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What are those W3C emblems I see on some web sites?
Those W3C emblems are links to the W3C Markup Validation Service at http://validator.w3.org/. If you click on them, you can see whether or not a web site conforms to W3C web development standards.
What is the W3C?
The W3C is the World Wide Web Consortium, a group of internet industry leaders — like Microsoft, Sun, Yahoo, Google, HP, etc. — who meet on a regular basis to decide on internet protocol standards.
According to http://www.w3.org/Consortium/, the purpose of the W3C is
To lead the World Wide Web to its full potential by developing protocols and guidelines that ensure long-term growth for the Web.
Why are these W3C emblems important?
The emblems confirm that a web site is constructed according to the web development standards established by the W3C. You can click on the emblems and confirm that the web site that bears the emblems follows W3C standards.
Why is it important to follow W3C web standards?
Because a web site that is built according to strict web standards:
- displays correctly across browsers and platforms
- is easier to edit, organize, and maintain
- indicates that your web developer is technically proficient
When your web site validates against W3C standards, the world knows that your web site is modern and professional, and that you mean business.
So, the W3C emblems are like street cred?
Yes.
Even so, must I keep the W3C emblems on my web site?
Of course not. If I maintain your web site, I will take away the W3C emblems if you don't want them.