<table summary="Types of Widgets">

Does Google use the SUMMARY attribute? If so, how?

[tlhmh1]

Recently I came across the summary attribute for table commands. For example:

<table summary="Types of Widgets">

From what I can tell, that summary is not displayed in browsers. It is used to assist users with disabilities.

This seems like it could be a good way to get relevant keyword rich text on to a page that uses a lot of graphics (in addition to ALT tags).

Does Google spider this text? Does it treat it like normal text?

[egomaniac]

As far as I know, Google will spider this text. The question is how much weight does it give it? I assume that the importance Google would give to such an attribute would be low. I think it would be similar to ALT tags: a positive benefit to your page, but only a small benefit.

You will not get penalized for designing pages with attributes for users with disabilities, so why not go ahead and use it. A bunch of small things can add up to that 1% that makes a difference.

[Sasquatch]

This may seem like a silly suggestion, but why don't you consider using the different attributes such as ALT, TITLE, and SUMMARY for their intended use?

You mention that it is not shown in browsers, but then you go on to say that it is used for disabled access, therefore it *is* shown in browsers.

Instead of just jamming these attributes full of keywords, how about using it for meaninful text that will be useful to disabled users?

I would guess that you would be able to add lots of your keywords without having it appear that you are spamming. "Table listing prices for blue, yellow and green round widgets" would keep you safe from GoogleGuy taking a gander at your source, you are being a good netizen and helping the disabled to surf. "blue widgets, green widgets, yellow widgets, blue round widget, yellow ....." would get you nailed for spamming and they would be right to do so.

I think Google should give extra points to sites that use these attributes. Sites that take handicapped people into consideration are often more important. They just need to write an extra bit of code to look for keyword stuffing, and they probably already have that in place for ALT.

[tlhmh1]

Absoultely Sasquatch, I agree with you 100%. I hate spam.

My intent was not to load it with keywords and spam. I would, however, put keyword rich summaries (like the example you gave), that would be beneficial to the disabled user, and hopefully, at the same time, help with my rankings in Google.

So you think Google does in fact use it?

[Sasquatch]

I really don't know if Google uses it. If they are using it I expect that they are using it explicity since it is inside the tags.

I have no real need to play with it to try and find out. I am in the rather unique position (on this board anyway) of not wanting my ranking to get too high on the popular keywords.

We are a zero income site and intend to stay that way. Bandwidth comes out of our own pockets. Coming up #1 on searches on the word "backpack" could quickly shut down our site.