Online Forms

To make a more graphically appealing page, webmasters often use graphics in place of the standard buttons in forms.

Don't do it!

I typically surf with a mouse,

	but when I encounter a form I want to fill out I use the keyboard.
	I type in the required fields, using the tab key to move to the next field.
	When all done, if you hit tab, it doesn't go to the button but goes to the next available link.
	This is bad, because now I have to go back to the mouse to click on the graphic button.

Just go ahead an use the "ugly" basic submit button please.

It sometimes eases programming,

but using drop down lists sometimes just doesn't make sense.

States. This is the most frequently used drop down list. Don't do it!

	Just let me type in the 2 letter abbreviation.
	The alternative is to make me reach over for my mouse, click, click scroll bar to find my state, click on state, click in next field on the form.
	I could be done with the next 2 fields by the time I use your drop down list enter my state.
	Just let me type in the 2 letter abbreviation!

Sorry, I will not teach you how to use graphics instead of buttons, because it makes using your form harder to use.

By using drop down lists you are ensured you will get input you can use.

	Left to themselves surfers sometimes type in misspelled, non-(script)usable info.
	Deal with it!