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(Unnoticed or unchecked) Variation + Initiative = Tampering (even here!!)
In May 2002 I used the site's stylesheet to change the background colour slightly (in an attempt to give the site a fresh look). The result on my FrontPage (my webpage editor) and Internet Explorer (my browser) was a very soft pink.
But....Netscape rendered the new background a very bright red that made the site so difficult to read. Sub-headings disappeared in the background - the background colour in Netscape was bright red just like the sub-headings. This is not to imply any criticism of Netscape!! Netscape does what Netscape does! And so does Internet Explorer !! It is the difference (variation) between them that contributed to my difficulties. Difficulties identified and communicated by a kind member of the DEN list. (Thanks Andy!!)
And the background colour was fierce - quite the opposite to what I was trying to achieve. I enjoy the peace that quality brings to busy and complex situations. In fact it was the confidence and calmness of the first people I met who were involved in quality that convinced me there was something of value and importance to be discovered.
I have since changed the background to white AND CHECKED WHAT NETSCAPE DID WITH MY CHANGES. I am sure a number of people have visited the site using Netscape during its 'violent red phase' and immediately switched off. I would have done the same.
So this has been another case study on the impact of
- variation (in this case, between browsers)
- together with my tampering (making a change without fully checking out the implications)
My actions had a very negative impact of the quality of some people's experience of the website.
Embarrassing!! And I apologise to those who may have had a poor experience.
More importantly I apologise to those who might now miss out on some benefit from what the website teaches. - Ivan Webb