Web pages that really suck

[matgb]

I've mentioned Vincent Flanders' wpts a few times before, but todays is particularly apposite given recent news and interest, plus more than a few of you reading this. Web Pages That Suck -- Examples of Bad Web Design:

As far as MMN goes, you're looking at a very expensive cut of meat -- she's got the money for the best Mystery Meat money can buy. She should have an obvious link to a site that would answer your questions because there are lots of folks like you who want just the facts.

The site in question? J. K. Rowling.

Because, as sites go, playing hangman to find out the answer to a news announcement? That's just crazy talk.

Meh, last day at work, last few hours in the office, I'm still trying to clear and sort my desk, it's more than a little weird...

Comments

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

Can I just say that when I look at the link in Firefox.. it scrolls over the screen! And that makes me think it sucks too..

OK, I'll go back and read it now.

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

I remember looking at the J K Rowling site a while back, and it irritated me then.

But if I want to know about the books she's published, why would I look anywhere other than Amazon?

[matgb]

Because people regularly think of Amazon as a place to buy books, the author site should give you stuff about the books.

I gave up with the site very quickly, but the instructions for finding out the new book title amused. In a "I'm not going to bother at all" way.

[jantshira.livejournal.com]

*little voice* ...I think it's fun.
sorry

[matgb]

Oh, it's fun, and I actually agree with him that sites like hers can break rules, but she should still have some links to basic catalogue information and similar for parents and/or confused researchers.

Not that it matters, I only posted it because of the context. Incidentally, I think this would amuse you...

[matryx.livejournal.com]

Somewhere around here I actually have a hard-copy of the book "Web Pages That Suck" which I bought for my Mum a few years back when she was interested in doing webdesign. Although I'm sure they have plenty more choice pieces to describe examples these days (goodness knows I find enough just from doing my day to day job) have the lessons changed at all over the years?

[matgb]

The basics are all the same (I've been reading him and Nielsen since about 2000), details get added or changed a bit (forcing target_blank is now bad because of tabbed browsing preferences for example), but essentially the basics are true.

And still oh so very needed. Perpetual source of amusement that place, and some of the stuff he highlights are high end professionally done...