Use Javascript to add default text to input fields

For as long as I can remember I’ve puzzled over whether or not to put in default characters in edit boxes and text areas in my web forms. On the one hand if I don’t my page will not will not pass Guideline 10.4 (WCAG 1), and will have no chance of WAI AAA compliance.

Guideline 10.4 exists to ensure visitors using some older screen readers (which don’t recognise empty form fields) – can fill in web forms.

Unfortunately, if I add default text in my form fields I create problems for another set of users, i.e. those who have to delete my text before entering their own.…