Browser "evangelization" - do you do it?

[2lame2rank]

I run some websites and a community forum, I use a lot of open source software, and I'm a big fan of alternative browsers such as Firefox and Opera. I don't like IE because it is a security nightmare and it makes building sites more difficult.

I want all my users to start using alternative browsers such as Firefox because I think it is in their best long-term interest. But at the same time, it's not the aim of my sites: I'm selling stuff or showing ads, not trying to talk about browsers.

I often see comments or suggestions to "block IE", or add Firefox banners, or add warnings or suggestions that the user should "upgrade their browser", but to me it reads all wrong - as a webmaster, I feel strongly that I should be getting out of my users' way, and so I concentrate on offering them their content in their browser, whatever that might be.

Do you "evangelize" alternative browsers on a non-technical site? Do you use Google Firefox referrals or it it a non-commercial effort? If yes, why do you do it? Does anyone with a commercial site exclude specific browsers or send "upgrade" messages?

[Marshall]

IMHO, NEVER tell a visitor they are wrong which, in essence, is what you are doing when you tell them to switch, upgrade, or whatever. The majority of users use what came right of the box and have very little interest in technical stuff. They want to browse/surf the net with as little effort as possible including taking the time to upgrade to what might be a better browser.

As for blocking specific browsers, you are cutting your own throat. If the idea is to reach as many people as possible, why eliminate 80% or so of all users by blocking IE. Unless your site is a niche site with a very narrow target audience, an audience who understands your point, the vast majority just do not care.

Marshall

[Quadrille]

I totally agree; just as you probably hates sites which say "Optimized for IE 5.5", or "Download Flash to see this site", so others may equally object to (perceived) demands that they use FF or Opera. Even though, of course, they should ;)

Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to make your site as accessible as you possibly can for the widest possible market. Good manners, good sense, and good business. Period.

You might consider placing an adsense ad for FF, which may act as a hint to the curious, and even earn you a few cents per year. But no more than that.

[Xapti]

I'd make sure a site works somewhat in some versions of IE, but if it doesn't support some special CSS features, or has broken display, or other rendering bugs, that's it's own fault. Granted, I may use IE7.js anyways. I like firefox, and I'd advertise firefox sure, but I wouldn't force it, or give a pop-up.

I think the best way to put it is "don't let the #*$!s drag you down" from making a good page; the entities in question being IE, and it's users.

[rocknbil]

I want all my users to start using alternative browsers such as Firefox ....I feel strongly that I should be getting out of my users' way....

See option 2. :-)

Add to the reasoning of previous posts that most users don't even know what browser they are using, don't care, and feel that it's not their job to use the "right" tools to access your content - it's yours. Many of them only know websites through the single button, "Connect to the Internet."

[penders]

Add to the reasoning of previous posts that most users don't even know what browser they are using, don't care,.....

And those that do probably aren't using IE anyway! ;)

[vincevincevince]

I'd not mind doing it as a forced-download for users in countries where the advertised product isn't shipped. User is lost anyway... may as well do some good.