After experiencing problems in creating a web account, amounting pretty much to someone trying to be too clever with javascript, I wrote in to point out the issue. Our conversation thus far, with details which might identify the site snipped:
> > --Original Message--
> > From: urocyon@******
> > Date: 08/07/04
> > To: *******@**********.gov
> > Subject: problems with the site[#6511173]
> >
> > When trying to create a new account, I'm forbidden from submitting. A
> > popup insists that I didn't fill in a value for the ********* part, when
> > in fact the radio button is on "Yes" and the text field is automatically
> > filled with "***********" and greyed out.
> >
> > Browser:Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.0; en-US; rv:1.5)
> > Gecko/20031007
>
> You may experience technical difficulties utilizing the site pages if you are
+using a browser version or software that does not support our site technology.
+We recommend accessing ******** using Microsoft IE or Netscape.
This is the part where, had this exchange taken place in person, I'd now be
staring at you in utter disbelief. You support a website, and you don't
understand UserAgent strings?
Please, explain to me how "Mozilla/5.0" fails to meet the requirements of
"Microsoft IE or Netscape." I'll even include some hints:
http://devedge.netscape.com/viewsource/2002/gecko-useragent-strings/
http://devedge.netscape.com/viewsource/2002/gecko-compatibility/
http://ilias.ca/MozillaNetscapeRelationship.html
http://devedge.netscape.com/central/gecko/
When we're done with this amusing little test, you can then inform me how
you intend to address the issue I initially pointed out, and which you
subsequently brushed aside as a user error as if I wouldn't know any
better.
--
Ill-tempered, mutated sysadmin.
I somehow doubt they'll bother to respond. Or fix the problem. No wonder so many companies are outsourcing offshore, where incompetence is so much cheaper.
> > --Original Message--
> > From: urocyon@******
> > Date: 08/07/04
> > To: *******@**********.gov
> > Subject: problems with the site[#6511173]
> >
> > When trying to create a new account, I'm forbidden from submitting. A
> > popup insists that I didn't fill in a value for the ********* part, when
> > in fact the radio button is on "Yes" and the text field is automatically
> > filled with "***********" and greyed out.
> >
> > Browser:Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.0; en-US; rv:1.5)
> > Gecko/20031007
>
> You may experience technical difficulties utilizing the site pages if you are
+using a browser version or software that does not support our site technology.
+We recommend accessing ******** using Microsoft IE or Netscape.
This is the part where, had this exchange taken place in person, I'd now be
staring at you in utter disbelief. You support a website, and you don't
understand UserAgent strings?
Please, explain to me how "Mozilla/5.0" fails to meet the requirements of
"Microsoft IE or Netscape." I'll even include some hints:
http://devedge.netscape.com/viewsource/2002/gecko-useragent-strings/
http://devedge.netscape.com/viewsource/2002/gecko-compatibility/
http://ilias.ca/MozillaNetscapeRelationship.html
http://devedge.netscape.com/central/gecko/
When we're done with this amusing little test, you can then inform me how
you intend to address the issue I initially pointed out, and which you
subsequently brushed aside as a user error as if I wouldn't know any
better.
--
Ill-tempered, mutated sysadmin.
I somehow doubt they'll bother to respond. Or fix the problem. No wonder so many companies are outsourcing offshore, where incompetence is so much cheaper.