I was talking to my sister yesterday who is considering launching a website for her new, small photography business.  We were talking about various options and exactly what she wanted.  Something she said struck me.

Like most amateur website owners, she wanted to have a simple slideshow with music playing.  Now an experienced webmaster will tell you that this is a bad idea - music in general on a page is annoying, unnecessary, and generally a 'no-no'.  Yet she really wanted it in order to 'add character' to the website.

I was wondering if maybe those of us who spend so much time on the web have a distorted view of what people in general think makes a good website.  Myspace offers plenty of examples of how what we consider to be 'annoying' and basic mistakes may actually be what people are looking for.

Is a poorly designed site actually appealing to the non-tech crowd?

A poorly designed site...in the same way as an 'ugly' site produces results?

Roger

in the same way as an 'ugly' site produces results?

yeah I think we have had this discussion before.

Personally I never surf with my speakers on - the only time I have them on is to listen to voice mail of a music CD.

Music on a website also brings in bandwidth issues as well. If she MUST have music - maybe as a  clickable option...

Well, I too am a photographer and have been through these ideas in my mind at least.

I find it hard enough to keep the filesize down on an image rich page, withought gizmos, wiz bazngs and wirly gigs.

I think that the images need to be well presented on the webpage, so that they stand, unaided, as images. And surely, with a bit of help from her brother, this photographer can do it.

I'd like to see the site when it's published. Perhaps, underneath: My Wifes Blog" well see "My Sister's Photography Site."

Regards,
Laurie.

Well, we'll see.  I've already got a lot of friends sites that I am doing (or am supposed to be doing).  Unfortunately friends sites don't pay the bills.

Besides, she wants just a small website for very few people.

I, like Matte, surf with my speakers turned off.

Yet she really wanted it in order to 'add character' to the website.

If she is doing this for a small niche of visitors then I would say it is OK to do what she wants but would still be sure to have an option to turn the sound off.

Is a poorly designed site actually appealing to the non-tech crowd?

I have a brother who is about as non-techy as they come and he does not see the flaws in websites that I see. On occasion he has sent me an e-mail about a "great website". When I go visit I  have thought "eeeeeyuck" So I don't think this would be an issue.

I am reaching the end of website I am building for a friend who wanted to have a scrolling newsbox, I tried to talk her out of it by explaining the disadvantages versus the bigger advantages. No luck she likes it and I finally gave in and have used it on her site. The site is designed specifically for our local area.

Hi,

I agree what matte and travelagent said.

You don't need loop audio on your web site because it disttracts attention.

What would I suggest is to put some audio buttons on your site with some greeting message.

But I would need to see your site and what is your sister's intention with it.

If you send an url I will check it out.

Sorry if my grammar is not so good.