The Bigger They Are — The Less They Care
The Bigger They Are —
The Less They Care
HOW BIG IS TOO BIG for a service company? Many big companies provide ‘necessary’ services to those using the Internet. For example, WordPress was used to post this entry.
Is there a point when they become so enamored with themselves and their perceived worth, they cease to fill the wants and needs of their clients? (And by clients I mean all the consumers using their services, not just the majority –which can be anywhere from 51% to 99.99 %.) Do they instead, do things or provide services they think important or relevant to their own needs? Things they think the consumers want, not what they actually need?
ACCESSIBILITY A FAD?:
Of the millions of people who access the Internet daily, over 30 million of them have some sensory or motor disability necessitating the use of adaptive equipment. From the inability to ‘see’ the screen, to the lack of hand mobility to use a mouse, adaptive equipment and software has tried to compensate for and make available, the ‘wonders of the Internet’. When the Internet came into being, it was thought it would be the ‘Great Equalizer’. Sitting behind a computer keyboard, no one else could see if you sat in a wheelchair, could not type, or could not see the computer screen. But then technology took off, and those of us who do things a bit differently, were left in the dust.
THREE EXAMPLES:
Let’s consider: YahooGroups, Google, and WordPress and see how ‘user friendly’ they are to those using adaptive equipment.
YAHOOGROUPS.COM
Invisible Links and No Easy Communication
In order to register for a lecture (or series of them) hosted by YahooGroups, one must ‘read’ a graphic symbol to prove one is human. This is impossible for those who use screen readers, as they only read text; those with many forms of color blindness, as they cannot differentiate colors; and those with certain vision difficulties, including contrast and clarity problems.
But wait. YahooGroups has conveniently provided a link to an alternate way to prove one’s humanness. Will it be an audio password? Or something else? Just click on this link below and see:
Did you click on the link? What? You couldn’t find it? Well, golly-gee, no one has complained about it. It must be your problem.
And that’s partially due to the fact that on YahooGroups the way to communicate with them is neither easy nor intuitive. Instead of a contact link, YahooGroups uses a Let us know link. It brings you to a Groups Suggestion Board.
Here, you input your suggestion and then you… what? There’s no link to submit or review your suggestion. And no instructions on what to do. The rest of the links are for reading and commenting on the suggestions of others. I haven’t been able to find any of the comments I’ve made (it doesn’t tell you in which category it’s putting your suggestion in, if any at all. Nor have I ever received anything from YahooGroups about receiving my comments. Did they actually get in? I have no idea. So, this giant doesn’t even care if someone’s tapping to get in. Now, every time I take a class hosted by YahooGroups, I contact the moderator and ask nicely for him/her to add me to the class list. So far, it’s worked. The question is: Why should I have to do things differently? Accessibility shouldn’t be an option; rather it should be a facet of a service or website.
GOOGLE.COM
Unwanted New Version And Links Going Nowhere:
I used to use Google as my browser. But when Google Chrome came out, I stopped. Why, you might ask. I’ll tell you.
One day, when I went to use Google, my screen reader wouldn’t talk. I tried everything, but no sound. A sighted person told me I had to choose either ‘OK’ or ‘Cancel’. For what?
To update to Google Chrome. I was hesitant about updating Google. I was finally feeling comfortable with it and didn’t want anything ‘newer’ or ‘better’. But Google wouldn’t work until I chose. So I chose Cancel to see what happened. It threw me out of Google. So, I went back in and tried OK.
While it did update to Google Chrome, this new version was NOT accessible to me. So now I use MSN as my browser. Another befuddled giant.
Note:
I went back to check on Google. It now has a link to click if you use adaptive equipment. I clicked the link and Google seemed to work, though I didn’t test it extensively. Invigorated, I tried to access my Gmail account. Unable to remember my password, I used the link where you put in your email address and it’s supposed to give you your user name and password. But, I never got that far. At the point where one is supposed to interpret the graphic, I chose the audio option. Nothing happened. After several tries, none of which went anywhere, I gave up, and went back to MSN.com. If you have a link for alternate accessibility, it should work, not just take up space by doing nothing.
