A big thing I have been noticing that have been popping up in a lot of sites that I have been visiting is the user alert that they are using a browser that the site cannot be viewed properly, or that they are using an unsafe browser.
Though the message is out of courtesy, I have been noticing an alarming number of sites preventing users from even viewing a website because of the user’s browser choice.
While I agree IE6 is not safe, I believe it is best when addressing the matter to be cordial and unobtrusive on a website. Create a page arguing your case and state facts to tell your visitor why they should convert. The link should be in the sidebar. You can either link it with an image or just leave it in text.
It should always be a matter of choice when surfacing. Forcing your user through annoying pop-ups, or text that distorts the layout can discourage your user from not returning to your site. Think about it.
I think people need to make a layout that works in all the browsers instead of just say IE or Firefox, this allows people to come back and I do like your idea of posting a note on the sidebar instead of using annoying pop ups.
Pop Ups are so 1999!
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I totally agree on that. I get really annoyed when I go to a site, especially professional ones, that only cater to one browser. Usually it’s IE when it’s professional. But I even dislike the people saying screw IE use FF, although I prefer other browsers than IE I don’t think that webmasters should exclude people from their sites just because they prefer one browser over another.
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I hate when people try and be Nazis about browsers. IE no matter what version is still less secure than FF, but it isn’t as insecure as people make it out to be. I wish people would understand that, it was a big thing back when IE6 came out and with IE7 it wasn’t that noticeable, but with IE8 people are back to forcing browsers on people.
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What bothers me is sites which are impossible to view in other browsers than IE.
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If a browser is a hazard to my web site then I should have every right to deny them access. If it can do any harm to my page then its my choice.
I think you have it backwards. The visitor is not a hazard to your site, but their own self. If they view your site using a browser that is not recommended, it only means that they will not see your site how you wished them to see it. What you can do to be welcoming and user-friendly is put a link to a page to argue your point on why they should use a browser.
Think about it this way. When someone goes to a site and thinks that they reached a 404 page (goes back to my article on ‘Why You Should Have A 404 Page’), your visitor if they are not as savvy as you with the internet, will think they did something totally wrong.
Though I can understand your concern, someone just visiting your site will not be a problem. It is only if you allow them to upload to your site and they are infected by a virus, then that could be a problem.
Amen to that! On my site I have a simple notice stating the browsers needed to view certain features prperly. If my page appears all screwy to a viewer, oh well, I’m not going to deny them access. I think those people are on a high horse and need to be pushed of. lol
You can deny them, but how many people are you denying to your website cuz of your own choice to deny them because of their browser choice. That’s nearly the same as being prejudice. It’s really simple. Just put the notice up. If the people want to surf your site, its a hazard to them, not you.