[thelist] a malicious site?

[Barney Carroll]

Steven Streight wrote:
> Any site that must be viewed
> and interacted with via special plug-ins is a very stupid and poorly
> designed site.

It's important we remember that they're avoided not through spite but 
simply because it's too much hassle. It's user patience, not designer 
sympathy that should get us through the day.

Let's consider a few things: the prompt appears that way when using 
Windows. It's standard practice for Windows to make everything look 
dangerous because it always is. Windows Media files can do all sorts of 
stuff without your express permission.

On my Mac I get no prompt, and when I come to the site it's a very 
specifically geared animations depository. The internet can do a great 
many things apart from clear legible documents in html and css, and even 
if those are what I specialise in and enjoy most, it would be arrogant 
and short-sighted of me to deny other purposes and technologies the 
right to flourish.

Design is art within constraints, and this is an art-based site. A lot 
of my favourite music and films are inaccessible, too. I don't hold it 
against them because their content cannot be compromised - a thoroughly 
accessible version of this site would be an exercise in futility. By its 
nature it is impossible for it to degrade gracefully.

If we push rules and uniformity without being able to argue how the case 
in point might benefit, we're at serious risk of being branded joyless 
fascists.

Regards,
Barney