different ALT text for multiple recurrences of same IMG file?

[zahra albren]

The site in question has a couple of standard GIFs used to add diagonal corners to decorate tables w/text. These files are used several times on the same page. Currently the ALT text for each use reflects the content of the table where it's been applied.

So for example, when the GIF is stuck into table A and the content of table A is 'green widgets' the ALT says 'green widgets.'

Does this raise concern about possibly incurring a spam penalty?

[korkus2000]

I wouldn't think so. I don't think google is really ranking alts that much anymore anyway.

[glengara]

While doing nothing for ranking, it'd be a giveaway the site has been "optimized", which may not be a good idea.

[WebWalla]

If the images don't form part of a link, the text won't be counted at all by Google and renders the exercise rather pointless.