My Blog: I Am No Longer a Part of the Problem!

I Am No Longer a Part of the Problem! (07/09/2026)

I have been developing code for many years using ColdFusion and mainly didn’t care about HTML or CSS that goes along with it. I put in simple html tables elements for structure (nested at times) and basic CSS to make it look decent. Over the years I have put more effort into the CSS elements but continued to keep my old HTML table structures.

I eventually moved toward more HTML5 coding but kept on using tables for structure. I started using DIV’s but guess what? Only inside a table structure. It was very easy for me to put something together and I already have the structure in my head. It was simple to put to code.

Recently I read an article on how using tables for structure was bad practice and was considered "bad old school." It hurts SEO in specific ways, slows down page speed and ruins accessibility. I knew this before I read the article but have been lazy with refactoring my code. I would 'cheat' the ADA/WCAG scanners as the tables created issues with accessibility and I got by that by marking their role as 'none' or 'presentation.' This doesn’t help accessibility.

I began creating technology assessments a few months ago and figured this would be a great place to start. The code is HTML5 and there are no tables unless I have tabular data. This is the only time I use tables now. There are proper sections, HTML5 code using DIV’s and modern CSS.

I continued with my other websites, Dogfirmations with Doofie and Dingus, My personal website and Black Cat White Hat. I do have a remaining issue with CSS and that I use too many inline properties. Hey, one step at a time.

It took a few days to update my 3 websites but I am glad I finally made the step. I have learned new ways to present data and hopefully the correct way to do this will stick.

I have more work to do with my private side of Black Cat White Hat application with tables but my public facing sites are clean of tables for structure. Go ahead and check the source!

Momma, I have arrived!