Openness
Why?
The open web was and is a pioneering discovery of our time. It invented the ability to connect with anyone from anywhere at anytime and share anything- a truly remarkable creation! The openness of the internet allows us to share quite literally anything with everyone who has access to the web. Recipes, solutions to problems, event planning inspo, how-to’s, and the list could go on forever. The openness of content on the internet has created a certain kind of convenience that there has never been before.
How?
Much open web content is made possible through open-source software like GIMP or WordPress. Another example of open content would be blog groups like Reddit, where individuals are able to ask a question they have or state a problem they’re having and people can respond with answers and feedback to help (or just share chicken recipes). Take a look for yourself. Reddit chicken recipes thread.
Accessibility
Why?
To those who have never heard of ‘accessible’ content, it might be hard to understand what it is, and why or how it is made. In plain English, accessible content is going to be able to be viewed not just by people without disabilities, but also people with disabilities. Take someone who is deaf, for example, trying to watch a video without subtitles. That piece of content is inaccessible for them. Creating accessible content allows your content to reach a broader audience, giving you a greater chance of reaching whatever goal you have, and is just straight up the right thing to do, even if it creates an extra step and takes some extra time to do.
How?
There is no straight forward ‘how’ to make accessible content. It depends on things like what kind of content you’re making and what you’re trying to accomplish and it requires you to be considerate and think about how someone with disabilities may or may not be able to view your content. As Professor Cartland said, “Nothing is ever 100% accessible, or 100% open. But creators can make choices about what level to aspire to, and work to reach that goal.” Some common features of accessible content include things like alt text for photos, closed captions on videos, and choosing high contrast colors for word graphics.
