Forum Moderators: not2easy
Nothing frustrates me more than when a web site makes you dig, dig, dig for information -- or does not have it to begin with!
This isn't the print world, there aren't many constraints on page space, number of pages, number of copies to be printed, etc. A few extra words, a page here or there -- dang it, it's basically already bought and paid for.
Why am I venting?
A friend asked me to find information for the coming season of a very well established and well known (throughout the country and world) performing arts company. Simple,I already have the site bookmarked.
Hehehe...
Whomever designed the site decided not to present the season schedule in date order or calendar format. It's presented as separate programs with the performance dates below each program. Now, since each program is presented on multiple dates scattered over a month, it isn't the easiest format to read.
Clicking on the name of the program opens a pop-up with all of the usual specifics, again including the performance dates. What it does not include are times and prices. (And you now have 4 or 5 pop-ups open.)
Hmmm. If I go back and click on the date under the program name I'll probalby find the times and prices.
Nope. It opens the same pop-up as before.
So, where do I find the performance times and prices? Easy. Just click on the 'buy tickets' link next to each of the program names. Viola!
Dang! This link brings me to the venue's site. Huh? Well at least here I'm presented with the performances in calendar format -- and the times are included. Now I just have to [/i]click each separate link[/i] to find the ticket prices.
After a bit more digging I found pop-up ticket information on the venue site, one for each different program. They couldn't make it easy to find and put it all on one page.
This should all be much easier. Content should be easy to find, easy to read (scan), simple to digest.
I'm glad I'm not the one buying the tickets. Now all I have to do is try to write an e-mail to my buddy explaining how to find what he needs to know. Better yet, walk him through it over the phone.
Whew! Thanks for listening,
Jim
[rant] How about no contact information (Address / Telephone / email) [/rant]
[rant] Sites that use popups, that Google toolbar blocks. indicate popups[/rant]
BUT, there are reasons to do JUST what you're ranting about, Jim, though probably not in the case you are citing. If you are maximizing LEADS, complete, up-front information can be counter-productive.
If you are maximizing LEADS, complete, up-front information can be counter-productive.
Sure, I agree whole-heartedly with you on that point, Robert. Different products and services require different approaches to sales.
But dang it! All I wanted to find out was the answer to "What performances are at what times at what price?" This should be a no brainer.
Decided it would be best to give my buddy a hard copy, so I wound up working through two sites (the performing company and the venue) to piece together information for about 45 performances. Had a bunch of windows open at one time, pop-ups all over the place and I never knew where I was.
Arrgh! Never even got to the ticket ordering pages. Kind of gun shy.
And yet there are, of course, the folks that do things absolutely right. Just now looking at another performing arts site and all of the important information is up front. Very refreshing.
the coming season of a very well established and well known (throughout the country and world) performing arts company
Maybe they're already nearly sold out and so they don't want the information easily accessible? :)
