>It should work with all browsers down to lynx, and should be quick to
>load. Given the nature of the content (UN Foundation), we want it to
>work for everyone around the world (though about 80% of the audience to
>date is in the US).
Powerbook 5300, MacOS 8.5.1, NS4.08 (browser only)
turn image auto-loading off, restart your browser, and call up the main
page.. for preference, in a review session where everything is projected
onto the wall. almost all of your navigation is represented by image
links, and much of it as image maps.. with no ALT tags. if you want
text-based browser support, you haven't got it.. not by a long shot.
the left-side navbar throughout the site is reasonably good. most of the
links appear to be separate images, and i can see ALT tags for "News",
"Issues", "Children's Health", "Women and Population", "Activities", and
"Support UN Causes". there are a lot of other blank boxes, but they may
be nothing more than graphical furniture. i'm seeing lots of unmarked
boxes in the main content area of all sections, though, which appear to be
links and have absolutely no on-screen indication of where they're supposed
to go.
the only ALT tag on the main page, BTW, is under NMP's logo.
i agree with Suzanne that this is Bauhaus like a fish is a trombonist, but
the name of the style is a non-issue. what's more important is that you
have just this side of zero support for non-graphical navigation. if you
want text-based browsing, you need text links, and this site looks like it
was designed specifically to avoid those wherever possible.
at best, you're looking at the need for an overhaul of the existing site,
adding ALT tags, and finding ways to compensate for your image maps. at
worst, you're looking at a need to rethink the basic look & feel of the
site, duplicating the graphical navigation in text on every page. neither
prospect pleases, and i doubt either is feasible in the time you have
before you launch. i'd suggest you devote your attention to damage
control, rather than rework, at this point. as you've said, the bulk of
your initial audience will be in the US, and will probably never know the
difference.
still.. make sure people say, "text links are ugly, and nobody will care
anyway" now, loudly, with lots of witnesses present, or you'll catch no end
of crap when the "this is not work" messages start rolling in.
mike stone <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 'net geek..
been there, done that, have network, will travel.
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