal of approval may be found on sundry and diverse packaging of foodstuffs in the United States. It is profound because one may know that the well-being of citizens is scrutinized by the Federal Government. It is authoritative because it is the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is comforting because this product was inspected for wholesomeness. And, it cannot be fraudulent because U.S.D.A. would not allow it. It is a simple statement of fact.
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3G) Quality Assurance Department has validation tools but these tools are — Seemingly — excessive: validation valid, e.g., 
and 
; or, validation failure (which does not have an iconic image for display on websites). These are the sole results one may obtain. There should be a third less draconian result, shouldn’t there. The Elementary Group Standards is pleased to offer a third icon.
[Image shown actual size]
It states, “Inspected for wellformedness by W3C Department of Quality.” This seal will allow for web developers to indicate that sites were inspected for well-formedness by W3C quality assurance tools but validation results are not necessary.
And, for those who may be concerned that this page fails when underperformance of CSS Validation: it fails it’s default setting, Level 2 but passes Level 3.
