New Netscape.com is a decent, usable news rating website

July 3, 2006 – 11:25 am

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I never used the old Netscape, so I don’t have any complaints about the new one. I tried out the new Netscape recently, and found it easy to navigate, and simple to use. It’s similar to Digg, but not an exact copy. The site allows the users to decide which news stories are important, by voting, just like Digg, but has some additional features you won’t find elsewhere.
One nice feature is the random story that gets rotated on certain pages. This will give your website a bit of exposure, even if it hasn’t garnered a ton of votes.

A couple of annoying things stand out also. The visit the site in a Frame bit doesn’t seem too kosher, although you can break the Frame with a click of a mouse. They’re probably doing this for visitor tracking purposes, but I’d rather have my article appear without a Frame. The Framed page doesn’t have Title at all in Firefox.

Other bugs I noticed: being sent to the wrong confirmation page after entering a story and allowing double posts. There doesn’t appear to be a duplicate story checker installed yet.

There are plenty of good things about the new Netscape, as well. Two good things are the activity log, which shows what’s happening on the system, and the fact that a decent community appears to growing quickly. It’s great to have another option to just Digg, and it looks like the Netscape people got quite a few details right on this version. As they add features and remove bugs, I’m predicting this site will end up being very successful.

It looks like over 10,000 people have already registered on the new Netscape, so the launch is off to a decent start. No idea of the effect of being “Scaped” is yet, but hopefully I’ll find out very soon. Don’t forget to click if you enjoy this article.

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    1. 77 Responses to “New Netscape.com is a decent, usable news rating website”

    2. I want the old website back. This new format is terrible. My opinion.

      By Chaz on Jul 3, 2006

    3. Thanks for the feedback, Chaz.

      I’m sure you’re not alone. I never used the old Netscape, so I can’t comment on the switch from an existing user’s standpoint, but I definitely see some criticisms scattered about.

      By Darren on Jul 3, 2006

    4. I created an account at the new Netscape, but for whatever reason my confirmation didn’t go through and I get an error message when I attempt to log in.

      I just sent an Email about the problem, so I’m waiting to hear back from “them”.

      I agree that the new page is nothing like the old one. They should have left an option for the long time users to keep things (relatively) the same. I wonder how many people will switch to a new home page because of the new site style?

      By Heather on Jul 3, 2006

    5. Bring back the old Netscape, I will leave Netscape if the site remains with this format.

      By R.A. Altobellis on Jul 3, 2006

    6. I have changed my homepage to MSN but check everyday to see if Netscape is back to normal. I hate the new site and refuse to use it. I enjoyed all the little things about the old page. I guess I will get used to MSN in the future. Please give us faithful users back our Netscape.

      By Jerri on Jul 3, 2006

    7. LIke another respondent above, my attempt to “register” and comment produced no response. Apparently Netscape is not interested in my opinion.

      I use internet portals (like the old Netscape) because they are convenient–they save me time. The new format does not. It is unlikely that I will visit this site regularly.

      One thing is VERY apparent. As the fall elections approach, Netscape has made it easy for their site to be hijacked by tivists of one particular political viewpoint, who can “inflate” any story they choose to the top of the board, and who can promote story after story which reflects their oen views. In these early stages, it seems that readers of the DailyKos have been first to realize this. But I wonder if Netscape is ready to deal with the combined internet resources of activists on both sides, as they struggle to ensure that their own peculiar views dominate the site. Frankly, this was a very stupid tthong for the site designer to overlook–unless, of course, the designer has plans which will ensure that his/her own friends will maintain control.

      In all, the change appears to me entirely hostile to users like me.

      By 1-2-Oscar on Jul 3, 2006

    8. The new netscape is a little confusing. The old one was much better and easier to navigate! We should have a choice of what one we want to view.

      By J on Jul 3, 2006

    9. Just thought I’d update that even though I didn’t hear back from Netscape, my login is now working.

      I’m going to have to do some exploring in their interface now.

      By Heather on Jul 3, 2006

    10. Another “registering- chase your own tail” programming.
      The new Netscape is a terrible shambles. It leaves us non-blogging veterans, who just want a newspaper format with editors who have a common sense approach to news.
      News selection by spinners and pollsters got us George W. Bush and a dominant Republican tyranny.
      I long for charismatic Democrats and decent foreign and domestic policies.

