IE6 DeathMarch

Bevan Rudge

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September 1, 2008

IE6 DeathMarch

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IE6 Death March has led the way in the movement to stop support for IE6. Help your web developers help you to save money, conserve their sanity, build better websites and make the internet a better place. With so many other great browsers available, IE6 is just not worth the effort anymore. If you think you really need to support IE6, I have two things to say to you;
  1. Are you sure?; The longer you support IE6 the longer it will take for IE6 users to get a real browser. It's a chicken-egg situation, and it's up to website developers and owners to make the next move.
  2. Compromise; If supporting IE6 is actually important for your website, then consider compromising; Tell your site visitors that their web experience is greatly reduced and they should download firefox. Trevor has a list of other tips to help you find some middle ground to get your visitors off of IE6 without throwing them out in the cold.
If you're still afraid, look at Facebook's example setter Screenshot of Facebook in IE6 showing Facebook's message encouraging visitors to upgrade to IE7 or switch to another browser

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Trevor September 3, 2008
The only concern I have to the success of this idea is the name, and this is the same kind of issue I had with the Drupal module IEDestroyer. We're not out to kill or destroy anything, we just want to get some browsers switched so that it costs our clients less to support everyone, which means more money can go into distinguishing and useful features. I don't think many corporate or institutional IT directors would support a Death March of any kind. The negative language detracts from the desired outcomes.
Gregory Heller September 3, 2008
I think you are right. The framing is all wrong for the mainstream, though it may appeal to developers who loath Microsoft. These campaigns (and modules) reinforce the anti-microsoft geek stereotypes that most computer users hold by using bombastic language about issues they feel like they could care less about. Facebook is a compelling example to point to since so often we hear things like "Can't it work like on Facebook..." well now, finally, here is one thing that Facebook is doing that I can whole heartedly endorse. All of this begs the question though, what should the module or campaign be called? "The Campaign For Modern Web Browser Awareness" lacks a certain sexiness.
Bevan Rudge September 3, 2008
These are very good points. And I agree. More neutral, or at least positive language, like goPHP5 employed, would help make this sellable to the corporate and mainstream communities. I propose we come up witha better name and brand and get a website together. the folk behind IE6 DeathMarch might even be willing to share their resources to join forces.