Comments for Netscape Community Backlash

Netscape Community Backlash

2006-07-01T23:30:52Z

I've been tracking the release of the new Digg-style community news site Netscape.com, because there is a lot of backlash within the Netscape community about it. A story called Netscape's Blunder!!! was number 1 on Netscape.com for a while and the latest post on the homepage is entitled A Request by the Netscape Community to Bring Back Our Netscape.com. There's another Netscape story currently on the homepage called Netscape Reborn: Why? Why? Why?. The backlash has presumably led to this message currently on the right of the homepage, from the Netscape team:

"Attention Netscape users Your Netscape mail hasn't gone anywhere, you can find it right here! Also, My.Netscape and your Stock Quotes are still online as well."

There appears to be a genuine feeling of betrayal by the (very large) set of users who have had Netscape.com as their homepage for some time. Indeed I've been getting comments on my own posts and even emails from Netscape users, upset about the change to the Digg style.

All of this shows how passionate people can get about their Web homepage - and they're just as much a 'community' as the Digg.com users are. It's just that they like the old-school Web homepage, not the new Digg style. Also what this tells me is that while a lot of us geeks and 2.0 types are addicted to our own technology (and our own voices, to be honest), it's pretty darn obvious that A LOT of people want to stick with the status quo. Plus I've noticed a number of comments on the above Netscape.com stories which equate Netscape (still!) with a browser.

I'm not sure what to think about this, because I really do think Jason Calacanis and his team want to do well by the Netscape community - and change can be hard to take. Even Valleywag seems to support Calacanis! The number of Netscape users seems to be rising, but even so they're encouraging users who like the old style to go to MyNetscape:

"For those of you who are missing the old Netscape format, have you tried My Netscape? You can customize your page any way you see fit."

Unfortunately there are signs that many of the existing Netscape community hate the new Digg style passionately enough that they will jump ship to other more traditional portals like MSN. So is this backlash a sign that Calacanis and his team have misjudged what 'normal' people (i.e. non-geeks) want in a homepage and they could lose their brand value with that set of users? Or is it a necessary 'bitter pill' for the Netscape community to swallow - i.e. this is the New Web, get used to it?

I'm interested in these questions because obviously it can be generalized to the broader base of web 2.0 services across the Web, which have yet to make much impact on the mainstream.

Comment from Jason on 2006-07-01

2006-07-02T01:23:09Z

Keep in mind (a) we're talking about a very large scale business--12M uniques a month/2-3M people a day, and (b) this is a radical concept for many folks (they've never even seen digg).

Comment from Jason on 2006-07-01

2006-07-02T01:23:50Z

Also, the old Netscape and current AOL are basically the same (just a different logo up top), so we're sending the folks who like a "top down" or "classic" portal to AOL.

Comment from hombrelobo on 2006-07-02

2006-07-02T10:26:26Z

Very interesting comments in here ... and I agree with most of them. I am still using My Yahoo as my start page, haven't found any of the web 2.0 pages that actually works as good as My Yahoo for me: http://my.yahoo.com is the beginning for me.

Comment from Anson on 2006-07-03

2006-07-03T08:02:11Z

The cynical side of me feels that this was not at all a strategic move in terms of the Netscape.com product. More like a way to gain an instant (if reluctant) audience for a new idea. It seems to have been executed with little regard for the users of the "uncool" Netscape.

And try telling those users "Hey, it's better now, why should editors tell you what to read?". This assumption that you're going to get a wider, more balanced range of content than the edited online news sites has yet to be proven in my mind.

Comment from Paul on 2006-07-03

2006-07-03T15:34:43Z

I've been following Jason & Team's launch, and visiting netscape.com often for the first time in years--I applaud the AOL folks for taking such a risk, and like all risks, it's going to have its successes and failures. I think it's a positive step forward to make netscape.com stand out. And it's not just a reincarnationi of Digg, though the comparison is legit, and the inspiration is acknowledged. I think if they can keep the human touch (their human editors and commentators) and their wider audience (Digg is definitely an early adopter Web 2 crowd only), they may prove more success in the long run if they can hold out.

There is obviously an abundance of old school readers who still have plenty of choices if that's what they want (like the old netscape at my netscape and AOL) plus a hundred other sites. If netscape is going to have any relevance they need to do something new, and that's why they hired Jason.

Maybe there is an opportunity here though to do something even bolder and appease both communities through some evolution that doesn't so much copromise as it does offer something for everyone. That opportunity could be challenging, but they do have a huge audience built-in. An option to view the page in a news style rather than a 'voted to the top' style (no easy task) might be a consideration (basically turning the voting and comments off via a preference and displaying the same content in a more static manner).

However, I do prefer the new netscape, and I like it better than Digg for its breadth and its snazzier look (the new Digg is a nice step forward though as well). I still like Digg though for its tech-focus, but even there that user community is so impassioned from their tech-centric position it frequently reminds me of Slashdot: The Next Generation. I hope they can keep many of their long time devoted readers (many of whom can't seem to differentiate between netscape the browser and netscape.com, and are therefore threatening to move to IE or Firefox:) and get them excited about a new way to see the news and actually participate in the news, and the surrounding discussions.

It will be very interesting to see where their numbers go in the months to come. They have certainly made themselves relevant again, whereas I had completely forgotten about netscape, and now it's demanding attention.

Jason & Team: My vote: Go Team!

Comment from Klas K. on 2006-07-03

2006-07-03T18:36:21Z

Thanks for a good post! Very interesting to see what happen when the large and dominant players try to use style/technology created by new small web 2.0 players. I believe this netscape story is an excellent example of how a large company loses flexibility due to history and existing users. It is not an easy thing to change your service, a lot of existing users will not be happy.

Comment from Anonymous on 2006-07-03

2006-07-03T19:55:34Z

I like how Jason joins these conversations instead of shying away from the bad press. Kudos Mr.Calacanis.

