[whatwg] Proposal of an <author> element

[Nils Dagsson Moskopp]

Quotations in the context of an article usually consist of three
elements:

      * the actual quote
      * the author of the quote
      * the citation source

For two of these parts, there is markup; however, for the author, there
is none. I have no reason to believe that the author is of significantly
less importance than the citation source, and also no reason to assert
that the author is frequently omitted.

Not really citations (as in for use with the <blockquote> or <q>
element) may be multimedia elements that may or may never have appeared
in any other document: When marking them up, it may be desired to
specify an author but impossible to specify a work.

Also, there are cases, when the <cite> element isn't applicable,
especially when quoting speech that isn't part of a work (like J. Random
Politicians mutterings).

Therefore, I am proposing to add an <author> element to the spec.

==========

4.6.x The author element

Categories
	Phrasing content.

Contexts in which this element may be used:
	Where phrasing content is expected.

Content model:
	Phrasing content.

Element-specific attributes:
	None.

DOM interface:
	Uses HTMLElement.

The author element represents the author of a work (e.g. a person). The
work in question can be a work that is being quoted or referenced in
detail (i.e. a citation), or it can just be a work that is mentioned in
passing.

If found inside a legend element the cite element represents the author
for the rest of the contents of the legend element's parent element.


This next example shows the use of author alongside cite:

Yesterday I read <cite>The Picture of Dorian Gray</cite> another book
from <author>Oscar Wilde</author>, that tells the story of a man with
perfect makeup.


This next example shows the use of author alongside blockquote:

<blockquote>
	<p>I like cookies. We need more Cookie farms !</p>
</blockquote>
<author>Carl C. Monster</author>


This next example shows the use of author alongside figure:

<figure>
	<img src="http://example.org/longcat1.png"/>
	<img src="http://example.org/longcat2.png"/>
	<legend>Longcats in the wild. <author>J. Random. Luser</author> managed
to capture these rare specimen on film.</legend>
</figure>

==========


Greetings
-- 
Nils Dagsson Moskopp
<http://dieweltistgarnichtso.net>