Music Loop Throughout

[gallery]

Our client insists on having a music loop playing as the visitor travels
throughout his new HTML website.

We will not be doing this in frames and I would prefer not to have the home
page spawn new pages from its links. Although that's the only solution that
I know of.

Does anyone have another solution?

[Philip Ronan]

gallery wrote:

Our client insists on having a music loop playing as the visitor travels
throughout his new HTML website.
I assume you've explained to your client why this is a big mistake?
We will not be doing this in frames and I would prefer not to have the home
page spawn new pages from its links. Although that's the only solution that
I know of.

Does anyone have another solution?

Not for an HTML website, unless you... No, don't even bother.

Perhaps a Flash website would do the job?

(But if I was you I'd ditch the client instead of embarking on an idiotic
project like this. Just my 2¢ worth.)

Good luck

--
phil [dot] ronan @ virgin [dot] net
http://vzone.virgin.net/phil.ronan/

[gallery]

I totally agree with you Phil ... this is a subject I have been arguing with
him for 5 years about. He insisted on music in the site we built for him way
back then.

The current site WILL have a Flash file in the header of the home page. What
I'll probably end up doing is just putting the music in in the Flash file
and then spawning new pages from there.

I was just hoping there was another way.

Thanks for your input.

"Philip Ronan" <in*****@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:BE82F94A.2EA60%in*****@invalid.invalid...

gallery wrote:

Our client insists on having a music loop playing as the visitor travels
throughout his new HTML website.

I assume you've explained to your client why this is a big mistake?

We will not be doing this in frames and I would prefer not to have the home page spawn new pages from its links. Although that's the only solution that I know of.

Does anyone have another solution?

Not for an HTML website, unless you... No, don't even bother.

Perhaps a Flash website would do the job?

(But if I was you I'd ditch the client instead of embarking on an idiotic
project like this. Just my 2¢ worth.)

Good luck

--
phil [dot] ronan @ virgin [dot] net
http://vzone.virgin.net/phil.ronan/

[Philip Ronan]

gallery wrote:

The current site WILL have a Flash file in the header of the home page. What
I'll probably end up doing is just putting the music in in the Flash file
and then spawning new pages from there.

I was just hoping there was another way.

The reason I suggested Flash is because (and I could be mistaken) you can
use it to connect to a server without sending the user to a different URL. I
think they call it "Remoting" or something equally awful.

So that way you could serve different pages from a single musical Flash
application at a single URL. It would be impossible to bookmark, of course,
but then who would want to? ;-)

Enjoy.

Phil

--
phil [dot] ronan @ virgin [dot] net
http://vzone.virgin.net/phil.ronan/

[Michael Stemper]

In article <JK********************@comcast.com>, gallery writes:

Our client insists on having a music loop playing as the visitor travels
throughout his new HTML website.

We will not be doing this in frames and I would prefer not to have the home
page spawn new pages from its links. Although that's the only solution that
I know of.

Does anyone have another solution?

Explaining to your client how many customers and potential customers would
be severely annoyed by this sounds like a good solution, not to mention
your professional obligation.

--
Michael F. Stemper
#include <Standard_Disclaimer>
If it's "tourist season", where do I get my license?

[Trammel]

"gallery" <m.******@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:fb********************@comcast.com...

I totally agree with you Phil ... this is a subject I have been arguing with him for 5 years about. He insisted on music in the site we built for him way back then.

The current site WILL have a Flash file in the header of the home page. What I'll probably end up doing is just putting the music in in the Flash file
and then spawning new pages from there.

I was just hoping there was another way.

Thanks for your input.

"Philip Ronan" <in*****@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:BE82F94A.2EA60%in*****@invalid.invalid...

gallery wrote:

Our client insists on having a music loop playing as the visitor travels throughout his new HTML website.

I assume you've explained to your client why this is a big mistake?

We will not be doing this in frames and I would prefer not to have the home page spawn new pages from its links. Although that's the only solution that I know of.

Does anyone have another solution?

Not for an HTML website, unless you... No, don't even bother.

Perhaps a Flash website would do the job?

(But if I was you I'd ditch the client instead of embarking on an idiotic project like this. Just my 2¢ worth.)

Good luck

--
phil [dot] ronan @ virgin [dot] net
http://vzone.virgin.net/phil.ronan/

There is ONE way that springs to mind to not using frames or Iframes and
keeping a music loop playing without it restarting but its NASTY and wont
work for everyone so will need an alternative made.