WORDPRESS.COM (OR WORDPRESS.ORG)
Adaptability, We Did That Once
WordPress had, some time ago, a version that was ‘sort of’ compatible with adaptive equipment. Version 2.5. While not totally accessible, adaptive equipment could interact with it enough to: create posts and pages, edit posts, comment on, and delete posts. Not being able to use a mouse, I write and do the majority of the edits in Word and then paste the post into WordPress. This is the least aggravating way for me.
I admit I did NOT set up the linked blogs I use. (In addition to this one there are: BarbaraLBates.com/POLAD (POLAD stands for Passages of Light and Darkness and is where I’ll be posting things about my writing.) and BarbaraLBates.com/LivingForLife, where I plan to post items on the RENS system (Rest, Exercise, Nutrition, And Spirit or Self-actualization). I am, slowly but surely, learning how to use my blogs’ functions.
But, back to the story. After version 2.5, I guess WordPress decided accessibility was only a fad and went back to being glitzy and mouse-friendly and to heck with accessibility. So, this blog is based on version 2.5, even though the latest version is 3.0.1. And it will stay at 2.5 until WordPress gets its head out of the sand and resuscitates accessibility.
I’m not holding my breath. A giant who’s seen the sun and got scared? Or did WordPress glimpse the yellow orb and decide it didn’t like it?
Let’s face it ADA is a fact not a fad. But as the world’s population ages and more people need a bit extra something (which will probably come under the heading adaptive equipment), perhaps the light will dawn and more sites will become accessible. We can hope. So, to all you ‘big guys’, either make your programs accessible or get out of the race. Maybe you’d do better watching from the sidelines as younger, hungrier companies embrace accessibility.
References:
Yahoogroups.com
Google.com
WordPress.org
October 24th, 2010 at 8:00 am
Actually I read it yesterday but I had some thoughts about it and today I wanted to read it again because it is very well written.
October 24th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Thats some really good points.
November 2nd, 2010 at 8:36 am
People are getting more interest about this lately and definitely this is not without a reason.
November 7th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
That’s Too nice, when it comes in india hope it can make a Rocking place for youngster.. hope that
come true.
November 8th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Nice post! GA is also my biggest earning. However, it’s not a much.
December 4th, 2010 at 8:08 am
What is captcha code?, pls provide me captcha code codes or plugin, Thanks upfront.
December 4th, 2010 at 11:46 am
dai dai hua: I have no idea even what a captcha code is? If you’d tell me, I may be able to find out.
December 14th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
What i find difficult is to find a blog that can capture me for a minute but i think you offer something different. Keep it like this.
December 21st, 2010 at 6:00 pm
This is a good subject to talk about. Usually when I find stuff like this I stumble it. Although this time I’m not sure if this would be best for the users. I will be sure to submit something else though.
December 23rd, 2010 at 11:21 am
that is Too nice, when it comes in india hope it could possibly make a Rocking location for youngster.. hope that
come true.
December 24th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
24. As I browse through my net, I used to be fascinated with the title of your write-up and then I discover it very useful and one of a kind. It appears that the content is solid.
December 25th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
This has genuinely sparked up an idea in my mind. That is a great web site submit.
December 25th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
I only wanted to say thanks for your write up.
December 27th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Super-Duper site! I am loving it!! Will come back again - taking you feeds also, Thanks.
Hello. Great job. I did not expect this on a Wednesday. This is a great story. Thanks!
December 28th, 2010 at 3:07 am
Hello, this is a really fascinating web blog and ive loved reading several of the articles and posts contained upon the site, sustain the great work and hope to read a lot more exciting articles in the time to come.
December 28th, 2010 at 3:25 am
Helpful information thanks. I added your blog on my favorite, will visit again.
December 28th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
I did a search on the subject and discovered most men and women will concur with your blog.Such a well written post.. Thnkx for sharing this post!
December 28th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
A helpful article, I just passed this onto a workfellow who was doing a little analysis on that. And he in fact purchased me dinner because I found it for him. :).. So let me rephrase that: Thanks for the treat! But yeah Thanks for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and enjoy learning more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is highly helpful for me. Two thumb up for this share!
December 28th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Thanks for the post. Nice article.
