Image Alt Text Keyword Packing

[SEO_AM]

We are at the end of a redesign of a site. Our designers have incorporated 5 times as many images as before. Still loads fast, but they have a CSS of images packed with alt text keywords on a site-wide basis. I think Google will ignore this alt text keyword packing, but will Yahoo and the other SE's penalize us? They are telling me it is common practice and will only help. From a SEO perspective, I think it is a mistake. What do you other SEO pros think?

[T0PS3O]

There's a thread here by VisciousSummer where this is discussed.

If it's not a link, G won't index it was the finding.

If it is a link, then I think the same rule counts as with other on-page SEO. Overdo it and you'll be kicked. That counts (especially on the long run) for all SE's.

I'd stuff a few KWs in each alt tag but still comply to W3 recommendations/rules and make it descriptive. But each should be unique.

Just my ideas/what I've read. Haven't done much testing/research myself.

[Such Great Heights]

I agree with TOPS3O in that I'd put KWs in the ALT text, (I'd also add the title tag to that) but keep it descriptive and just KW1, KW2, KW3, KW4, ... maybe something more like "KW1 makes KW2 work more effeciently producting more KW3." as an ALT text.
And if it's a link make sure it describes the page/whatever the visitor will see when they click on this image.

[SEO_AM]

Thanks guys, but I know that if there is no link that it will be ignored by Google (I insisted that only the main image have a link). What about Yahoo and MSN, will they penalize for keyword stuffing of alt text images?

[Tid]

Google now gives little weight to such links imo

[Such Great Heights]

Thanks guys, but I know that if there is no link that it will be ignored by Google (I insisted that only the main image have a link). What about Yahoo and MSN, will they penalize for keyword stuffing of alt text images?
I'm not sure. Google is always the main worry. :)
To be on the safe side though, I wouldn't chance it.
It seems like it wouldn't help you as much as it could hurt you.