Web Witch Weekly: Issue 14

Against the Internet's Dark Forest, what should logo alt-text be, the earliest androids, and more!

December 03, 2024

On the Web, About the Web

Against the Dark Forest
A deeply thought-provoking dive into the online communities we build and maintain.

A link on a logo in the header, what should the alt-text be? - HTMHell
Answering a question I myself have had many times but never followed up on.

Use of Ch unit considered inappropriate (in certain circumstances)
This is a few months old, but Richard Rutter is again asking a question I myself have thought about but not investigated. When should you use the ch unit? It probably depends.

You Should Know

Google app for iOS now adds Search links to third-party websites unless they opt-out
How to opt-out of Google adding Search links to your websites in their iOS app (this only occurs in their iOS app, at the moment)

Tutorials & Tools

Using Bluesky posts as comments
How to setup Bluesky posts as comments on your blog.

Hero Generator from Sarah Drasner
Generate a hero for your website with this tool

Font Performance Resources
A GitHub repo with many different resources about font performance by Mandy Michael

Book Highlight of the Week

“Looks Good to Me”

“Looks Good to Me” offers a unique approach to delivering meaningful code reviews that goes beyond superficial checklists and tense critical conversations. Instead, you’ll learn how to improve both your applications and your team dynamics.

Outside the Web

Highest Petroglyphs in Europe Identified in the Italian Alps - Archaeology Magazine
A brief paragraph on the highest carvings found in Europe.

“You Are My Friend”: Early Androids and Artificial Speech
A lovely historical article about the earliest androids, where the term came from, some philosophical questions, and more…all centuries before our modern era of AI & artificial assistants.

Who were the women who pioneered early computer art?
Six artists who deserve further recognition for their experiments with computers.

How young killer whales became hooligans
Given that orcas are wearing salmon as hats again, here’s an article from 2022 highlighting killer whale behavior and “viral” trends amongst the species.

The Web Witch (Stephanie)

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