December 28th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
5. Great day, As I used to be looking over the internet, I discovered this, your weblog site. In fact most of the individuals comments are relevant and, you are brilliant in making write ups.
December 29th, 2010 at 12:32 am
You’re not the average blog author, man. You surely have something powerful to add to the World Wide Web. Such a wonderful blog. I’ll revisit again for more.
December 30th, 2010 at 2:28 am
I don’t always agree with your posts, but this was dead on, way to go!
January 1st, 2011 at 2:12 am
following that I arrived to your website.
January 1st, 2011 at 1:16 pm
As a blog reader, I’m readily on the search for reads that are both appealing and worthwhile to digest and I must say the blog passed my criteria. Thanks so much for your wonderful articles you’ve created! Will be returning soon!
January 3rd, 2011 at 11:45 am
You recognize, it is really funny as a result of I awoke this morning having had a dream about this very topic
January 3rd, 2011 at 12:00 pm
You understand, it is actually funny as a result of I awoke this morning having had a dream about this very topic
January 4th, 2011 at 7:51 pm
Technology never ceases to interest me.
January 4th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
http://personalinjuryclaims1.co.uk/whiplash-compensation-ienb3967eut/ Thanks for that awesome posting. It saved MUCH time
January 8th, 2011 at 12:30 am
Excuse my stupidity, but I can’t seem to find your sites rss feeds. Can you tell me where it is? Thanks.
January 8th, 2011 at 5:48 am
To all the above commentors. Blogs can be much better to read if You can keep Your comments simple and to the point. No-one likes to read giant comments when the concept can be conveyed using a not as long comment.
January 9th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
Forgive my stupidity, but I can’t for the life of me find your sites rss feeds. Mind directing me to it? Thanks.
January 9th, 2011 at 10:56 pm
Hiya! awesome blog! I happen to be a daily visitor to your site (somewhat more like addict
) of this website. Just wanted to say I appreciate your blogs and am looking forward for more!
January 9th, 2011 at 11:42 pm
Thank you for the write up! Also, I noticed that your RSS feeds aren’t working. Could you take a look at that?
January 10th, 2011 at 12:41 am
Great piece of info! May I reference part of this on my blog if I post a backlink to this webpage? ThxThank you}.
January 10th, 2011 at 1:59 am
I agree with most of your points, but a few need to be discussed further, I will hold a small talk with my partners and maybe I will look for you some suggestion soon.
January 10th, 2011 at 2:20 am
Thanks for this post. I definitely agree with what you are saying. I have been talking about this subject a lot lately with my brother so hopefully this will get him to see my point of view. Fingers crossed!
January 10th, 2011 at 2:53 am
Excuse my stupidity, but I can’t seem to find your sites rss feeds. Can you tell me where it is? Thanks.
January 10th, 2011 at 8:52 pm
This is just what I was looking for. I did not expect that I’d get so much out of reading your write up! You’ve just got yourself a returning visitor
January 11th, 2011 at 12:03 am
This is just what I was looking for. I was not expecting that I’d get so much out of reading your write up! You’ve just earned yourself a returning visitor
January 11th, 2011 at 1:05 am
I just added this feed to my bookmarks. I have to say, I really enjoy reading your blogs. Thanks!
January 11th, 2011 at 1:46 am
Excuse my stupidity, but I can’t for the life of me find your sites rss feeds. Can you tell me where it is? Thanks.
January 11th, 2011 at 3:16 am
I just added this feed to my bookmarks. I have to say, I very much enjoy reading your blogs. Keep it up!
January 11th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
Man I like this comment and it is so good and I am definetly going to save it. One thing to say the Indepth analysis this article has is trully remarkable.Who goes that extra mile these days? Well Done. Just one more suggestion you caninstall a Translator for your Worldwide Audience .
January 11th, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Thank you for the write up! Also, just a heads up, your RSS feeds aren’t working. Could you take a look at that?
January 11th, 2011 at 10:56 pm
I’m having a small problem. I cannot subscribe to your rss feed for some reason. I’m using google reader by the way.
January 12th, 2011 at 12:59 am
Forgive my stupidity, but I can’t seem to find your sites rss feeds. Can you tell me where it is? Thanks.