      By John Sullivan on Jul 3, 2006

    11. This is just another attempt to “dress up” a web site that was perdectly good.

      Adios Netscape…….you’ve lost another

      By Michael Grant on Jul 3, 2006

    12. who is john m. sullivan, hey johnny leonard says hi……

      By leonard springfield on Jul 3, 2006

    13. Hey dumbass,

      How can you give an opinion about the “new Netscape” without ever using the old format? Anyway, why do I want news information from a bunch of retards giving their opinion in their spare time. I want the old Netscape!!

      By Jason Steele on Jul 3, 2006

    14. Jason,

      I can give an opinion on the New Netscape because I used it. I don’t have an opinion on the old one. As a matter of fact, there is no “old Netscape” anymore anyways.

      Darren

      By Darren on Jul 3, 2006

    15. I like the old format. It made sense. I HATE the new format. It does not serve its purpose!

      By Victoria Young on Jul 3, 2006

    16. Didn’t you beta test this format? Or is this the beta test? It flunks.

      By Jim Dodds on Jul 3, 2006

    17. I liked the old format much better

      By Jim on Jul 3, 2006

    18. Well I may have to go back to AOL after this … the new Netscape stinks …

      By Rob Schrader on Jul 3, 2006

    19. I hate the new netscape!! who cares about the voting…definately looking at making a change. The new format is nothing more than cheap and tabloid like. You took a major step down.

      T.

      By Trice on Jul 3, 2006

    20. It’s Garbage!

      By Herman on Jul 3, 2006

    21. What a shame that you destoryed a good site with this piece of *$#&!!!! I’ve had Netscape as my home page for several years and enjoyed the old formats. This is just too much. Unless it changes back it looks like I’ll make a jump to the competition for my home page. Whomever though this one up without testing it should be beaten with a stick!!

      By rfmat1950 on Jul 3, 2006

    22. It’s Garbage

      By Herman on Jul 3, 2006

    23. Down with the new Netscape. Up with the old but better browser.

      By Robert L Faust on Jul 3, 2006

    24. Those that came up with these ideas of the new website need to take a class in User Interface.
      This new site was badly designed, not easy to navigate. Not user friendly at all. Poor job.

      By Remmy Olatona on Jul 3, 2006

    25. I liked the old one better because you could see more headlines and pick and choose the items that looked interesting. There’s too much “stuff” on the new site, and you can’t see what’s there at a glance.

      By vmocklin on Jul 3, 2006

    26. I want my old netscape back!

      If I want someone’s opinion I’ll ask. There’s too many negitave malcontents out there who want to spout off. I want the news period!

      Just headlines, plain and simple. Let me pick what I want without all the extra peripheral material. I don’t have time to read through the extra stuff. And I don’t need the black box on the left, it makes the story on the right hard to read moving back and forth with the slide bar. I will say the new colors are great.I know you spent lots of time on this web page. but I’m disappointed!

      By Barry on Jul 3, 2006

    27. I find the new site aesthetically displeasing and much preferred the old version. . .the list of stories looks like internet over ten years ago. I do however like the notion of posting a caption that states when the story was released.

      By Daniel Mourglea on Jul 3, 2006

    28. I went on vacation, came back and what the heck??? I want the old Netscape back, or I will have to find another homepage, the new page is garbage and useless. I am a netscape user of 5 + years, sometimes change is NOT GOOD!

      By Judy on Jul 3, 2006

    29. The new format is totally unacceptable.
      It doesn’t fit on my screen and I have to horizontally scroll it to get to The financial section so I can check mt stock prices.
      Also I miss that drop down window W/ the 5 or 6 daily stories.

      By Raymond on Jul 3, 2006

    30. I want the old back.

      Why did youy screw up a good thing????????

      By johnstamets on Jul 3, 2006

    31. I too, an a long tine fuser of Netscape. But, if have to learn a new brouser I my as well learn one that is easyer to update.

      By duke dobbins on Jul 3, 2006

    32. Just like the goofballs to ruin a good thing. Bring back the old.

      By johnstamets on Jul 3, 2006

    33. The Digg ranking system should be done separately on each channel and then the top ranked selections should be displayed in the old Netscape.com format. I resent having to wade through lots of tabloid garbage to find real news with the present format. I have used netscape.com for six years. Netscape needs to take heed to loyal users like me lest we go elaswhere.