It's interesting to see the backlash though. The thing with Digg is that a majority (if not all) of their users joined to become part of a democratic news society. In Netscape's case, they're pushing these features out to their users who aren't used to being actively selecting their news.

As an experiment, I wonder what would happen if there were two separate views. One with the traditional Netscape page, except that the content is selected based on what people are voting up. And the other view with all the bells & whistles of Digg.

If users wanted to participate in selecting their own news, they could.

Comment from pwb on 2006-07-05

2006-07-05T16:04:02Z

I don't understand at all why it makes any sense for netscape.com to present a Digg-style news service.

Comment from AJ on 2006-07-05

2006-07-05T21:39:02Z

Frankly, I don't care how many votes a news item receives. I hate the new Netscape and will almost certainly be making a change.

Comment from Dee Edson on 2006-07-09

2006-07-09T21:09:33Z

I do not like the new format of the netscape home page at all. I like the old one much better- I could see what I wanted all on the 1st page.. could we please have it back???

Comment from Mac on 2006-07-09

2006-07-09T21:16:18Z

I have been using netscape since v2.7. When netscape was bought by aol i was worried things would change for the worst. it took a while, but the worst has arrived, and i probably will find somewhere else to go. i don't think of myself as a computer geek, but i've been in computers since 1962.

Comment from moushell on 2006-07-09

2006-07-09T21:40:22Z

I emailed netscape the first day of the change. I said if this is what it is going to be, I am changing to another homepage. I dislike the new format, too cumbersome. I want to be able to quickly peruse what is in the news, not have to search for it. I was simply trying to find the yellow pages connection that day. What a mess. If I have to format my own homepage, like doing the mynetscape thing, it is a waste of time I need for other projects.

Comment from Nancy on 2006-07-09

2006-07-09T21:41:01Z

I loathe the new Netscape. I've used Netscape as my browser for 17 years and netscape.com as my homepage for almost that long. I liked the newsy view and choices that the one-page format offered.

I do feel betrayed as a long-time user. I prefer to get my news in the old way, which was much easier. Who cares who votes on news stories? I don't. I want to be able to see what's available and see relevant pics. Now all I see are a boring list of stories and votes. Can you say dumb?

As to the alternative page, I hate that too. There's an obtrusive black frame with unreadable type at the left which obscures all the stories so that I can't read them without scrolling horizontally. When I click to close the frame, there goes the story too and I just get a blank page with an error message.

If I had wanted Digg, I would have gone there. I have nothing good to say about this new format at all. When I find a source that provides a range of news choices, such as the old netscape.com did, I'll switch. I'm still looking.

Comment from Tracy on 2006-07-09

2006-07-09T21:49:48Z

This new Netscape SUCKS! I'm going to MSN!

Comment from P. Ulness on 2006-07-09

2006-07-09T21:52:50Z

I agree with #12 comments

I dislike the new format, too cumbersome. I want to be able to quickly peruse what is in the news, not have to search for it. I was simply trying to find the yellow pages connection that day. What a mess. If I have to format my own homepage, like doing the mynetscape thing, it is a waste of time I need for other projects.

Comment from Bryan on 2006-07-09

2006-07-09T21:55:54Z

This may be an attempt at making a better site, but it achieved quite the opposite affect. The statement, "... geeks and 2.0 types are addicted to our own technology ..." is definitely true in this case.

I would urge Netscape to swallow the pill and go back to the old portal before they've completely alienated the Netscape community. Then, perhaps, incremental changed can be made in the new format.

The bottom line is that Netscape took a relatively easy site to navigate, and turned it to chaos. If they value the customer's, they will rethink the strategy before it's too late.

Comment from Bryan on 2006-07-09

2006-07-09T22:02:34Z

I would suggest that everyone that is unhappy with this change, start going to the Compuserve site instead. Perhaps the traffic will send a clear message. The URL is:

http://webcenters.netscape.compuserve.com/menu/default.jsp

Comment from someone on 2006-07-09

2006-07-09T22:09:32Z

The new layout just sucks... On the brightside you might need to spend less to accomidate for reduced bandwidth. If you're smart you'll have a seperate news page that kept things like they were before. People don't like change & loss, but change by itself is much easier to deal with.

Comment from B. A. Peterson on 2006-07-09

2006-07-09T22:53:16Z

I was indeed shocked when you changed to this abomination that you so cheerfully claim as something new. This is my second attempt to tell you that even though you tout your "My Netscape" as a "traditional" alternative to the new Site's page, it is not even close to being it's equal in content or usefulness or sofistication for that matter; it seems to me that you are simply patting us on the head as you tell to quietly go away with our sniveling complaints. Concider the fact that we are the reason for your existence rather than simply children to feed what ever pablum you chose to spoon into our open mouths. IF you must continue with this miasma, then trully give us traditiona users the format that we are seeking as our many letters have shown that we wish to continue useing.

B.A.Peterson

Comment from M.J. Madison on 2006-07-09

2006-07-09T22:56:50Z

I just changed to MSN after many years at Netscape. The new format sucks big time and a lot of us seniors will prove it by moving our dollars away from your advertisers. WHAT were you thinking?

Comment from nathan on 2006-07-09

2006-07-09T23:08:20Z

Another strategic blunder by AOL. Even when you get past the fact that netscape is just a blatent copy of digg (great imagination, aol), this site is a great example of why AOL continues to fail.

1. Technical problems. In addition to being painfully slow, the site suffers from some extremely basic technical issues such as double posting and losing count of the number of votes.

2. Brand problems. Why would they turn netscape, a site that is a portal into a news site? They would have been better off creating a whole new brand.

3. Market research. Did they talk do their current customers? From the numerous posts, it doesn't seem like it.

Of course there are a number of more problems, which are too numerous to number. These problems are reflected in the equally large number of failed AOL ventures such as Webcrawler, GNN, and PrimeHost.

