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When You Absolutely, Positively Don't Want People to See It

FedEx (117Kb screenshot)

My original comments: If you aren't using ad-blocking software, you don't know what you're missing. Actually, you do know, but you don't appreciate how nice the web is when you don't have to look at all those Flash ads on places like cnet.com.

If you're designing a web site, a few simple mistakes will cause your graphics — and even your text — to not show up in your visitor's browser. On the other hand, it's very easy to remedy the situation.

The solution? Don't use the word "ads" in your graphics, or subdirectories that contain graphics." FedEx's mistake was sticking graphics and Flash files in /images/ascend/ads/.

As of March 8, you still couldn't see certain graphics on the FedEx site.

Reader comments: I'm a designer at a major corporation. I like and agree with 99% of your site. Very much enjoy it.

I would just like to point out the FedEx site you feature as not having visible content because of the ad-blocker software is NOT the fault of "dumb designers." A site this size is governed by "higher" people than designers and the blame should start with Content Strategist and Information Architects who plan out the wireframe of the layout before it ever gets to the designer. Yes, this site is bad, and it's because of BAD CONTENT STRATEGY AND ARCHITECTURE, and probably due to pressures from the Business/Marketing department.

I'm not defending all designers, just say put the blame on this one where it belongs. The designer has not real say on decisions such as this.

Anyway, keep up the great work, and look forward to more.

Vincent's comment on the comment: You're absolutely right about the higher ups probably being responsible and I know this from experience. A lot of sites that appear on WPTS were suggested by employees because the boss fell totally in love with some technique.

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