      By S B Hurlbut on Jul 3, 2006

    34. Just do us all a favor and change Netscape back to the way it was. I miss the Cool Site of the Day, which I can’t find anymore. I feel stupid trying to navigate this site. This is too oc.

      By N on Jul 3, 2006

    35. I hate the new Netscape…can’t even imagine why they changed or should I say try to fix something that wasn’t broke….I WANT MY OLD NETSCAPE BACK!!!!!!!

      By Pat on Jul 3, 2006

    36. this blog-scape sux … but would be good as an add-on to the old netscape , and an excellent tool for sending word to those with ‘enquiring minds” and want a poll . heck , we could tell cher to put on some clothes and act her age , hillary to jump off a bridge , bush to keep up the good work , or mo’nique to lose weight and lead a healthy lifestyle kids look up to some people , lord knows why ! so … i agree that this has some promise .. but to what end … to destroy a website that has/had a loyal following by running off the old-timers ? it hasn’t a chance of bringing in a new crowd . and for those who are new to netscape … the passers by to see this train wreck … opinions are only good in this context if you have the knowledge to compare the new and the old . as for opinions , like butt-holes everyone has one , and no oned cares about anyone else’s . most opinions are simply some idiots opening their mind and showing a lack of intelligence !

      By cs kennedy on Jul 3, 2006

    37. Thats it im outta here!! I cant take this “New Netscape” no more!! You got my e-mail. when you guys decide to bring the old netscape back drop me a line.

      By Barry Holmes on Jul 3, 2006

    38. We just returned from a vacation (without internet access), and the new Netscape was not a pleasant surprise upon our return. I spent a few days trying to get use to it, however to no avail. I liked the old version. I agree that change is usually good; however in this case, the change was too dramatic. Even my kids are complaining about the new site. The old site was very easy for children to navigate, and as a parent I felt comfortable knowing they were accessing safe games with a direct like to their favorite Pogo games. That link appears to be now gone.
      Please consider bring the old Netscape version back. I will be searching for a new “user friendly” home page if this new Netscape continues.
      The prior version had so much to offer. A change as drastic as this one doesn’t make good business sense. If you have something that’s working - don’t fix it. It’s like redesigning the automobile and removing the wheels.

      By Susan & family - Western NY on Jul 3, 2006

    39. I really hate this new format. The old format did not assault the eyes with poorly formated text, windows and links that don’t open. Please find a more innovative and easy to look at page. I hate the black windows — they are eye tiring, and the need to scroll through the page is annoying. I am not sure who could have voted this as a good replacement, but they need to be reassigned within the company. And why, may I ask, do I care what other people think is news and this whole voting system. I am an intelligent, thinking being that is able to make a decision based on what I think is important and do not need to rely on a sheep mentality to choose what I will or will not read. If Netscape doesn’t change this format, I will be among those sheep that are leaving for greener pastures. And who decided black, teal, blue and orange were pleasant to look at? My six year old son has a better ability to combine colors.

      By Jacquie_md on Jul 3, 2006

    40. The recent change to Netscape reminds me of Coca-Cola’s change from Coke to New Coke in the 80’s. It was deemed a marketing fiasco. Hopefully, Netscape will reconsider and bring back the old.

      By terpjr on Jul 4, 2006

    41. This new Netscape is a poor attempt at fixing what wasn’t broken. I am switching my start-up page. This is way too cumbersome and a pain in the butt to read the stories.

      Netscape - you goofed big time!!!

      By Ray on Jul 4, 2006

    42. I do not particularly like the new site!!!! Bring back the old sight
      with some improvements. Too cluttered and confusing. Give me
      something simple and more catagories………..Thanks

      By Joseph Aksamit on Jul 4, 2006

    43. I used Netscape for at least 2 years as my home page and Internet browsing. My Honest opinion is the the new home page is No Good!! I definitely like the Newspaper style homepage, categories and directories and I don’t see any benefit to changing this!! Please just bring back what so many of us liked in the first place, maybe with some very minor changes!!

      By Ken LP on Jul 4, 2006

    44. Moveon.org lite. Anti-Bush diatribe. If this does not change, I am gone.

      By Morris on Jul 4, 2006

    45. I do not like the new netscape. One should never fix what is notbroken!!!

      By Debra on Jul 4, 2006

    46. I too vote against the new site. I also confirm that they are not answering bug reports.

      News is news because its factual, new and impoortant. It is not who votes the most.