Comment from Collette on 2006-07-09

2006-07-09T23:22:52Z

This new netscape sucks big time!!! Can not find anything like I did before. As for the news where the hell is it?? All I have seen is people bitching.

So am I this was a bone head move for netscape.

Hey netscape did you ask monkeys what they liked instead of asking people that actually use netscape?

Comment from Lazy on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T00:04:16Z

I'm sorry but I like instant gratification, and this new format is not it. Before I had everything at my finger tips now netscape is actually asking me to work for the information I want......... your kidding right? Please change it back.

Comment from thamesde on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T00:11:40Z

WOW!!! Netscape just lost me, cause it just became nearly impossible to find some of the things I used regularly. I won't completely give it up, but change for the sake of change has always tended to turn me off, especially when it totally screws up something that was good! AOL is so restrictive that I couldn't access sites that had control of access, so I became a regular user of Netscape 4 years ago again after a few years away. The format that was in use up to sometime last week suited me just fine, I liked it!

I liked Netscape because to me it was easy to use and it was easy to find things. Now I can find only the things that I had bookmarked, before whatever was done to screw it up! You have made things difficult that were simple!

Comment from wayne on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T00:41:52Z

Boy!! You really figured out how to let the world operating system dictator and his pre kindergarden
IE be better than you!!!!
Your first mistake was selling out to AOL, and now this!!
Come on guys and gals, are you going to just give up
and be little whipped pups??????????????????????

Comment from spbruttig on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T01:01:13Z

I am one of those who think the children of the inmates are running the jail. Netscape.com WAS a very well organized front page that allowed readers to sample current events and other newsworthy items and drill down as they wanted to for more or similar information. The new Netscape format is more like "reality TV" -- contrived junk where sponsors and producers alike can pander to the audience and participants can be "voted off the island". How unreal!

In the new Netscape format, news articles can be submitted by the unitiated "journalist" without verification of facts and sources. These articles are "voted on" emotionally, without necessarily any knowledge of the topic. And in some instances, one can see who voted for particular articles or stories (how like a juvenile can you get?). And, as a reward, if you submit repeated articles, that get voted well, you are then a featured source. That's nuts! That's more like gossip than news. Who's minding the Netscape store? Someone at Netscape is asleep at the switch! You can call it a Digg format if you want to. I say dig a hole and bury it. Go back to a professional format.

Comment from Bobo on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T01:12:51Z

You blew it big time, Netscape. Your new site is garbage, trashy, cumbersome, about as UNuseful as it could get. But as I have no expectation that any of you people even give a shit, I'll now switch my homepage. Goodbye you pack of losers.

Comment from Ginette on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T01:14:32Z

This new netscape is GARBAGE !!!! Not my homepage anymore...Goodbye !!!

Comment from Richard MacManus on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T01:18:02Z

Excellent comments, thanks all! I wonder if someone can explain to me a bit more about the history of the netscape.com community? When did you all first sign up to netscape.com and what kind of community was it, before the digg-style changes?

Richard
ReadWriteWeb.com

Comment from Martin X on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T01:18:08Z

Wow - Netscape goes from one of the classiest pages out there to pure trash. What is WRONG with you people ?
Are you that intent on pissing off everyone you can ?
I've given it a chance, but it's just too burdensome when we the users have to work to try to get at the stuff we need. Too many other sites out there have kept their focus to give the users what they want in a useful format - not at all the garbage you've put together on your garbage site.

Comment from Claudette on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T01:18:51Z

I HATE the new Netscape. It takes longer to load. I don't give a hoot about who posted the story or who pinned it or how many people have voted for it. I can't find what I want to see and am bombarded by stupid stories instead of real news. It's a total waste of time and a real lowering of standards. This is NOT progress -- it's like a bad reality TV show, with gossip and tabloid-type stories masquerading as news. As soon as I find someplace else that works better for me, I'll be saying goodbye and good riddance!

Comment from rck on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T01:19:22Z

Once again, aol gets their hands on something and turns it to crap. Time to move

Comment from JUDITH SPECHT on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T01:21:35Z

I HATE IT.GO BACK TO THE ORIGINAL.

Comment from orbit on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T01:24:52Z

Can the Digg format be inserted into the area where Headlines normally appear in the upper left corner? Continuous incremental improvement is generally more palatable than pradigm shifts (with some exceptions of course).

Comment from Wales on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T02:01:13Z

I decided to use Firefox until all the falderal subsided, but they have the same deal there - same web page. AOL is infecting everything we do. Their software is necessary to run so many things, they've got their fingers in every pie- - - -seems like. Why can't i have my old Netscape back? I will try "My Netscape". (i can't stand this nonsense) (but i will deal with it) (no one owes me a dadblamed thing).

Comment from ledhed on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T02:21:20Z

If I put what I really think about the 'new' Netscape, they would just delete my post! So I'll be nice!
I think they really messed up! This new format is confusing to a not so computer saavy person such as myself. I've been using Netscape for several years and I'm used to the old format.
I started losing my faith in Netscape when I clicked on a link for a Netscape video, only to be told that I must be using Internet explorer to view it. What's up with that? You mean that I need to close my browser,open another browser and log onto... I think not!
I'll probably hang out for a short time to see if they reconsider and return to the old format. And if I end up going, I'll never return either!

Comment from DARLENE on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T02:49:41Z

This new format is too confusing for someone who is not very computer literate. I hate this new format. BRING BACK THE OLD FORMAT so I can find the important national stories that were on the very first page.Dar

Comment from worker on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T02:50:24Z

I also have been a long time netscaper.NOT ANYMORE.
This is beyond belief.what happend to fast simple clean
and easy.Why would anyone want to click your heels three times to get to a story?Its not news if you have to vote on it.And just so you know what bussiness
tells their customers to go some where else?My netscape
is a joke.