I only give this input as it COULD be done but I would never do it myself
:¬/

You could check the browser for Javascript being enabled and then use
Javascript to update the contents of a table depending on what link was
clicked within it using "onClick".

This would give a Frames effect by allowing the page to keep playing the
music loop without reloading it and the page would be refreshed by the
Javascript accessing the webserver and updating the contents of TD (No
actual page refresh... just JS connecting programatically to get the new
"page" and rewriting the page)

As I said.... this is an UGLY way of doing things and you would need to code
alternatives into the pages. (Like Javascript stops the link from being
followed after page updates... but if JS was disabled then full page would
be fetched as normal via the link just clicked)

[Bob]

I don't think the client's request is that bad, playing a little
background music will enhance the website especially for some kinds of
websites.

If I needed to offer the option to play music throughout the website
I'd accomplish this by putting a function on the onLoad() event of the
body element of the home page.

The function would pop up a tiny window that would have the code for
playing the midi or whatever sound file you are using. The tiny window
would give the viewers the option to turn off the music or play the
music. Place this window strategically so that it won't interfere with
the home page and dress it up a little to make it look high tech or at
least like you are giving them a special feature.

They won't know that the "real" reason you are doing it that way is
because it's a work around.

I think this is a good solution, let me know what you think.

Bob

[Harlan Messinger]

Bob wrote:

I don't think the client's request is that bad, playing a little
background music will enhance the website especially for some kinds of
websites.

Oh. And if I'm already listening to music, or news, or whatever, on my
computer, then by what right does this web site owner override my choice
of listening fare with something *he* thinks I should listen to?

[Philip Ronan]

Bob wrote:

I don't think the client's request is that bad, playing a little
background music will enhance the website especially for some kinds of
websites.

No it won't

Unless you use a MIDI file, you don't have enough bandwidth to provide music
of adequate audio quality that lasts long enough not to sound tedious when
repeated over and over again.

If your visitor is on a dialup connection, then your page will take forever
to load.

If you *do* use a MIDI file, then it will sound rubbish anyway, unless
(perhaps) the user has a professional MIDI studio hooked up to their
computer.

In fact you have no idea what audio setup the visitor is using -- they might
have 200W speakers, or no speakers at all. You have no idea if they're
already listening to something else, or if they're at work or in a library
or anywhere else where music would not be appreciated.

And can you really be sure that your visitors share your taste in music?
When cars drive past your house with music blaring out the windows, how
often do you think to yourself, "Gosh that sounds great, I must go and buy
that record"?

But if you disagree with all that, perhaps you could show me a website that
has been enhanced by background music.

--
phil [dot] ronan @ virgin [dot] net
http://vzone.virgin.net/phil.ronan/

[Gus Richter]

Harlan Messinger wrote:

Bob wrote:

I don't think the client's request is that bad, playing a little
background music will enhance the website especially for some kinds of
websites.

Oh. And if I'm already listening to music, or news, or whatever, on my
computer, then by what right does this web site owner override my choice
of listening fare with something *he* thinks I should listen to?

My, my ........ by what right? Perhaps because it's his site?
Another ridiculous turnaround: By what right do you come to his site
listening to some other stuff?

--
Gus
P.S. I get your badly stated point.

[Harlan Messinger]

Gus Richter wrote:

Harlan Messinger wrote:

Bob wrote:

I don't think the client's request is that bad, playing a little
background music will enhance the website especially for some kinds of
websites.
Oh. And if I'm already listening to music, or news, or whatever, on my
computer, then by what right does this web site owner override my
choice of listening fare with something *he* thinks I should listen to?

My, my ........ by what right? Perhaps because it's his site?

So when I walk into a store, it's OK for a sales clerk to surprise me by
throwing a pie in my face, because it's his store? The question is, does
someone offering a web site intend to be an asshole or not? If not, then
one of the ways not to be is to not impose music on his viewers.
Another ridiculous turnaround: By what right do you come to his site
listening to some other stuff?

You have a perverse point of view about such simple concepts as
thoughtfulness and consideration for others.

[c.thornquist]

"Philip Ronan" <in*****@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:BE898CE5.2F275%in*****@invalid.invalid...

Bob wrote:

I don't think the client's request is that bad, playing a little
background music will enhance the website especially for some kinds of
websites.

