Sent by Shirley Kaiser on 1 February 2002 03:03
Hi, Lee,
At 10:43 PM 1/31/2002, Lee Hinde wrote:
>So, what do you think of the frequently seen:
>
> > This site's design will look best in a graphical browser that supports
> style
> > sheets. We recommend you download the latest version of ....
>
>(or equivalent).
>
>It seems that this is communicating two messages:
>
> 1) I have a real cool site here, but you, you putz, aren't using the
>tools required to appreciate my artistic splendor.
>
> 2) There are real technological advantages (to me) for the way I did my
>site, but you, you putz, aren't using the tools required to appreciate my
>technical grandeur.
I don't want to get into a debate about the pros and cons of the messages
like what you mention in 1 and 2 above. I've seen such a wide range of such
messages, too. If they're actually calling people names and making rude
implications, that's no good, IMO.
One view also is that some people may be clueless that their browsers are
old and need upgrading. Maybe if they see a message enough times that they
could upgrade (and here's where and how) they might think about it. There
are, of course, people who can't upgrade their browsers for a variety of
reasons.
I also don't feel that all technological advantages are solely for the
designer and their "real technological advantages." For personal sites
people may wish to try cutting edge stuff, and that's their prerogative.
For business sites, there's often a greater need for wider accessibility.
This really depends on the purpose of te site and its target audience, too.
In terms of newer technology, there are banking sites and other more secure
sites, for example, that require newer technology that can handle higher
encryption. So not all bells and whistles are simply on the whim of the
designer, for showing off, or whatever similar things like that.
Movies without sound were one thing, and some even argued that adding sound
to them was pointless. Black and white TV is fine, but color TV provides a
different and better viewing experience. Others may argue that color TV is
pointless since black and white already works fine. And then there are
DVDs. Well, you can only play those with a DVD player, and is it all bells
and whistles and pointless or not? Well, that could be another debate, too.
At any rate, I guess my point is that there are many opinions in this
world. I don't agree that it's OK to try to force anyone to feel a certain
way. I do think we can help educate people about possibilities, and that's
a whole lot different from forcing it down their throats. How to go about
that is another deal, too, of course. And some are frankly quite tactless
about it (and make me cringe.... ugh). Others are helpful.
>Ok, put another way, if you depreciate (is that the right word?) gracefully,
The phrase you're getting at is "degrade gracefully."
>do you see a need to let your users know that what they're seeing isn't the
>best you have to offer?
I know we're talking generalities here, Lee, and I can't speak for everyone
else, only myself. My own take is that the message isn't to let users know
that what they're seeing isn't the best someone has to offer but instead to
help let them know that there are improved browsers and options that they
could use. And once again, I'd never agree with forcing it down someone's
throats. Providing information and awareness in a kind and helpful way is
another matter.
I wouldn't (and don't) appreciate it if someone (or a site) tries to force
me to use a certain browser, certain software, certain whatever. I DO
appreciate it, however, if someone lets me know the options, as we can all
share and learn.
I'm sure there are many opinions about all this, too. The above is a
nutshell account of mine. :-)
>Thanks.
>--
> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
> Lee Hinde [EMAIL-REMOVED]
> HD Industries (916) 648-0400
> Sacramento, California http://www.hdind.com/
Warmly,
Shirley
Your Sacramento neighbor ;-)
--
Shirley E. Kaiser, M.A., SKDesigns [EMAIL-REMOVED]
Web Site Design, Development http://www.skdesigns.com/
WebsiteTips: Design Resources http://www.websitetips.com/
Brainstorms and Raves http://www.brainstormsandraves.com/
