Netscape is really starting to chafe my ass.
I've been a loyal Netscape user for something like seven years now. I've trumpeted the virtues of websites designed to work on all browsers. I've touted the user friendliness of Navigator vs. the "don't worry your pretty little head" condescencion of Explorer. And, after the three dozenth page this week either reloading multiple times before displaying or just flat out not loading at all, I've had enough.
It's not that I'm surprised that a company owned by --- who is it now, AOL? Ted Turner? Halliburton? --- would offer a shitty product, especially one that's free. But Netscape has gotten so lousy that I find myself questioning why I'm bothering to use it at all anymore. Five years ago it may have legitimately represented that same ornery side of me that refuses to see movies just because they're popular. But now it seems to be the equivalent of drinking Pepsi to rebel against Coke. I'm feeling like a schmuck for holding on to this romantic idea of Navigator as the Rebel's Browser (and that's really what was at the root of it, no?).
What's more important, diversity or usability? Do I Fight the Power, or help the market choose the best product? (And, if you ask me, at this point in time IE is the better browser of the two, except for trying to cover up one's traces when surfing anarchist or goat porn sites.) How much attention do I have to pay to keep from getting suckered in by slick packaging that appeals to my ornery side? It's a struggle to find that comfortable compromise point where you feel like you've done all you can without living in a cave.
Anyhow, my point being, Up Yours Netscape. I don't even think anyone cares what browser I use anymore, but you've coasted long enough on my goodwill. Get with the program, or get out.
(OK, monsieur, that's enough of the grenache for you tonight.)
I've been a loyal Netscape user for something like seven years now. I've trumpeted the virtues of websites designed to work on all browsers. I've touted the user friendliness of Navigator vs. the "don't worry your pretty little head" condescencion of Explorer. And, after the three dozenth page this week either reloading multiple times before displaying or just flat out not loading at all, I've had enough.
It's not that I'm surprised that a company owned by --- who is it now, AOL? Ted Turner? Halliburton? --- would offer a shitty product, especially one that's free. But Netscape has gotten so lousy that I find myself questioning why I'm bothering to use it at all anymore. Five years ago it may have legitimately represented that same ornery side of me that refuses to see movies just because they're popular. But now it seems to be the equivalent of drinking Pepsi to rebel against Coke. I'm feeling like a schmuck for holding on to this romantic idea of Navigator as the Rebel's Browser (and that's really what was at the root of it, no?).
What's more important, diversity or usability? Do I Fight the Power, or help the market choose the best product? (And, if you ask me, at this point in time IE is the better browser of the two, except for trying to cover up one's traces when surfing anarchist or goat porn sites.) How much attention do I have to pay to keep from getting suckered in by slick packaging that appeals to my ornery side? It's a struggle to find that comfortable compromise point where you feel like you've done all you can without living in a cave.
Anyhow, my point being, Up Yours Netscape. I don't even think anyone cares what browser I use anymore, but you've coasted long enough on my goodwill. Get with the program, or get out.
(OK, monsieur, that's enough of the grenache for you tonight.)
posted by Rob at
10:42 PM
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