Comment from Wendell on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T03:02:12Z

I don't like the new format so I set up My Netscape page and the the sports teams that I set up on my scoreboard never show up, and when I tried to report the bug that didn't work either. I would expect better from your website.

Comment from aturrentine on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T03:07:56Z

I have used Netscape in its various versions until this one. Now I am heading for Internet Explorer. Let me know if you recover your senses.

Comment from Jeff on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T03:09:12Z

Longtime Netscape user that hates this new format!
Not my type of homepage! Guess I'll have to find another homepage!

Comment from MIller on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T03:14:07Z

This setup is the worst. I cannot quickly find the news that was once easily accessable. I do not care about who voted for an article. This site is no longer easy on the eyes for a busy person like myself.

Comment from Ward Clem on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T03:24:41Z

Yes 100% agree with those folks who dislike the new Netscape. In addition to other problems noted, for some reason when I haved tried to visit website links to headlines noted on the site my dial up service to the internet gets disconnected. It's been a royal pain ever since the switch. Unfortunately, the situation with Netscape is an example of an all to common problem where an out of touch corporate or government entity thinks they know whats best for others and in the process just screws everything up. Will be moving my email account to yahoo and switching to their homepage as soon as I can.

Comment from Steve on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T03:38:13Z

Have used Netscape for years instead of Internet Explorer because it loaded and ran faster and had FEWER bells and whistles. No longer. I HATE the new format and am looking at switching to IE or maybe Firefox. Why did you have to mess it up so bad?

Comment from skip logan on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T03:56:25Z

The new netscape.com SUCKS! Bring back the old site. Whoever is in charge did not do their due diligence!

Comment from Kilroy on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T04:11:34Z

I don't get it. The response to this abysmal change has overwhelmingly been negative and most users are begging to see it change back to the old format, yet we continue to have this crammed up our arses. I've only ever seen one 'positive' comment made, but I am sure that was a new user who didn't know the old Netscape. I did find it humorous that no matter how many comments were made the to "Netscape Blunder" story, it came down. Weren't comments and votes supposed to represent the TOP stories? Yeah, that was a blunder alright.

I don't like this new format, in fact, I hate it. I don't want "fluff" stories, I want news, verifiable facts, real, timely news about interesting events. The world is at war, the hurricane season is upon us, gas and energy prices are up around the world, and we get stories about Pam Anderson taking a nude photo. Well, ain't that something? If I wanted to see pictures of nude women, I wouldn't have to look any farther than my spam blocked email.

But if Netscape wants to continue with this garbage, I say we let them. I've moved already and only flip over here to add my continous insults to the comments of the rest of my old community. If they want to ruin a good thing, that's fine. I don't own any of their stock in the first place.

Comment from Bob on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T04:16:11Z

AOL and this new netscape belong in the same garbage can.

Comment from Christian on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T04:17:42Z

Yes, it is funny to see that some people (like the poster who left comment #44) still get the home page mixed up with the browser. Part of Netscape's problem here is something they have no control over: the fact that there are a lot of stupid people who have no idea what they are talking about. Pardon me for being blunt, but switching to IE or Firefox has no relevance whatsoever to the issue Netscape changing the look of their home page. You could still have netscape.com set as your homepage with either of those broswers.

I am also surprised to see that there are so many people who are opinionated about the matter. Until this ruckus started I thought I was the only person who knew Netscape still existed.

While I don't think Netscape needs to pander to people who don't know the difference between the home page and the Netscape browser I still think the new design is a little bit too much of a free-for-all. Isn't it just flat out cheap when one of the top news stories is "Random Pictures of Beautiful Women"?

Comment from Regas on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T04:17:57Z

I am with Lazy; if I wanted to set it up myself, I would just use bookmarks. I want it in front of me, concise, familiar and easy to use. THE OLD NETSCAPE!. I always have been a netscape user and fan. Do I have to move on??
I am now off to CNN to get some news. Gee, thanks

Comment from racer on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T04:19:53Z

I've converted many to netscape.We are all disappointed!!..........and now say goodbye.HELLO FIREFOX!

Comment from WAlter Kuchta on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T04:22:52Z

I go along with most of the comments that the old format was much better. I do skip the new format and go to MY netscape to get what I am looking for.
WAlter

Comment from mark on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T04:33:59Z

This sucks. go back

Comment from Dave on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T04:39:56Z

I don't like the new format. I could care less what other users find interesting. It is also clumsy to use. I want all of the old one back, which was a great site. I am not afraid of new things, as long as they are functional and fresh. Maybe the team can offer the current site as an alternative, and see how many people migrate to it.

Comment from tina on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T04:57:16Z

I really do not care for the new format. It is much more difficult to navigate. I also don't like the fact that I have to be so worried about what my kids are going to read when they open it up. I really don't think they need to be bombarded with opinions about Gay/Lesbian lifestyles everytime they want to log on to Neopets.

Comment from G. Gordon Liddy on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T05:03:31Z

Netscape.com + digg = Nutscrape!

Here's another vote to CHANGE IT BACK!

Comment from SudsMan on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T05:24:05Z

I like the old format. I don't like having talking heads tell me what stories I should be reading. I don't like being spoon fed the news that I might or might not want to read. I'm deciding if I'm going to switch from Netscape. I probably will. Why not make this new so called feature an addition to the original format. Perhaps as a tab. After all, the new format is only there to show your advertizers just how many hits you get and to determine what stories your advertizers may be interested in sponsering. It's all in the name of making money. In short, this new format is all to do about bringing in the cash.

