pdf files

[yahve]

Hi,

This is more a conceptual question than an actual HTML or CSS related one. Does anyone see any GOOD reasons why someone would use pdf as the format on a site that has articles and reviews that would be posted every month or so? I have a client that insist on using pdfs for the content of the site, I told her that it would be better to use either straight HTML or a combination of server-side script and database to serve the articles on-the-fly. I'm afraid I'm running out of arguments...any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Arion23]

The only good reason I can think of using PDF over HTML is to preserve layout and presentation of the print-version of the document.

Some bad reasons:
* Accessability - I'm not sure if there are any aids that allow visually impaired surfers to read a PDF, if not then they are being cut out of the loop - Aural browsers are widely available and make HTML a more viable option.
* File Size - due to the nature of the PDF, you pretty much have to download the whole file (which can be quite large) before viewing it. With HTML, file-sizes are relatively quite small, and easier for people with slower modems to access.
* Compatability - I've had personal experience with older PCs, low memory etc, having enourmous trouble with PDFs - lets be honest, there's still a vast number of people out there using PCs 2-10 years old.
* Useability - integrating large numbers PDFs in web sites to serve as core content can make navigation a nightmare, and administration even worse.

Personly, I think the only time to use PDFs on a web-site should be to supplement the existing content, not be used as the main body of content.

Depending on the area of business your client is in, she might be happy to exclude large groups of potential clients from her site. I wouldn't be....

Document your understanding of PDFs vs HTML, and present it to you client, include things like site performance, large data transfer bills (if they're with a hosting group that limits transfers), reduced client base, possible legal action from groups that are unable to access the content (in Australia at least, this is a very real - and fair - possibility). Have them sign off on their decision and your advice (whether it be to remain with PDFs or use your solution).

If they stick with PDFs, and problems arise, you will then at least have some backing to show that you advised them of these problems.

Sorry for ranting, but this sort of things really ranckles me

 

[yahve]

Hi Arion23,

Thanks, that was exactly the kind of reply I was hoping for. I do not wish to use pdf, except maybe for downloadable forms and brochures that must be printed. Don't worry about ranting, my last message to my client was about 3 times as long as tour reply.

Thanks again.