RE: Unwanted Audio Ads (why not just turn speakers off?)

From: Brian Shepherd <Brian.Shepherd_at_TechnologyReview.com>
Date: Tue 24 Jul 2001 13:33:44 -0500

BRIAN SHEPHERD <Brian.Shepherd_at_TechnologyReview.com> WROTE:

> I AM in control over what you the
> visitor hears on MY site, whether that is content or
> an ad. If you don't like it, then you leave, no
> questions asked. Why should YOU be in control over
> what you hear when you come to MY site?

SIMON LUSTED <simon_at_thatgame.com> RESPONDED:

>By this logic is it ok for me to bombard you with
>popunders, moustraps, maybe even use javascript to go
>full screen on you (etc). After all, you're a guest on
>my server...

SNIP: Um, yes. Why are we so able to embarrass the term
"buyer beware" but not able to apply that to when surfing
on the net. Surfer beware!!

>Isn't every one on this list looking at new and better
>ways to give our visitors what _they_ want? Sound can
>be really effective as a way to cut through (that's
>probably why people get so upset about it, it's also been
>used very badly in the past, jingle bells in midi etc).

SNIP: No argument here. All I'm saying is that the
site creator can use sound as part of the site experience.
If it pisses enough people off, and they tell him/her,
him/her has a choice. Ignore the feedback, or disable it.
If he/she ignores the feedback, then the user has to
decide whether the site holds enough value to put up with
the obnoxious sound.

>Might one solution be personalisation? Have a 'turn
>sound on' prompt and use a cookie to track it? You might
>get one warning from the boss, but that way you wont get
>fired.

SNIP: If you're talking about a first time visitor, as
a visitor, I'd like the option of the experience first and
then decide if I want to opt-out of sound. However,
again, it's up to the site whether this option should
exist or not.

- Brian Shepherd

********************************************

Brian K. Shepherd
Technology Review, Inc.
Director, Online Sales and Marketing
EMAIL: brian.shepherd_at_technologyreview.com
PHONE: 617-475-8030
http://www.technologyreview.com



Received on Tue Jul 24 2001 - 13:33:44 CDT