5 replies to this topic

[Wiper2007]

Is it possible in Etomites editor to insert a specific soundfile (by click/upload new) that plays automatic when a end-user requests the page?

[Ralph]

DON'T make sound files play automatically... That is a very rude and intrusive web development practice which should be avoided... It's one of the biggest complaints I here from web surfers...

[Wiper2007]

Hi Ralph

I know - but the guy want's it....

Ralph, on 23 February 2010 - 01:42 PM, said:

DON'T make sound files play automatically... That is a very rude and intrusive web development practice which should be avoided... It's one of the biggest complaints I here from web surfers...

[Ralph]

Part of your job, as a web developer, is to be convincing when explaining things to the customer... This is one of those few instances when the customer isn't always right... People HATE visiting a site and having sound from the site blaring over streaming music or sound effects settings... Nothing pisses site visitors off more than going to a site and having someone streaming music at them, especially with no way to readily turn it off... A better option is to let the visitor decide whether to turn the sound on if they want it rather than having it forced upon them... If the customer won't believe you feel free to have the customer contact me and I'll explain it in a way that the customer will understand... It's a pet peeve of mine that has no room for wavering...

All that said, if you really want to figure it out, go for it... I'm just not gonna be the guy to help out...

[PaulD]

Hi Wiper2007, I just wanted to say that Ralph is absolutely 100% right about this. Tell your guy about the customers or good will he will loose from most or at least half his visitors. Then he might listen to you.

Paul.

[Cris D.]

I hear you guys... and for a generic web site, I would agree. However, without knowing the actual business requirements, it's actually impossible to say whether it is a good or bad idea. What if the page in question exists inside a larger site and they are in the "help" area and have clicked a link that said "Read and Listen to instructions". In that case, it would make sense to have the page load with the text and a audio file. Yes sound loading has been misused and is not recommended practice, however, it's technically possible and really easy by using html.