Allmusic.com, the site that many users here at ZP probably couldn't live without (myself included), the site that has become the standard for album and artist information, Has been updated. This includes the graphical layout and design, and improves greatly how (easily) information is accessed.
I will leave my opinion at the door reguarding the changes, however I must comment on two things:
1) The new design was made with Internet Explorer 5.5 and up in mind. This isn't normally a big deal, but they've chosen to proclaim it boldly via a intrusive and astheticly displeasing header on each page, assuming you are using a browser other than IE. That aside, The only discrepancy I've noticed so far between how IE renders the pages and how Firefox (.9.1) renders it is the spacing/layout of some of the information, specifically the discography info. firefox does not organize the information in its respective column correctly, resulting in a skewered, albiet usable, view.
2) The new layout uses Flash. While the implementation of the flash is not intrusive, it has very little purpose other than eye candy. all of the information that it provides can be obtained using other methods. In it's defense, the flash part is well done and makes navigation a little easier. Plus, it looks purdy.
hmm they have not changed the front page yet.
I quite like it, apart from having to sign up (for free) to access additional information on bands.
if you are leaving your opinion at the door, then what is "This includes the graphical layout and design, and improves greatly how (easily) information is accessed."?Originally Posted by wonderboy2005
it worked fine with firefox before, and now the MS/macromedia goon squad got their cheeto dust covered fingers on it, now nothing lines up right
fuck "eye candy"--if it doesn't serve a purpose, it doesn't need to be there. period. (and looking pretty is not a purpose)
(also, if a site uses flash for navigation, they should have a non flash alternative for people who don't use it)
The front page has been changed... not sure if it's just me but it took forever to load (forever being like 20 seconds).
Definitely doesn't look right in Firefox.
Now stop being so freaking nice, and buy a stun gun. - Krell
Damnit... why would people design something specifically for one browser? They should at least provide access to the old MUCH BETTER design. This site wouldn't be that hard to redo so that it works with everything, just use some damn tables!!! Grrr... people get caught up in new tech and so easily forget the old that worked just as well and sometimes better.
How's about them apples?
Notbob: what you bolded is my opinion, but its a fact as well. If you use the flash navigation, it is easier to find things that are burried elsewhere in the site.
They have tweaked the site (to some extent) and it now lacks the header designating the site as designed for IE. While not everything is working perfectly with firefox yet, they've fixed a couple problems.
There are alternative ways of navigating the site other than flash. In fact, the majority of the navigation is done outside of the flash nav tool. that tool just provides a link from artist to artist, which is already done elsewhere in the site, without flash.
I agree that it doesnt need to be there, but you don't have to use it. its only 10KB, and if thats still too intrusive, then just add "*/spinner.swf" to your adblock list, and you'll never have to deal with it again.
Potato: the front page has now been updated as well
Ive noticed it is really slow too... If thats the way its going to be, Id rather have the old layout back.
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