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Go read some threads about how to make a better website.
And after reading precisely 1 thread, I had an epiphany:
I don't care what the problems are with IE, MS, Mozilla, Opera, Open Source, Closed Source, The Sloppy Code Geek from Redmond, The Penguin Brigade, whatever.
I'm here because I want to build a better site.
Unless it affects how I make my site, I don't care what the problems are with one browser, or the benefits of another. I've made my choice, and I'm going to stick with it (as far as what I use), until something better comes along.
Why? Because like most people who've ever decided to code, write, or design, I'm on the obsessive compulsive side.
I'd say (without insult) that 90-99% of the people here are on the obsessive compulsive side.
And when people like that (me included) start getting into browser war discussions, OS war discussions, Open Source vs. Closed Source discussions, the conversation inevitably ends up taking on the flavor of a religious holy war.
And so, I am now going to turn my obsession to other things, including avoiding the whole Browser War Debate. Because if I don't, me being me, it will end up consuming all too much of my time.
Anyone wanna join me in not caring anymore?
ME! ME! I wanna play too!
(Thanks, grel. GREAT post!)
Anyone wanna join me in not caring anymore?
Do I look like I care? Didn't think so ;)
Like you, I use whatever browser I use for a reason, and that reason is good enough for me to stick with that choice. It was an educated choice, and I do not need to reconvince myself of whether it was a wise choice or not, 'cause I convinced myself of that before switching in the first place. Ever go back? Nah, that would be a waste of time. And that would be like saying I didn't know what I was doing the first time...
Do I care what kind of browser the rest of the world is using? Not really... Just don't come with an old beat-up version of Netscape 3 and expect me to cater to your stoneage monster. My time is worth more than that. Do I cater for other "fringe browsers"? Of course! But that's yet another mile long thread... Just trust me when I say I do everything for a reason... :)
Making a better website?, content content content, give the people what they are looking for...
Unless it affects how I make my site, I don't care what the problems are with one browser, or the benefits of another. I've made my choice, and I'm going to stick with it (as far as what I use), until something better comes along.
The point is, it's not about which browser you find best to surf with. From a designer's point of view, it's about what browser handles what code, which fouls up on simple elements, which requires CSS hacks, what problems there are to be aware of when coding your site.
Those are the important issues. I guess all other browser debates are just hot air!
When my clients' communications get fouled by viruses and worms, they often look to me for input. That makes me or a my friends a few thousand bucks a year. But their lost productivity also has a real effect on their profitability and our mutual ventures.
2003 and 2004 were banner years in this area, and because of all the worm/virus/email troubles I've made some progress in getting some to move to Opera or Firefox. One of my clients (a virtual organization with employees on every continent but Antarctica) now has an Intranet where the logs now show IE at 35%.
I don't really care, in the sense of being a crusader with a fiery, zealous agenda to pursue. But I do care from a practical point of view, because the browser is a business tool for many, and when browser problems obstruct business - then it matters.
Bottom line is to find a browser that meets your needs, stick with it, but be willing to try the others as they come along.
<humor>
Nobody seems to understand that what browser to use isn't a matter of personal preference or what meets your needs - it's about which browser is the right choice. Naturally I've found the right choice, I use it, and so should everyone else. All you who are still wrong should just take my word for it and switch to my choice which is of course the only right one. Holy war? You must be mad! I really don't care what browser others use . . . as long as they use the right one!
</humor>
This was the initial point being made in those holy war threads.
Opinions asides, I would still love to know how many Redmond PCs run Opera or FF.
