6 Design Mistakes Of Gay Websites

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by j. brotherlove

Suffice it to say, if a website has a gay audience in mind, I’ve probably seen it; and cringed. It’s appalling how many of our sites are just plain awful. Aren’t we supposed to be “creative” and “artsy”? As a graphic and web designer, I feel compelled to assist in these matters. Somebody has to say it. Thusly, I’ve compiled this list of 6 Design Mistakes Of Gay Websites.

1. Improper Use of Flash

   Flash can bring interactivity and pizazz to a website; when it’s done properly. Unfortunately, the trend is to overuse the application with oversized, poorly optimized (slow to load) splash pages and embedded text, making it impossible to copy details like dates and addresses. And what about printing? Flash does not inherently make your website better; good design does.

2. Bad Code

   Writing code is a skill. To be fair, most visitors can’t tell whether your HTML is well-formed or not; except in a surprising number of cases where the web designer hasn’t even titled the document. Ever go to a website and see pages labeled “Untitled” in the browser? Not cute. Well-written and validated code also makes redesigning simpler. Every website needs redesigning at some point. Plan for it.

3. Lack Of Copywriting

   We’re great at slapping half-naked pictures of hot men on the web. It works in getting eyeballs to the website. But what is the message once we get there? Everyone knows content is king. Yet, copywriting is nonexistent on many of our sites, lending to bad grammar and misspellings of common words. I’m not asking for genius. But the ability to spellcheck has been around for over 10 years. Check your content before you upload; then check it again.

4. Outdated Content

   This is probably the biggest issue for all websites. If you have a website announcing an event; keep in mind how your website will look after the event has ended. Are you thanking participants? Listing additional resources? Or are you still displaying “upcoming events” that happened last year?

5. Unexpected Music

   Even before MySpace made web music ubiquitous, gay organizations embedded sound files into their web pages. I can’t stress this enough: Music is only appropriate for club sites or music artists. And even then there should be a clear way to turn it off! There’s nothing worse than visiting a website and being assaulted by the latest house diva or hip hop remix.

6. Just Plain Ugly

   Admittedly, “ugly” is relative. But you would think that gay sites would be more aesthetically appealing. Not so. Outside of sexy pics seen all over the web, gay websites are prone to a dependence on tables and frames to organize content (causing weird scrolling situations). Show me a site that still clings to rainbows and pink triangles for design inspiration and I can’t click away fast enough!

The take away is this: In addition to adding creativity to the look of our websites, more thought needs to be placed on the content, structure and usability, as well. Style over substance may work in social settings. But eventually, that sexy dime piece needs to speak.

I intended to list examples of websites that exhibited these mistakes. But I’ll let you be the judge. What are your pet peeves about the design of websites for organizations, businesses, or clubs catering to a gay audience? Or does it even matter to you?

Number 5 is the one I hate the most. There should always be a way to turn the music off or an option to skip to the next page, where hopefully there isn’t music. Organizations that use music in this way just look unprofessional.

But now what do you mean by a “gay website?” A website by a gay person, for gay people regardless of who designed it, by a gay organization, containing gay subject matter, what?

Thanks Bernie. I edited that last bit to read: “What are your pet peeves about the design of websites for organizations, businesses, or clubs catering to a gay audience?”

I don’t think these are particularly just gay website design mistakes, tons of designers make these mistakes!

I’m guessing the point thebrotherlove is trying to make, Jason, is that the aesthetic of these sites should reflect the artistry and progressive attitude of the gay community. But perhaps I’m being presumptuous. :-)

You’re both right. These mistakes are indeed evident all over the net. Since I concentrate on LGBT issues on this site, I decided to focus on that.

The fact I can’t name many websites catering to gay community that I consider to be innovative (or even practical) is sad.

“…the aesthetic of these sites should reflect the artistry and progressive attitude of the gay community.”

Or at least the artistry and progressive attitude of the organization, business or club. Hot mess translates in many mediums, sadly.

I didn’t think about it until now but when I go to pride sites so many of them only have info about last year. What’s up with that?

Nestor, I’ve thought the same thing. Why is the information so “old”. I must admit though, I haven’t been to many LGBT oriented sites in quite some time, due to that reason.

Plus, when there is just “too much” on the site, I tend to just click away. I can’t stand a cluttered site, LGBT or not.

Trust me, brother, plenty of straight and non-sexual sites needs the saaaaaaame wake-up call!

Nice post. And get I get an AMEN for #1? Flash is something I get inquiries about often, especially Flash splash pages… I hate to break it to clients, but Flash just isn’t meant for that. It hurts your rankings in search engines and annoys visitors to your site.