Introduction to Web Standards - Web Standards: Mastering HTML5, CSS3, and XML - page 8

Standards Promotion and Distribution
Most web standards are optional only and not enforced by law (which would be the only way to achieve worldwide
implementation). However, there are new trends that transform the web design industry. For example, there
are accessibility standards enforced by law in some countries (see the section “Defining Web Accessibility”).
Since web standards are not ubiquitous, it can be difficult for web designers to maintain up-to-date knowledge
and learn new technologies. However, they can participate in a variety of events, including workshops and
conferences, and use resources such as textbooks or online specifications to train themselves either as individuals
or professional group members.

Groups and Associations
There are numerous groups among enthusiastic web developers that distribute and expedite standards and harmonize
them with best practices. Membership fees in such groups are generally much lower than those of standardization
bodies. In fact, some of them are open, and anyone can join free of charge. While appealing, many professional
groups and associations focus on the latest technologies rather than standards. The following sections provide a quick
overview of influential groups in web standardization.

The Web Standards Project
The Web Standards Project (WaSP) was founded in 1998 by professional web developers to spread the application of
web standards published mainly by W3C. The Web Standards Project was “a grassroots coalition fighting for standards
which ensure simple, affordable access to Web technologies for all” [1]. The organization focused on standard
support, accessibility, and easier development.
WaSP's standardization processes were based on task forces . The Project's aim was to attract the attention of the
most considerable companies and organizations of the world and persuade them to become as standard-compliant
as possible. WaSP task forces included the following:

• Accessibility Task Force

• Adobe Task Force (formerly Dreamweaver Task Force)

• Education Task Force

• International Liaison Group

• Microsoft Task Force

• The Street Team

Among others, the Web Standards Project introduced the famous Acid tests used to compare standard support
of browsers (see the section “Standard Compliance Tests”). In 2013, the Web Standards Project stopped working in its
original form, and contributions can be made through other projects only.

Web Standards Group
As a web developer community, the Web Standards Group (WSG) focuses on web standards and best practices to
achieve standard codes. WSG has thousands of members from all over the world [32].