Comment from prowler on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T05:32:14Z

tell me how to take my favorites list to ie and netscape will never see me again. this has been the only browser i've used for 12yrs but don't like the new one at all. as for mynetscape the format for it has changed also just not a workable soultion anymore

Comment from fuggly on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T06:01:49Z

I have to believe some AOL junior exec planned to short a bunch of their stock, then asked himself/herself: "what's the fastest way to tank a good thing?" Since the homepage is free and there's an ABUNDANCE of choice...I now gleefully assist that junior exec. Yahoo.com's web offerings don't look familiar the first few days, but soon, you won't notice the change. AOL, you never disappoint. I watched you make a fortune crapping-up the Internet for the rest of us. Your characterless, simplistic pee-yellow logo is the epitome of your business style. For those who like it easy, Yahoo has a simple link: "make this my homepage?" Ahh, sweet surrender. Go there now.

Comment from bdpf on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T06:06:48Z

Who needs this blog type format.
If I wanted to look at blogs I would vist a blog site....
Why should I read the coments of normal poeple, when I could have more fun reading the fews of news butt heads that don't have the brains to google the topic they arte reporting on.

I just want to see whats happening, quickly with out having to dig through a mess of blogs. YUCK.

Comment from starlie1 on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T06:08:09Z

I hate the new format.

I use Netscape as my browser and when I click on the stories to read them the entire story doesn't show because it is half covered by the Related stories from Netscape on the left side of the screen. I have to open my IE browser to even get netscape.com to work properly.

There is no reason to keep netscape.com at my home page. It was great while it lasted...time to move on!

Comment from Max on 2006-07-09

2006-07-10T06:44:36Z

To make such a drastic change without advising members in advance - giving them a choice of formats - is marketing suicide.

I can not believe I coud not even sign in to protest.

To drop a successful format which included stocks, sports, etc (for those of us who are not just after the "top storeis" with out doing a market suvey is un-forgivable! I will wait a few more days to see if you can correct this situation, otherwise I will be changing my home page to MSN.

Comment from DragonLady on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T07:03:41Z

I agree with many, I don't care what other people find interesting. I'm an independent thinker and would rather make my own decisions. Like everyone else, I loathe the new format because it transfers you from one place to the next to the next.

Again, like others, it is frustrating that a few our forcing what they feel is best down my and everyone else's throat. And since we're still stuck with the new format, obviously the Netscape folks don't care what the rest of us want. I feel betrayed and disappointed.

I don't much care for IE either because of all its problems, but perhaps Firefox is a new place to look unless Netscape achieves Wisdom and returns us to a more user-friendly format.

Comment from Wave on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T07:15:51Z

Which crackmonkey over at Netscape decided this is what they should do to their homepage?

When I saw the "Just wait, we're going to fix everything..." on the homepage, I just knew it was going to suck.

The old homepage was nice for me because it had real news, conjecture, the People magazine stuff for my wife, and interesting asides, all organized, and put into a format that was concise and useable.

The new steaming heap of monkey-dung is just another step toward dumbing everything down to the high school age masses, and blog-writing morons.

Who cares how popular an article is, or how many people want to blog-on, or vote for it? Congrats on the "Random shots of beautiful women" story in spot number 2... That is the just what the internet needs more of...

Very disappointed,

Wave

Comment from tweetyturd on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T07:32:46Z

Make sure you take some action if you do not like the format because to register our complaint at the process/change they forced us to register and are now counting us as "registered".

Ask them to unregister you and ping their advertisers with the same request. Tell them you were forced on to the site to give feedback, there is no unregister choice and the advertiser is supporting this with their dollars, and you don't like it. Netscape/AOL is inflating their membership this way and charging the advertiser more anyway. Ask for their help to get unregistered off the site they are supporting!

Comment from James A. Wilson on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T07:41:45Z

I was very confused and disappointed at what happened to the first thing I would check every day for the news. I live in a rural community in Alaska. I rely on the fair presentation of simple, straight-forward news and the easiest and most convenient way was through netscape. I rely on you as editors to do the work, weed through the garbage and irrelevant material and present the news. I don't want bitchy bloggers or slanted soothsayers prioritizing the news. I rely on professional journalists to do that job. What I see now is confusing layout -- what I do is click all over the screen trying to find the news, scrolling up and down, back and forth, with "comments" everywhere.
Reminds me of the "new Coke" debacle. What a mess.
Your form is destroying the function of what netscape was.

Comment from Ed on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T08:31:19Z

I am really saddened by the change at netscape. I have been using the browser since the first version that ever came out. Even when I had another ISP I still used the browser. People would laugh at me because I had the number one ISP and would shrink the screen and use netscape. I haven't changed my homepage yet, I guess because I keep hoping it will go back to the old way, but I will do so this week. I generally only have a few minutes when I sign on throughout the day and like to get everything on one page. This style prohibits that plus I feel restricted. Is this just a way to make people sign up for AOL? If anyone knows another homepage like the old NS, please let me know. I have looked at MSN, but it just don't feel right. I almost feel like I am cheating on my spouse or something when I go to the other sites, but then again, I guess they have kinda dumped me for a younger version anyway and I am just in denial.

Comment from korey on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T09:04:42Z

I,ve used netscape.com as my homepage and netscapes browser since 1998, however I have to agree with the numerous comments here, such as the video news clips requiring the use of I.E. and the wierd voted for news stories. I myself am no computer illiterate, I began using pc's in the late '70s and was dialing into other computers via modem before the www. but this new format is far worse than those dinosar days of direct dialing into other computers.

Comment from John on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T09:42:24Z

things change....but this time, not for the better. I get up every morning and am still shocked by the format. The old webpage worked well for info....etc. This page is non sensical.

Comment from stephanie on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T10:03:58Z

I am a graphic designer and I liked the old style page much better. I find this one visually annoying.

