Detrimental effects of tables

[fdwilk1]

From what I have read in books like "Search Engine Positioning" by Marckini, Google treats text that is not in a table with more weight than text in a table, if I understand what I am reading.

I prefer to use tables for cosmetic/design reasons. If text is in column 1 of a table, will the "penalty" be substantial, none at all, or some where in between?

[ihelpyou]

If you are talking about a left hand table compared to content in the same place without the table, I see very little difference. Absolutely No penalty to use tables.

[fdwilk1]

Thanks

[Advisor]

[I moved this thread to the design issues forum since it's not specifically about Google. - Jill]

Tables are not a problem. Put all your text in tables, it's fine.

Nested tables that slow load time can sometimes be a problem, so make sure your code is clean. Many WYSIWYG editors create way more nested tables than are necessary. Most of the time you can delete half the tags created and still have the same site.

Run the code through html validators if you're unsure about yours.

Jill