January 13th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
I was questioning the identical factor. and discovered your internet site by bing, several userful stuff here, now i’m a bit clear. I’ve bookmark your web site and also add rss. maintain us updated.
January 15th, 2011 at 4:51 am
Thanks for the write up! Also, I noticed that your RSS feeds aren’t working. Could you take a look at that?
January 16th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
A very helpful I’ll blog this Share
January 16th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
A very helpful article, Google is increasingly important in daily life.
January 16th, 2011 at 9:24 pm
Great work! Keep posting good work. Thanks a lot!
January 18th, 2011 at 9:40 am
LetÂ’s be objective it isnÂ’t anything new , after reading this article I wasn’t the least bit nonplussed either.
January 19th, 2011 at 3:45 am
I think you have produced some really fascinating points. Not too many people would actually think about it the direction you just did. I am truly impressed that there is so much about this subject that has been uncovered and you made it so nicely, with so considerably class. Brilliant one, man! Really great things right here.
January 19th, 2011 at 7:02 am
An astonishing article, I just passed this onto a co-worker who was doing a little analysis on that. And he in fact bought me lunch because I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me rephrase that: Thanks for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for taking the time to talk about this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this share!
January 21st, 2011 at 5:44 am
Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful information specially the last part
I care for such information a lot. I was looking for this particular info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.
January 22nd, 2011 at 11:37 am
Thanks so much for this! I have not been this thrilled by a blog for a long time! You have got it, whatever that means in blogging. Anyway, Youre definitely somebody that has something to say that people should hear. Keep up the outstanding work. Keep on inspiring the people!
January 22nd, 2011 at 2:28 pm
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I’m quite certain I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
January 24th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
I’ll definitely have to look into this. Thank you!
January 25th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
This was a very interesting post!
January 26th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
Special piece you have realized here! The world wide web is awash of unsuitable writing and I was grabbed by your lucidity. Your determinations are precise and I will forthwith subscribe to your rss feed to remain up to date with your up future day postings. Yes! I accept it, your publishing style is grand and i need to improve on mine decidedly.
January 27th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
Good writing never goes out of style!
January 27th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Simply amazing article!!!
January 27th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
Good Web-Site, keep going !!!!
January 27th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
*”: I am very thankful to this topic because it really gives great information ~~”
January 28th, 2011 at 7:21 am
Wow!, this was a real quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too - taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I keep putting it off and never seem to achieve anything
January 29th, 2011 at 6:49 am
I would like to express some thanks to the writer just for rescuing me from such a situation. Because of surfing through the world wide web and seeing methods which are not beneficial, I figured my life was over. Being alive without the strategies to the issues you have fixed as a result of your good website is a serious case, and the ones which may have in a wrong way damaged my entire career if I had not discovered your website. Your natural talent and kindness in touching all things was vital. I am not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t discovered such a solution like this. It’s possible to at this point look forward to my future. Thanks a lot so much for the expert and sensible help. I won’t think twice to propose your site to anyone who wants and needs guidelines about this problem.
January 31st, 2011 at 4:40 am
“,* oh that is a nice piece of information, kinda refreshing on my brain ;.~
February 1st, 2011 at 12:57 am
‘.; oh that is a nice piece of information, kinda refreshing on my brain `.~
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:25 am
Wow, superb blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is wonderful, let alone the content!
February 2nd, 2011 at 11:51 pm
`-’ oh that is a nice piece of information, kinda refreshing on my brain -’;
February 3rd, 2011 at 8:19 am
I must express my appreciation to you just for rescuing me from such a incident. Just after scouting throughout the the web and seeing views which were not productive, I was thinking my life was gone. Living without the approaches to the issues you’ve resolved through this site is a crucial case, as well as the kind that might have adversely affected my career if I had not noticed your blog post. Your actual skills and kindness in handling every item was valuable. I’m not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t come across such a point like this. I’m able to at this point look ahead to my future. Thanks so much for your expert and result oriented help. I won’t hesitate to suggest the sites to any individual who will need tips on this issue.
