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question about data table headers

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From: Patrick Dunphy
Date: Jul 8, 2011 9:33AM

Hi everyone...

I would like to solicit thoughts from this group about the marking up data
tables headers.

The table in question deals specifically with statistics & therefore
shorthand version of the text is needed. Of note, these table headers will
also function as links that are sortable filters.

I see 3 ways to achieve this & was wondering which would be most desirable?


a) code each column header link as an abbr w/title attribute

b) provide access to a legend before & after to encountering the table

c) 2nd link in each header which links to the long form version


I have my own opinion as to the best way to achieve this but I wanted to see
what other opinions people may have.

Also - if there are alternate methods which I've not listed, please feel
free to suggest.

Thank you.

-PD