No it won't

<snip>
If the website is also a work of art and the artist chose to incorporate
music, then it makes sense.

I see nothing wrong with a pop-up radio that the visitor can choose to play
or not. But forcing music on visitors has problems on the www since some may
already have music playing. It has happened to me more than once & it's very
annoying.

Stores play music without asking all the time. Companies do it on telephones
when you are placed on hold. But there are problems with doing so on the
www.

I have heard loops that are not annoying & load quickly. But they are on rap
music sites. Still, always give the visitor the choice. Don't load music
automatically.

Carla

[Harlan Messinger]

c.thornquist wrote:

Stores play music without asking all the time.
Sure. But if you're listening to something through your own headset, the
store doesn't take control over your own audio equipment and make it
play something other than what you'd set it up to play.

Companies do it on telephones when you are placed on hold.
Sure. Silence would be worse in that situation; the feedback that
confirms that you're still connected is important. And, again, it
doesn't take control over your own audio equipment. And, unless you have
it on the speaker phone, you aren't disturbing anyone else with it.
But there are problems with doing so on the
www.

Yup.

[Gus Richter]

Harlan Messinger wrote:

Gus Richter wrote:

Harlan Messinger wrote:

Bob wrote:

I don't think the client's request is that bad, playing a little
background music will enhance the website especially for some kinds of
websites.


Oh. And if I'm already listening to music, or news, or whatever, on
my computer, then by what right does this web site owner override my
choice of listening fare with something *he* thinks I should listen to?
My, my ........ by what right? Perhaps because it's his site?

So when I walk into a store, it's OK for a sales clerk to surprise me by
throwing a pie in my face, because it's his store?

Another ridiculous example on your part. A better one is that the
storeowner may play background music. But then you would complain that
it is not Hot Metal, which you prefer? Leave the store if you don't like
the music, but you would complain about noise pollution?
The question is, does
someone offering a web site intend to be an asshole or not? If not, then
one of the ways not to be is to not impose music on his viewers.

There is no imposition. Leave the site. Nobody is forcing you to stay.

Another ridiculous turnaround: By what right do you come to his site
listening to some other stuff?

You have a perverse point of view about such simple concepts as
thoughtfulness and consideration for others.

No perversity at all. It all depends on the target audience and if this
is pointed out to the Web site owner and he still wants the audio, so be
it. I guess that you will have to turn off your speaker if you wish to
stay and not listen, otherwise leave.

It comes down to this: Make recommendations, strong or otherwise with
reasons and allow people to decide, but don't impose your opinion on
others, for that is what is thoughtful and considerate and not 'my way
or the highway'.

--
Gus

[Gus Richter]

c.thornquist wrote:

"Philip Ronan" <in*****@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:BE898CE5.2F275%in*****@invalid.invalid...

Bob wrote:

I don't think the client's request is that bad, playing a little
background music will enhance the website especially for some kinds of
websites.

No it won't

<snip>
If the website is also a work of art and the artist chose to incorporate
music, then it makes sense.

I see nothing wrong with a pop-up radio that the visitor can choose to play
or not. But forcing music on visitors has problems on the www since some may
already have music playing. It has happened to me more than once & it's very
annoying.

Stores play music without asking all the time. Companies do it on telephones
when you are placed on hold. But there are problems with doing so on the
www.

I have heard loops that are not annoying & load quickly. But they are on rap
music sites. Still, always give the visitor the choice. Don't load music
automatically.

Carla

Sorry that I used your example. I should have read all the responses
first. Of course it is best, if audio must absolutely be included on the
web site, to have a method to stop/start the audio and not to loop IMHO
and FWIW. Certainly most sites don't lend themselves to any kind of
audio, again IMHO, but then I also enjoy cinema noir. ;-)

--
Gus

[Michael Stemper]

In article <11**********************@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups .com>, Bob writes:

I don't think the client's request is that bad, playing a little
background music will enhance the website especially for some kinds of
websites.

Some kinds of sites, sure. Like those promoting a band.

