nicely formatted plays

quillaja · 09-28-2009, 02:28 AM

perhaps everyone knows this, but using the definition list <dl></dl> works really well for plays. it's also better xhtml, since it defines the relationship between the speaker's name and his or her dialog in a way that using simple paragraphs does not. of course, you can further customize these tags with CSS.

definition list is used as such:

Code:

<dl>
<dt>term</dt><dd>definition</dd>
<dt>term</dt><dd>definition</dd>
</dl>

for example:

Code:

<p><em>JobberA and JobberB enter</em></p>
<dl>
<dt>JobberA</dt>
<dd>Wow, I really love e-books!</dd>
<dt>JobberB</dt>
<dd>Indeed! I do declare the are good. In fact, I will sing their praises!
  <p><em>JobberB sings.</em></p>
  <blockquote>
    e-books are really great<br/>
    ded-tree books i now do hate.
  </blockquote>
</dd>
</dl>
<p><em>Exit all.</em></p>

You'll notice that in JobberB's part, another <p> and <blockquote> are nested.

I also like to make the speaker names bold, because sony reader doesn't automatically format the <dt> to be bold, as most web browsers do.

anyway, just thought i'd throw this tidbit out there. i used it in some books i published on feedbooks.

rogue_ronin · 09-28-2009, 02:52 AM

Nifto-keen-a-rooni!

In my bag, now. Thanks!

m a r

GRiker · 09-28-2009, 09:09 AM

This would also be useful for Table of Contents, with <dt> for the title (linked), and <dd> for a summary ...

Thanks for the tip!

G

quillaja · 09-28-2009, 08:03 PM

yea, that sounds like a good use too. =)

09-28-2009, 02:28 AM	#1
quillaja Connoisseur Posts: 79 Karma: 42 Join Date: Sep 2009 Device: sony reader touch (prs-600)	nicely formatted plays perhaps everyone knows this, but using the definition list <dl></dl> works really well for plays. it's also better xhtml, since it defines the relationship between the speaker's name and his or her dialog in a way that using simple paragraphs does not. of course, you can further customize these tags with CSS. definition list is used as such: Code: <dl> <dt>term</dt><dd>definition</dd> <dt>term</dt><dd>definition</dd> </dl> for example: Code: <p><em>JobberA and JobberB enter</em></p> <dl> <dt>JobberA</dt> <dd>Wow, I really love e-books!</dd> <dt>JobberB</dt> <dd>Indeed! I do declare the are good. In fact, I will sing their praises! <p><em>JobberB sings.</em></p> <blockquote> e-books are really great<br/> ded-tree books i now do hate. </blockquote> </dd> </dl> <p><em>Exit all.</em></p> You'll notice that in JobberB's part, another <p> and <blockquote> are nested. I also like to make the speaker names bold, because sony reader doesn't automatically format the <dt> to be bold, as most web browsers do. anyway, just thought i'd throw this tidbit out there. i used it in some books i published on feedbooks. Last edited by quillaja; 09-28-2009 at 02:33 AM.

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09-28-2009, 02:52 AM	#2
rogue_ronin Banned Posts: 475 Karma: 796 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Honolulu Device: Nokia 770 (fbreader)	Nifto-keen-a-rooni! In my bag, now. Thanks! m a r

09-28-2009, 09:09 AM	#3
GRiker Comparer of the Ephemeris Posts: 1,496 Karma: 424697 Join Date: Mar 2009 Device: iPad	This would also be useful for Table of Contents, with <dt> for the title (linked), and <dd> for a summary ... Thanks for the tip! G

09-28-2009, 08:03 PM	#4
quillaja Connoisseur Posts: 79 Karma: 42 Join Date: Sep 2009 Device: sony reader touch (prs-600)	yea, that sounds like a good use too. =)

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