Things that shit me about websites #1 12/05/2009

“If they don’t have the plug in they can just download it. I’ll even put in a link.”

This is one of my pet hates. It is an attitude born out of arrogance and stupidity. It makes several flawed assumptions.

• It assumes that most people will have the latest browser plug in for the file format to enable viewing

• It assumes that those few who do not have the latest plug in are interested enough in what you want to show them that they will take the time to navigate away from your website, (a very dangerous practice as they may never return), download the plug in and install it, (perhaps even requiring a browser restart) and then return.

• It assumes that a person accessing the site actually has authority and the ability to download and install the plug in. People access websites from many locations that may not have the latest browsers installed on their terminals. This includes places such as Internet cafes, airport kiosks, libraries, or schools that impose limits on installations. Additionally many IT controllers will disallow installations on networked office computers. How many people are going to be willing to run to their network administrator just to view the latest lingere catalogue or YouTube video?

• It assumes that the latest version of a specific multimedia authoring tool is actually necessary to produce the material. Programs such as Macromedia Flash have brought some very cool dynamics to the web, however if you do not need complex animation and interaction then the chances are that you do not need to export a file as the latest version of Flash for it to work identically.

The thing to remember is that it is dangerous to believe that your web offerings are compelling enough to make potential customers jump through hoops. Most people who arrive on your site will be only mildly interested in your offering. You need to sell them on your products and brand, and you need to remove any excuse for them to abort. It takes far less effort to simply hit the browser back button and return to Google and click on a link to a less presumptuous competitor.