Comment from Sarah on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T10:13:26Z

I'd have to say that I agree with 99.9% of the people who have posted here. The new format isn't very user-friendly. I really don't like having to click on a million different links in order to be able to read a news story that interests me. That's really time-consuming. And who was it that decided that pictures of nude women were considered relevant news? And what is with that stupid black box that pops up on the left side of the screen whenever I want to read an article and can't be closed down? It's really irritating to have to scroll back and forth in order to read anything. I've been a Netscape user for a couple years now and I'm not gonna leave because there are a few things I do like about the new format but I really hope that some changes are made because, if the above posts are any indication, you guys are gonna lose the majority of your loyal users if you don't tweak the new format a little bit and make it more user-friendly...

Comment from pau simon on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T10:35:43Z

as we are restricted to netscape.com and can not use mynetscapre because of the email i find the new format only work 50 percent of the time. at home i use nynetscape and it works fine. i will have to try cn,msn, or some thing else for my every day browser for news and sports. i also see that the sports no longer show my team schedual or score on mynetscape at home.

Comment from Mark A. Lowery on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T11:49:27Z

I did not like this net Netscape webpage when I was first confronted with it without notice. I decided to try to give it time and see if I could warm up to it. Sorry, but still I do not like it. It is difficult to navigate and use. For me, this so-called new "democratic news" style is downright nothing more than "slap in your face" ugly. I really do not wish to have what is sent to me dictated by online comments and voting from readers. What's "popular," and what's not, shouldn't be the central main focus of presenting news stories because then its not really "news" but just a popularity contest. Reading through most comments posted in response to various articles, one gets a feeling of the most callers-in to radio "talk" shows.

Comment from L.J. on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T12:06:18Z

I LIKE THE OLD FORMAT.

Comment from kosmar on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T12:11:27Z

its interesting that those users that dont like the new format are (also here) making extensive use of the the new features and comment the hell out of them. do they understand that they didnt have any direct influence on the old product as they will (or should) have now on the new one? dont they get that change in user centered interaction and participation?

Comment from kosmar on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T12:15:39Z

no they dont ‚Ä¶ this one is my favourite: "How did my comment come to receive an overall rating of 'neutral'?????????????? I rate it as intensely negative--bad-bad-bad." here

Comment from harkaway on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T12:28:39Z

I truly dislike the new format & so informed Netscape on the first day. I started on the internet with 2.7 & have remained faithful but now I am looking at the alternatives. Bring Back the Old Netscape home page!

Comment from Lou Tiscornia on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T12:37:09Z

Netscape, there is a hole in your net! All the "fishies" are swimming away!

Comment from Cleo Smith on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T13:02:27Z

I HATE the new format. This has pushed me to MSN and while making the change I've started using Internet Explorer. I won't be using Netscape or it's web site any longer.

Comment from Patty on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T13:06:31Z

I HATE the new page I can't say it enough I have ued this site every day for years and I seldom use it any more I have been so disapointed since the change.

Comment from Walde on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T13:07:21Z

Bring Back the Old Netscape home page!

Comment from C.A. on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T13:11:05Z

I am a regular person who likes my connectivity with the world via the internet. I have no interest in knowing the names of the people who write the code for Netscape. I just want it to be available to me in a pleasing, organized format. When I want to read another ordinary person's comments, I know how to access blogs and the like. I have tried very hard to adjust to this new format. It simply does not provide me with the features that I like while the old homepage did. No amount of settling for "news by popularity" will change that. I have been viewing MSNBC and CNN and YAHOO to decide which homepage to switch to.

Comment from Tammy on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T13:12:44Z

Why do we need change for the sake of change? Do we really need to vote on stories?

I've used Netscape from the very beginning and often receommended it to others - not anymore!
I don't like the new netscape, it's terrible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I agree with a lot of people in that I'll be looking for a new homepage unless the old version comes back. But maybe that's what AOL wants.

Comment from holly on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T13:21:52Z

I liked the old Netscape because I liked getting a roundup of news headlines in one glance. I don't want to have to hunt by scrolling a page to see what other visitors have deemed popular. And I don't like the sidebar either.
I've switched to MSN as my homepage. If you go back to the `old' Netscape, I'll be back. Don't know why you messed with a good thing.

Comment from Downwind on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T13:43:05Z

The instant I saw the "new" Netscape, I emailed them that I would drop it as my browser if they did not go back to a previous version.

I am not concerned with such terms as "Diggs" or other computerese, only in having a useful and easy to navigate browser with no added JUNK features.

All that's needed now is to find a browser that works, and I'm out of here.

Comment from Crackln on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T13:49:41Z

I don't even know what Digg is, however if I wanted a message board I would fine one. I tried registering but it simply will not take - IT'S A MESS. I have never had any problem finding a news story I wanted and don't need others "voting" on whats news worthy. I DON'T like the new format. I changed my home page on the first day to another. If Netscape changes back I'll come back.

Comment from Eric on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T13:53:18Z

"WTF!!!???" - my first reaction to the new netscape. I thought I was looking at the results from a search engine not a news page. I hate it bring back the old, change is not always good. Untill you do I'll be on MSN. Don't take too long.

Comment from David on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T13:53:48Z

For me, the most bothersome thing was to open my home page and see something very different with no notice (or at least none I noticed). Viseral reaction - I simply deleted it and went to my Canadian netscape which is thankfully still the same (I found this when going to delete temporary internet file through IE). I deleted soo quickly that I didn't check but why not give us the choise in big, obvious buttons at the top - traditional or diggs.

Comment from Lisa on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T14:02:18Z

I detest the new home page. I have tried to "get used to it" and see if that made a difference, but it hasn't. I have no interest in "blogs" and I could care less how anyone votes on a particular news item. I want the news to be there and *I* will choose what I want. I don't really care what anyone else thinks about a particular story and, if I did, I am certain that I can go somewhere else on the Internet to find out. I have always detested AOL as well (The Disneyland of the Internet - "This way to the pablum, kids!") so this disappointment is not really a surprise. Telling me I can format my own page does not really help either. I maintain our project website and that is as much formatting of web pages as I want to do. I guess I will just have to shop for a new homepage.

