CNET 2008 beta test expansion

As I wrote in a post in June, we are updating our look and feel after nearly 13 years of variations on neon yellow and green.

We are expanding our beta testing, so you may be seeing the new site when you come to any of the CNET sites (News, Reviews, Downloads, CNET TV).

It's a work in progress--if you land on the new pages, give us some feedback (fill out the brief feedback form linked at the top of the pages).

[Michichael]

Eh. It's OK. I've noticed a number of issues in Firefox 3 where the feeds don't parse correctly. One of the most annoying things is trying to find a specific story and having to scroll through paragraphs under the headlines instead of just the headlines. Also, the "Most popular" grid was a nice touch that helped us find interesting stuff.... the new most popular list doesn't stand out enough to make it interesting.

[dude7895]

I like it, but its a pain to find the blogs on the new version. In the old one they were all right there at the bottom of the page.

[gerrrg]

I still wish the blogs were as easy to get to as the old version of site 1.45b or whatever. I know, an extra half step to pull down...but I liked it when I just needed to click on the blog button.

[smonoco]

I like it pretty much apart from the bars near the top of the page and i miss the podcast link on the front page. however, i think its an improvement overall

[ofmyony]

I agree, I think they should add a podcast and blogs tab with a drop down menu along the top with the current tabs.

The firefox and apple boxes are a non issue for me so if it makes Cnet money I can live with it but I don't think it is really needed.

I really like the Cnet tv page

[Lamppost0]

I guess you guys are committed to getting rid of the green and yellow, huh? That's a damn shame. It's, you know, just the most easily recognizable part of your website, and a significant part of your brand equity, and something that quickly and easily differentiates you from the bajillion other tech websites out there.

But I'm sure you have fine reasons for doing so.

[08Rabbit]

Yeah, i agree with you. I come to this site becuase not only the content is better, but the look is special. It feels very welcoming.

[bztone]

Brilliant. Dump 13 years of brand building to go with some techie fanboy wrapper.

Who'd you hire to come up with this idea - the New Coke launch team?

[TV James]

Eh. It's ok. I visit off the newsletter exclusively and I've been seeing it for awhile. Didn't realize I was special.

I'm more concerned about the newsletter. Once again you've chopped off the text links at the bottom. Please, please bring them back (again). They usually have 5-6 useful stories in them.

[Penguinisto]

Works well enough on the Mac (in both Safari and FF), and on Linux (though there were a couple of times it demanded Silverlight, though I think that was tied to one of Ina's stories on the subject).

Funny thing is, I see it just fine @ home, but @ work, I get the old layout. I assume you're just tying it to IP addys?

/P

[MikePitt]

The yellow and green colors and layout have served CNET well for 13 years. What a good idea to dump your trademark theme and move to something like everyone else's. This makes me really want to invest in the new Coke, and the new CNET. How about something different and sticking with your trademark colors and themes and just keeping good content?? Hey, there's an idea, content is king!!!

[djc8080]

I beg to differ. Code is king. Content supports great code.

CNET has experimented with many code features. I hope they continue the tradition to balance technology and publishing.

[btljooz]

MikePitt, I think you make quite a valid point.

I wonder what all this "homogenization" in the looks of sites is all about. What [b]exactly[/b] is [i]wrong[/i] with being different, anyway? ?:| ? : |

[dfarber]

Thx for the feedback....will see what we can do to address some of the issues..but no going back to green and yellow this time...
DF

[08Rabbit]

Thats disappointing to hear...

[Lamppost0]

Why?

[nacler]

That's too bad. The "green and yellow" version is much easier on the eyes. There is more contrast. The new version is... well, dark and dank. I find it significantly more difficult to read. The serif fonts, especially the article titles, don't scan well.

[btljooz]

I guess you're doing away with [b][u][i]ALL[/i][/u][/i] the fun stuff? ? : |