      Whats a good alternative?

      By Ian Singer on Jul 4, 2006

    47. It is really bad. Bring back the old Netscape it was easy to scan quickly and pick what you want. This “new” one really stinks!!!

      By Robert Muller on Jul 4, 2006

    48. I have been using Netscape for about 14 years since my first PC and I have always used Netscape on every PC I’ve had since, but will be sadly changing if your website dosen’t change back from this very un-user friendly mess you have made. I’ll be looking for a new USER Friendly homepage. And what’s with the voting thing???????????????????? A VERY unhappy Netscape user.

      By Jo'Anne Snyder on Jul 4, 2006

    49. I hate the new netscape. Bring the old one bace

      By jhuff on Jul 4, 2006

    50. Your new netscape sucks. I have always preferred it over msn, but no longer. I am changing my default home page to msn.com. Sorry, but your new look sucks!

      By Craig Berlin on Jul 4, 2006

    51. Terrible, es una porqueria. I like the other one (old one) better.

      By williept on Jul 4, 2006

    52. What a mess dislike who whants to see only the news other like i want the news not what other think I should see a complete mess not worth 1 cent so I plan to pass never to visit again.

      By Diane adam on Jul 4, 2006

    53. old netscapeyes!!! new netscapeNO!!!!!!!!!!!!

      By marpiedan on Jul 4, 2006

    54. Its sad that Netscape has turned its back on their loyal users to go after a new demographic. I enjoyed the old format, where the only editorialyzing was deciding what went on the page. Now I’m supposed to use a popularity contest between some Dan Rather wannabes to detirmine what I read? Netscape has been going downhill since 7.2. Time to sell my AOL stock and go with MSN.

      By Dean on Jul 4, 2006

    55. I do not like the new Netscape.

      The older one was easier to navigate, gave me various areas that I could go to that serviced my own particular needs and desires, not just what “other people” think I sould see.

      By gragg on Jul 4, 2006

    56. I too have been a long time Netscape user and have always enjoyed opening my browser to find the home page the way that works. I was able to choose what stories I wanted to read without having to scroll through a whole page. And this voting thing……..who came up with that idea????? I don’t really care how many votes a story gets. You should be able to keep track of that by how many times it is clicked on to be read. PLEASE BRING BACK THE OLD HOME PAGE!!!!!!!!! Or I too shall be changing my home page.

      By Sher842 on Jul 4, 2006

    57. Changes are welcome, specially if it is still possible to go to the old style site. But the most important change is still to come: SPAM control. I am still getting alot of junk mail easy to identify by its improbable names and addresses. It’s annoying to have to start the day by clenaing up and repeat the operation during thge day.

      By Gilles Pion on Jul 4, 2006

    58. Do not like the new page at all!

      By Spanky on Jul 4, 2006

    59. Your new Netscape is anything but New and Improved. There were some features about the “old” Netscape I didn’t like–nothing is perfect–but WHY WOULD I VOTE ABOUT A STORY? WHY WOULD CARE WHAT OTHERS VOTE ABOUT STORIES? Admit that this was a huge mistake, and go back to the “old” Netscape.

      By Larry on Jul 4, 2006

    60. Can’t stand the new design. Bring back the old format.

      By Jim on Jul 4, 2006

    61. Folks,

      Just so all of you know, you can access Old Netscape at that link. You don’t have to migrate just yet if you use that address.

      By Darren on Jul 4, 2006

    62. Thanks for providing that link, Darren.

      That seems like a fair enough compromise for the folks that enjoyed the old interface better.

      By Heather on Jul 4, 2006

    63. I plan on visiting the websites of each company shown on this “new, improved” Netscape and giving my opinion.

      “It shows very bad business sense to advertise on a site with such negative reactions. If your judgement is so bad about this business decision, I cannot possibly trust your company with my money.”

      Maybe hitting them in the pocketbook will help.

      By Glenda on Jul 4, 2006

    64. The ads seem to be just stuck every where. Right next to the “content” of this horrid mess so it should be easy to start giving them our opinion of this fiasco with a one-time visit to their site.