Comment from Ronny on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T14:08:35Z

I think the new style is hidious, I‚Äôm on the web since the early 90‚Äôs and a web site style like that reminds me what I saw 10 years ago. I wouldn‚Äôt say I hate it, but to be frank it turns me off big time. I‚Äôm a Netscape fan since the beginning, I hardly ever used MSN or IE, but it looks like I have to change my habbits, because I can NOT stand the new look. If you guys want to be innovative let me choose the look but don‚Äôt change from a decent looking site to UGLY! PLEASE keep Netscape alive and don‚Äôt mess it up!

Comment from archer3 on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T14:10:59Z

I agree with most posts. the new netscape is frustrating. Changing to the ISP setting didn't do enough good to make it worth the effort. I know that netscape/aol does not really care what the users think, they care about the advertising $$. Too bad, so sad, another good program goes the path to decrepitude.
KEN.

Comment from Roy on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T14:14:41Z

Netscape has accomplished the impossible. It destroyed itself. I along with the majority of respondents to the "new" layout have switched to MSN as my homepage. Take a second look at yourself and switch back to the original layout.

Comment from Frank on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T14:20:17Z

This site sucks since you changed format. Bring back the old format.

Comment from lakesorceress on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T14:21:37Z

I haven't got the time to be personalizing another homepage. All of my information is attached to this site so I am not pleased with the change. So if I spend the time doing so, I will use another site just to show my displeasure. This reminds me of the New Coke fiasco!

Comment from Jonita on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T14:30:29Z

I was really shocked several weeks ago when I went to my home page and saw the new format. I don't like it. I like the old format better. It was quicker to scan the overall page and see what was in the news and look at any stories I wanted to read. I don't know if my vote does any good, but bring back the old home page. I looked at the AOL.com page and still don't like it. I want my old home page back!!

Comment from CHILIEJAPONES on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T14:35:22Z

for us older folks who barely can turn on a computer the new page is very BAD..I will be looking for a new home page thats more simple....us older folks don't even know all the new lingo that the younger people use...we still spell our words, not abreiveate them....half the time I have no idea whats going on....

Comment from Michael K. Lewis on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T14:38:41Z

I don't like the new Netscape and want to return to the former.

Comment from Kirby on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T14:42:18Z

I do NOT like the new style and I will be at another site until Netscape switches back. I will check this site to see if they switch back but only for a short while.

Comment from Leon on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T14:45:35Z

For the person who posted comments #74 & #75: Just because people are taking advantage of the ability to voice their opinions on the new format of Netscape's homepage doesn't mean they should like the layout. I've had Netscape as my homepage for about as long as it's been around. Adding new features is good. A total revamping of the entire site is not. For the powers that be to tell those who have supported them for many years that, in essence, you don't care what they want is not a good way to gain acceptance for your new format. I agree with others who have stated that a gradual change to this new way of doing things may have worked better. Even offering a setup option of which style you want for the layout would be good. Being able to give my opinion on things every now and then is good. Having my choice of most improtant news voted on is not.

Comment from jake on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T14:52:22Z

I hate your new site, it sucks.
I also don't care to have gay & Lesbian junk
thrust into my face everytime visit. I'm getting sick of all this gay garbage!
Goodbye.

Comment from r on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T14:53:35Z

This is realy bad I have encouraged others to use Netscape but now this is causing me to use internet Explorer. I will give this some time but not much.

Comment from Bob on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T14:56:45Z

Ugh!!!!

Comment from mike on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T14:58:43Z

I agree with the others here on this thread-the new home page is just plain bad. Do us a favor, techno-geeks, please restore the old home page-it's bad enough you inflicted 8.0 on us! Don't make me run to Firefox or gasp! Internet Explorer!

Comment from ann on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T15:04:22Z

I hate the new netscape!!!!

Comment from Rose on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T15:10:59Z

I hate it.

Comment from Nick on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T15:13:51Z

I can't stand the new Netscape design. I still visit the site every so often in the hope that it's gone back to being easy to use. Until then, I'm using other portals.

Comment from Rikki on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T15:17:11Z

The new Netscape is for the geeks that live on the web, not those of us that have a busy life and need to be on and off the net quickly to get on with the rest of the day. Why not run both simultaneously. That way the real people and the geeks can all be happy. As for me personally the old style fit my lifestyle perfectly. Believe me, there is much more to life than the web. Netscape was my morning newspaper, but with the new format it is too cumbersom to pick out the relevant stories in a fast and efficient manner. One liners for stories works much better. And by the way this is not neutral comment. I positively do not like the new format and want the old one back.

Comment from Rob on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T15:25:21Z

Count me as one who HATES the new format. MSN is now my home page and I'm not too thrilled with them.

Comment from Michael on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T15:25:26Z

I am a business owner for the past 33 years. My company employees and I use Netscape since it became available. It was safer, easier to negotiate, had a wide range of topics on the front page.

Now the front page is designed for people whom only want to read the popular stuff which is often a total waste of time for people with brains and diversity.

As a business owner, I see what you are doing. That is dumping the old crowd, like me, in favor of people without lives and computer geeks. You had a niche, but are dumping it in favor of a new niche. If it works for Netscape, the right change was made, financially (only).

It doesn't work for me and I will be leaving as soon as I find time to look at other sites.

Why not do the "MyNetscape" suggestion. Well, I have tried the MyNetscape 3 or 4 times over the past 10-12 years...and didn't like it. Plus, one is forced to get another email address, and then threatened to lose the ability to go into MyNetscape if I don't use it often enough. I know this is not professiona of me to say, but - this is a BUNCH of BULL CRAP!