February 4th, 2011 at 11:15 am
~.- oh that is a nice piece of information, kinda refreshing on my brain “;`
February 4th, 2011 at 8:37 pm
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read something like this before. So good to search out somebody with some original ideas on this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this website is one thing that’s wanted on the web, somebody with a little bit originality. useful job for bringing something new to the internet!
February 6th, 2011 at 2:50 am
very refreshing of your writing. thank you and please write more about this
February 6th, 2011 at 11:50 am
I WAIT FOR YOUR ARTICLE.
February 7th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
I wanna read more your articles!
February 8th, 2011 at 8:30 pm
It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or tips. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!
February 9th, 2011 at 10:28 pm
This page appears to get a good ammount of visitors. How do you advertise it? It offers a nice individual twist on things. I guess having something authentic or substantial to talk about is the most important thing.
February 9th, 2011 at 11:36 pm
I love the look of your website. I recently built mine and I was looking for some design ideas and you gave me a few. May I ask you whether you developed the website by youself?
February 10th, 2011 at 12:28 am
I agree with most of your points, but a few need to be discussed further, I will hold a small talk with my partners and maybe I will look for you some suggestion soon.
February 10th, 2011 at 1:20 am
Thank you for another fantastic article. Where else could anyone get that kind of info in such an ideal way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such info.
February 10th, 2011 at 3:30 am
I just added this feed to my bookmarks. I have to say, I really enjoy reading your blogs. Keep it up!
February 10th, 2011 at 4:19 am
F*ckin’ remarkable things here. I am very glad to see your article. Thanks a lot and i’m looking forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a mail?
February 10th, 2011 at 4:38 am
Thanks for this post. I definitely agree with what you are saying. I have been talking about this subject a lot lately with my brother so hopefully this will get him to see my point of view. Fingers crossed!
February 10th, 2011 at 11:41 am
If you keep posting articles like this then Im going to always keep coming back to your webpage. Amazing stuff.
February 10th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
thanks, good addition for my knowledge.
February 10th, 2011 at 6:06 pm
Thanks for the write up! Also, just a heads up, your RSS feeds aren’t working. Could you take a look at that?
February 10th, 2011 at 9:11 pm
Awesome piece of information! May I reference part of this on my blog if I post a backlink to this webpage? ThxThank you}.
February 10th, 2011 at 10:51 pm
Awesome piece of info! May I reference part of this on my blog if I post a backlink to this webpage? ThxThank you}.
February 10th, 2011 at 11:35 pm
Hiya! Fantastic blog! I happen to be a daily visitor to your site (somewhat more like addict
) of this website. Just wanted to say I appreciate your blogs and am looking forward for more!
February 11th, 2011 at 12:18 am
Thanks for this post. I definitely agree with what you are saying. I have been talking about this subject a lot lately with my brother so hopefully this will get him to see my point of view. Fingers crossed!
February 11th, 2011 at 4:45 am
Thanks for the writeup. I definitely agree with what you are saying. I have been talking about this subject a lot lately with my mother so hopefully this will get him to see my point of view. Fingers crossed!
February 11th, 2011 at 5:38 am
Great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
February 11th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
I will right away grab your rss as I can’t find your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly let me know in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.
February 11th, 2011 at 9:11 pm
I agree with most of your points, but a few need to be discussed further, I will hold a small talk with my partners and maybe I will look for you some suggestion soon.
February 11th, 2011 at 10:21 pm
Straight to the point and well written! Why can’t everyone else be like this?
February 11th, 2011 at 11:12 pm
Hey! Fantastic blog! I happen to be a daily visitor to your site (somewhat more like addict
) of this website. Just wanted to say I appreciate your blogs and am looking forward for more!
February 12th, 2011 at 4:48 am
Great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
February 12th, 2011 at 10:58 pm
I agree with most of your points, but a few need to be discussed further, I will hold a small talk with my partners and maybe I will look for you some suggestion soon.
February 13th, 2011 at 3:21 am
This page appears to get a good ammount of visitors. How do you advertise it? It offers a nice individual twist on things. I guess having something authentic or substantial to talk about is the most important thing.
February 13th, 2011 at 4:50 am
Great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
December 8th, 2011 at 8:08 am
… [Trackback] …
[…] Read More: barbaralbates.com/blog/?p=13 […] …