Seems like using <i> or <span class="italic"> are pretty much the same.
No, here the span is worse. But it isn't a fair comparison since on one hand you're using the wrong tool the right way, but on the other hand you're using the right tool the wrong way. The class and id attribute, especially in a div or span, is a tool for conveying semantic content. Even something like <div id="col1">, while better, is far from ideal. At least "col1" says it's a division of the content, while class="italics" only says something about presentation.
Mordechai
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