Good bye!
Michael

Comment from JT on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T15:25:32Z

I have been a staunch netscape supporter since 95. However now I am going to switch. The new format is for teenagers and young adults. Give me the news in a easy format not opinions about the news and what I should read. Not sure how much larger your audience has gotten with the new format. My guess is you are going to loose quite a few members.

Comment from Sam on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T15:29:10Z

Your new Netscape format is both dynamic and INFORMATIVE. As for ease of use, it could not have been more easily formatted. The simple scroll-down feature of articles could not have been made easier. The broader spectrum of news articles offered is far more informative and balanced. These new distinctions ARE your attraction. If ALL a person wants is to hear from the same media merchants you have found on every TV media source forever and have since been copied on every web server site forever, they have a plethora of such surplus options to choose from. If you wish to live with you informational head in the sand simply contiue to choose one or all of them.

In the meantime Netscape, thank you for providing a broader diversity and IMPOTANT opportunity for WE THE PEOPLE to also report, communicate and be heard. That is what will either allow true freedom to flourish or be eradicated. If a people wish to have a clear voice of accountability to the ‚Äòservants‚Äô they hire and paying to govern them, they need someone who is willing to offers a universally accessible PUBLIC platform that allows those being served to also present THEIR VOICE on information that effects and DIRECTS THEIR LIVES. That is the foundation and intent found in the words of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Right. READ THEM.

Comment from JEB on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T15:30:35Z

That satire of Brad being 'gay' killed it for me. Not the satire itself -- the astonishing fact that people took it seriously (i.e., misunderstood it), that it was poorly labeled/tagged/sourced, and that it was at or near the top of your 'news' section for a very long time. Simply put, I don't wish to be getting my news based on number of hits by the dunce-like majority or based on the dubious faculties of Netscape's self-appointed newshounds. And several steps to the actual story? Only to find many dead links? What was Netscape thinking?? Can it possibly have become any more irrelevant any more quickly???

Comment from George Stone on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T15:33:12Z

I never used Netscape for news! It was (notice I said was) the most reliable email service on the planet. I can't get my mail unless I fill out forms which I don't understand the questions to, and now my AOL account names come poping up, what the hell is this? I run a business with emails to China, I can't save new emails to address book, I can't find my two email accounts. I'm loosing money and time BIG TIME. Can someone help me solve my problem? Not unless I pay Netscape to talk to a person, It isn't my fault!! I don't care what the page looks like, just give me my mail, please.

Comment from WeekendCowBoy on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T15:34:52Z

The new Netscape homepage is not a worthwhile place to call home. Almost anything else would be better.

Comment from Chris on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T15:35:38Z

I have to agree with the majority of posts above. As a software developer, I consider myself a computer savvy person, and this monster is difficult for me to use. The format is ugly, the links go nowhere at times, and clicking the "visit site" tags and then having to navigate another site to find the story I wanted is a pain. I'm all for user interaction, but this is just stupid.

Where do I vote for the old Netscape?

Comment from Black Sucks on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T15:36:23Z

If hating the color black wasn't enough, now they go and screw up my homepage. WTF!!! I've been using netscape.com since 1995 man! Whoever said "This new homepage is gonna make us great" must be one huge crack smokin' dumbass!!! Shit man this stinks bad! I want my old netscape.com back and I want it now! F**K the new format and F**K AOL with it!!!

Comment from EJG on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T15:36:52Z

I hate this "new netscape" It is a dissappointment! Get rid of it please and bring back the old trusted home page!

Comment from Jack Derouin on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T15:37:01Z

The genious who made this change will not go back to what we want. That would be admiting they were wrong. I'm used to my favorites in every area of life being changed for the worst. The captains of industry have taken down many a company with their self-centered arrogance. Move on folks.

Comment from Mike Wilson on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T15:41:47Z

I find that I am using my granddaughters MSN more and my NETSCAPE less!

Comment from regina on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T15:44:21Z

i hate the new format. i've used netscape as my home page for years; consistently resetting every new computer i've used to automatically send me to netscape. i liked the format, knew right where to look to find the things i was interested in, and the new format does not work for me. as soon as i find another homepage that has what the old netscape has, i'm changing.

Comment from prowler on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T15:49:56Z

CAN ANYONE OUT THERE TELL ME HOW TO TRANSVERE MY BOOKMARKS TO IE OR MSN

Comment from Sandy Mitchell on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T16:08:01Z

Netscape has dug their own grave. Give me back my old Netscape or give me another browser.

Comment from JDW on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T16:11:21Z

Is it just me, or did left wing bloggers take over the news content? All the news articles seem to be Anti-Bush, Anti-war, anti-conservative, etc. If my barber subjected me to a politcal rant / slant I'd find another barber. Guess I'm out of here!

Comment from Kathleen Fallon on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T16:14:38Z

I LOVE THE NEW FORMAT!!! SO DOES MY HUSBAND, WHO IS A SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER. WHEN HE COMES HOME, HE JUST WANTS TO CHILL, PERUSING ON TOP APPLICATIONS. HE USES NETSCAPE IN THE AM AND PM. I'M A PROLIFIC RESEARCHER,AND NETSCAPE IS ONE FRUITFUL, REFRESHING, AND USER FRIENDLY WEBSITE THAT I INCLUDE IN CONCERT WITH A FEW OTHERS.
THANKS FOR HAVING THE BACKBONE TO PUT SOMETHING NEW AND FRESH OUT THERE,
HIGH KUDOS TO YOU!
KATHY FALLON

Comment from martin rogers on 2006-07-10

2006-07-10T16:15:48Z

Dear Netscape,
I HATE THIS NEW FORMAT. I'm SO UPSET I've HAD TO INCREASE MY BLOOD PRESSURE MEDS.
If the change was better it might have been acceptable but now it's like reading the ingredients on a cereal box. Looking to move.
BYE.