      By Glenda on Jul 4, 2006

    65. I’ve had Netscape ever since I’ve owned a Mac. Do not like the new format at all. This has been my primary browser, but no longer. You tried to fix something that wasn’t broken. The guy that thought this up must only make $1.00 an hour. Fire Him !!! Your not getting your moneys worth. If I wanted to get all of Moveon.org CRAP I would go there. I don’t want to read editorials from these mental migets. Just stick to the news, no spin. GO BACK TO THE OLD NETSCAPE !!!!!!!!!!!! Here’s a news flash for everybody. It doesn’t matter what your opinion is about this website. The powers to be are going to leave it like it is because they think the know best and the users out there don’t know anything.

      By Terry Morrell on Jul 4, 2006

    66. The “My Netscape” link referred to by many users will indeed take you back to the old “My Netscape” page. That, however, is not what the vast majority of the users of Netscape are complaining about. We want the format used by the Netscape home page.

      You know the one, with a well-designed layout, rather than this mish-mash of editorial content and ads crammed up against the pitiful amount of news judged “worthy”; actual current news and information, instead of this gobblede-gook of “blogging” disguised as news. (I’m waiting for a 4-page expose on the blogger’s cat!)

      I realize that Netscape has sold its company’s integrity and soul and will probably not be responding to any pressure we consumers put on it, except for filling up the content pages with more glowing reviews by its own bloggers. These will be followed by pages and pages of negative comments by users. It will be patently obvious that the only opinion Netscape values is the one it has paid for.

      By Glenda on Jul 4, 2006

    67. I hate the new netscape, bring back the old, or I will switch to another website. This voting thing is so stupid. The new netscape is so hateful against our President, as an American I will always stand by my President, supporting him, no matter who holds that position.

      By Eileen on Jul 4, 2006

    68. “I realize that Netscape has sold its company’s integrity and soul and will probably not be responding to any pressure we consumers put on it, except for filling up the content pages with more glowing reviews by its own bloggers. These will be followed by pages and pages of negative comments by users. It will be patently obvious that the only opinion Netscape values is the one it has paid for.”

      Funny since they actually have been responding to the complaints and bug reports and also since, as Darren already pointed out, you can still go to the old version if you want. A lot of people are going to leave Netscape since they can’t hack change but walk right past the old Netscape on the way out not even knowing it’s there.

      By Christian on Jul 4, 2006

    69. wHet eye due knot unDeRsteNd ess whie peopple due knot gtet et? evIn a putER literete likee me knews changes es guud!

      By Jurge on Jul 4, 2006

    70. I’m just glad to see I’m not the only one who HATES the new format. The idea of users choosing the top stories is great, but not on this site, that has, for years, been the classic, “here are the top news stories today” type of site. For example, I’m sure some people are interested in it, but I just don’t think that “SuSe Linux Desktop ready in July: Novell” should be the 5th top news story!

      What about North Korea testing missiles? What about the conflicts around the world? I know people are tired of hearing all the negative things… I am too!… but these things are important and REALLY affecting our lives! I used to love the site, but I just can’t come here anymore.

      By Maria on Jul 4, 2006

    71. I just downloaded FIREFOX . It’s not a bad browser. Still learning about it. There doesn’t seem to be any mental miget editorials in the news section, which is quite refreshing. So long netscape !!!!!!!!!!!!!

      By Terry Morrell on Jul 5, 2006

    72. I use sbcglobal for email and cannot configure the new browser for me email. Therefore, I continue to use Netscape 7.2

      Any ideas?

      Joe

      By JC Cole on Jul 5, 2006

    73. Unless your screen is a big as news paper . . . but who wants to suffle the screen across the kitchen table . . . and if you want to spend your day reading long articles . . . Then go by a book. News or rather information has to be digested in quick titles to get the interest. Often, we are suckered into a story, but hey, more credit to the writer. The news netscape is several clicks to finally a story . . . and then, one feels unsatisfied. Where is the old one? I had the address and then I lost it . . .

      By sucks on Jul 6, 2006

    74. New Netscape Site Sucks. I am removing it as my home page. There has to be something better out there.

      By Todd on Jul 12, 2006

    75. Can you please send me an email when you bring back the old website. I will not be checking back any longer. Thanks for the last ten years.

      By D on Jul 29, 2006

    76. D, sure will. As soon as I change Netscape back, I’ll email you :)

      By Darren on Jul 30, 2006

    1. 2 Trackback(s)

    2. Jul 4, 2006: The Blogger’s Guide to the New Netscape
    3. Jul 5, 2006: Netscape - new versus old - the debate rages on

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