Things I wish websites would do
Jul. 25th, 2013 12:23 pmThings I wish websites would do:
1. Have a prominent link to "here are some of my most popular articles" or for a webcomic, "here are some of my most popular strips". You don't have to do this -- most websites are providing free information in the hope that I find it useful. I know I haven't bothered on my DW/LJ. But it always seems a wasted opportunity when something seems interesting, and I'd like to read a little more... and there's nowhere to go.
1a. Or, if your website does something, or represents a company that does something, TELL ME WHAT IT IS. Don't say you're a leading something in the field of blah -- give me a lede. Why are you awesome? Half a sentence, go.
1b. Or at least, have a way for me to browse the archives, preferably in order. Surprisingly many websites have a choice between "from the latest, backwards" or "grouped into months, when all of the content is in two or three in the middle".
2. NO VIDEO. If you're wasting time, video is great. If you need to see something demonstrated visually, video may be necessary. But if you're trying to convey information, no-one in a hurry, no-one who can read, no-one with small children, no-one blind or deaf, no-one at work wants a video. Some people like it. But I don't think I've ever met one. It's especially galling on a productivity website. My limited forays into the sphere of getting things done have generally been achieved by NOT making "sit down to watch a video for five minutes" a prerequisite to "typing numbers into a spreadsheet".
2a. Use cut tags. Not everyone agrees, but for me, I want to skim a list of articles and pick the ones I find interesting.
3. Don't make jokes about how crap you are. So many webcomics, the first comic is "sorry I can't draw". Fine, I'm self-deprecating too. But don't EMPHASISE it. We know, you know, we know you know, you know we know... skip to the point.
4. Don't make me log in just to read an article.
4a. If you do make me log in, don't make me create a password.
4b. If you do make me create a password, don't put lots of arbitrary requirements on it, especially ones that make it LESS secure.
4c. If you do put arbitrary requirements on the password, LIST THEM ON THE LOG-IN FORM AS WELL so I can remember what password I used!
5. This seems like it should go without saying, but don't be insecure AND inconvenient. If you're going to be insecure ANYWAY, why not just let me log in without hassle?
1. Have a prominent link to "here are some of my most popular articles" or for a webcomic, "here are some of my most popular strips". You don't have to do this -- most websites are providing free information in the hope that I find it useful. I know I haven't bothered on my DW/LJ. But it always seems a wasted opportunity when something seems interesting, and I'd like to read a little more... and there's nowhere to go.
1a. Or, if your website does something, or represents a company that does something, TELL ME WHAT IT IS. Don't say you're a leading something in the field of blah -- give me a lede. Why are you awesome? Half a sentence, go.
1b. Or at least, have a way for me to browse the archives, preferably in order. Surprisingly many websites have a choice between "from the latest, backwards" or "grouped into months, when all of the content is in two or three in the middle".
2. NO VIDEO. If you're wasting time, video is great. If you need to see something demonstrated visually, video may be necessary. But if you're trying to convey information, no-one in a hurry, no-one who can read, no-one with small children, no-one blind or deaf, no-one at work wants a video. Some people like it. But I don't think I've ever met one. It's especially galling on a productivity website. My limited forays into the sphere of getting things done have generally been achieved by NOT making "sit down to watch a video for five minutes" a prerequisite to "typing numbers into a spreadsheet".
2a. Use cut tags. Not everyone agrees, but for me, I want to skim a list of articles and pick the ones I find interesting.
3. Don't make jokes about how crap you are. So many webcomics, the first comic is "sorry I can't draw". Fine, I'm self-deprecating too. But don't EMPHASISE it. We know, you know, we know you know, you know we know... skip to the point.
4. Don't make me log in just to read an article.
4a. If you do make me log in, don't make me create a password.
4b. If you do make me create a password, don't put lots of arbitrary requirements on it, especially ones that make it LESS secure.
4c. If you do put arbitrary requirements on the password, LIST THEM ON THE LOG-IN FORM AS WELL so I can remember what password I used!
5. This seems like it should go without saying, but don't be insecure AND inconvenient. If you're going to be insecure ANYWAY, why not just let me log in without hassle?