Completely out of place for any commercial site, however. That is, unless
the owner of the commercial site likes having people hit the "back" button
shortly after arrival. Let's take a look at a few possiblities:

1. Somebody browsing over a slow connection, such as a dial-up line.
They are looking for widgets. They go to Google, and are directed
to www.howieswidgets.com. They arrive at Howie's Widgets, and have
to wait while Howie's favorite music starts downloading -- over a
dialup. After ten to fifteen seconds of not getting any content,
they hit their "back" button, and check out the next hit on Google.
2. Similar scenario, except they have a broadband connection, and are
listening to their favorite radio station over it (like I'm doing
as I type this). They go to Howie's, and their choice of music
gets pre-empted by Howie's choice. Back to Google!
3. They're in an office environment, and not listening to anything.
They go to Howie's, and music starts coming out of their speakers.
This has the dual effect of annoying them and letting the people
within earshot know that they're (possibly) doing something not
work-related. Hit the "back" button quick, before somebody complains.
4. They're in a Web-cast meeting, and the current part of the discussion
is about something of little interest, so they start looking for
widgets in a separate browser tab (or instance). They're keeping
one ear on the discussion, so that they can switch right back when
it becomes relevant. Howie's web site interferes with that plan, so
they leave it.

If your client is willing to lose all of these folks as potential
customers, and is aware of that risk, they can sure put music on
their site. Of course, if they put string quartets on, they'll lose
the trade of people who prefer head-banger music. If they put head-
banger music on, they'll lose the jazz fans. If they put jazz on,
they'll lose the vast numbers of people who prefer C&W.

But, hey, it's their Web site. And, as long as its purpose isn't to
sell widgets but to show off what cool things they can do with the
Web, that's their right.

--
Michael F. Stemper
#include <Standard_Disclaimer>
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him talk like Mr. Ed
by rubbing peanut butter on his gums.

[Eric Bohlman]

ms******@siemens-emis.com (Michael Stemper) wrote in
news:20************************@walkabout.empros.c om:

In article <11**********************@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups .com>,
Bob writes:

I don't think the client's request is that bad, playing a little
background music will enhance the website especially for some kinds of
websites.

Some kinds of sites, sure. Like those promoting a band.

Even in that case, play-on-load music will probably backfire; anything
that's small enough not to delay page loading is probably going to have
shitty audio quality, detracting from new visitors' impression of the band.
Of course a band site should provide a way for visitors to *choose* to play
samples of the band's music, and users who make that choice are going to be
well aware that if the samples are any good, they might take some time to
load.

[Shawn K. Quinn]

begin quote from Philip Ronan in message
<BE********************@invalid.invalid> on Wed 2005 April 13 10:28:

Perhaps a Flash website would do the job?

Huh? There's no such thing as a Flash Web site, only a Flash movie.

--
Shawn K. Quinn

[Philip Ronan]

Shawn K. Quinn wrote:

begin quote from Philip Ronan in message
<BE********************@invalid.invalid> on Wed 2005 April 13 10:28:

Perhaps a Flash website would do the job?

Huh? There's no such thing as a Flash Web site, only a Flash movie.

Are you deliberately being pedantic?
<http://www.google.co.uk/search?&q=%22flash+website%22>

--
phil [dot] ronan @ virgin [dot] net
http://vzone.virgin.net/phil.ronan/

[Trammel]

"Philip Ronan" <in*****@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:BE8C1A03.2F592%in*****@invalid.invalid...

Shawn K. Quinn wrote:

begin quote from Philip Ronan in message
<BE82F94A.2EA60%in*****@invalid.invalid> on Wed 2005 April 13 10:28:

Perhaps a Flash website would do the job?

Huh? There's no such thing as a Flash Web site, only a Flash movie.

Are you deliberately being pedantic?
<http://www.google.co.uk/search?&q=%22flash+website%22>

--
phil [dot] ronan @ virgin [dot] net
http://vzone.virgin.net/phil.ronan/

Also, index.swf is an acceptable index page in most webservers.
My own "default" pages go:
index.php, index.html, index.htm, index.swf, index.txt

Yes... I know... index.txt isn't really a webpage but its funny and servable
when you cant be bothered with formatting & pics :P

[Shawn K. Quinn]

begin quote from Philip Ronan in message
<BE********************@invalid.invalid> on Wed 2005 April 20 08:38:

Shawn K. Quinn wrote:

begin quote from Philip Ronan in message
<BE********************@invalid.invalid> on Wed 2005 April 13 10:28:

Perhaps a Flash website would do the job?

Huh? There's no such thing as a Flash Web site, only a Flash movie.

Are you deliberately being pedantic?

No, I'm deliberately being realistic. The Flash plugin is completely
optional and Flash is usually used for movies.

--
Shawn K. Quinn