MYNIC is the domain registry and domain registrar in Malaysia. They also are administrator for the .my top level domain name and second-level Malaysia domain names for organizations, businesses and individuals. Such as .com.my, .net.my, .org.my, .gov.my, .edu.my, .mil.my, and .name.my.
Currently, you can only register Malaysia domain names with MYNICs appointed resellers. And, not every company may apply to be a reseller (even if you are an MSC company). But I’m not here to rant about the MYNIC registration process. Instead, I’d like to discuss about their new website launched on June 25, 2008.
MYNIC, you guys are (I have to say this) arrogant fools – be it old or young. You are so arrogant you think having a Flash menu on the front is cool or neat. I’m already thinking of screaming “God?!” but it won’t do any help since I see we’re dealing with people on a limited mindset. So I want say this again.
Flash is NOT cool or neat every time.
Once you’ve managed to fit that into your head, here’s a thing I’d like to share with you. Did you know your (useless) Flash menu on the side could have been done with HTML, CSS and Javascript? Plus, not only will it load faster but will be accessible to even the blind users (if required). When the website launched, the entire banner was in Flash including the search option for domain names. Thanks to a sane person, they’ve amended it.
Technical details aside I wonder who’d agree with me the design of the Flash menu is horrendous from a user experience. It’s text is black on grey (which isn’t light) and it’s got an unnecessary glow around it. Are you trying to make your users think they’re in need of reading aid? As for the large banner space above the search, I hope you guys are planning to put it to good use.
Before I move onto the inside pages, I dislike the mini arrows in the Announcement because it doesn’t define the end of an item. A quick fix is include a line beside the arrow stretching to the left edge. And here’s a fundamental mistake, headings and date are blue and did you know links are also blue? I don’t want to say anything on the FAQ Quick Takes because the color of the links and the panel is making me frustrated.
When I was browsing the MYNIC inside pages, I wanted to return to the homepage but I couldn’t find the Home button. I ended up clicking the logo and thank goodness it had a hyperlink. Then I discovered the Home button was hidden on top with the site search. I don’t even want to ask.
I hate (so frustrating) the blue link text on light grey background. And here’s another idea for MYNIC instead of anchoring information, use a show/hide option. It’s not difficult to implement and it’s light if you leave out the animated stuff. Either that or fix the blue link text on light grey background please – see, I’m trying to be nice here.
I’m tired of complaining further about their website. If they’ve learned anything from this, I look forward to them approaching us at Simpleet Solutions in future. Now, on to the parts of the website I like using. Surprise!
First is the MYNIC Public Announcements page. It’s got a welcoming calendar navigation and archives area. But did anyone realize there are 3 options at the bottom?
Finally, I like the MYNIC domain names statistics page. I now have a way which tells me what’s the average number of registrations per year. Besides that, they should consider fixing the filename typo; stastic.
Before I leave, I have to say it’s the first time I’ve seen anyone use a scrollbar in a tiny panel for their website sitemap. This has been done so the boxes are constantly aligned and it retains the perfectionism of the layout. And I say, hogwash! Just break down the information accordingly without restricting its space so users can find the information easier. Why do you think HSBC or HLB sitemaps are broken up that way?
Now I’m starting to think the Malaysia Internet or website industry isn’t saturated but filled with complete opportunities.
p.s: If you’re wondering why some text links link back to this entry, I’m experimenting an optimization technique I found some blogger using in his entry. I want to see if it works though annoying.
Your rants make sense. I used to admire flash sites but it was like 10 years ago. Now i have this feeling that I dont like flash sites.
Haha..you said these – “arrogant fools”, “we’re dealing with people on a limited mindset”. Seems like you know them pretty well I’d say just by reviewing ones web design taste.
With that I don’t think the simpleet solutions would help much then if at all..
The new MYNIC website is poorly done. I found out that it is developed by Exile-Studio Sdn. Bhd.
http://www.exile-studio.com
Fath:
Like yourself, I used to frequent Flash sites a lot. Now I wait for others to tell me if there’s something new out there.
rockstar:
A number of them here in Malaysia are arrogant and have a limited mindset. Therefore, I’m thankful the ones who approach Simpleet are actually open minded.
Wing Loon:
Won’t it be interesting if they came by and shared the details on why it turned out this way. ;)
When the new mynic.net website was announced, I applauded them for their new website, new look. *compared to the old mynic, it’s a pretty large jump*
But after further browsing, broken domain name whois and difficult navigation, you pointed out quite a few things that’s been bugging me as well.
Although we (wilfredstudios.com) do employ a ton of flash, we try the very best to ensure quick load times, accessibility(*to a certain extent) and justifiable use of flash.
What’s happened on mynic is a pretty good example of designers/developers who use flash just cause it’s flash.
Still.. at least mynic.net did something about their old website… hope all companies and organizations in Malaysia continue updating their websites & technologies to a point where at least we’re at par with the rest of the world… *also this means more business for us guys in the website design industry too*
Cheers,
Wilfred
Yo, Wilfired. :) And I think the updating part should be a norm especially for government related ones. After all, I don’t think there’s not 1 day they have nothing to report. LOL!
I am thinking to get a .my too, but the price for renew are too expensive.
Nice critics!
1. For most of govt project, how much you have done?
2. Did you know every project esp concerning IT, there’s a consultant that act like a b!tchy consultant?
3. Looking back at the developer website, they are the victim of those ‘book rules’ consultant. Trust me, spread your wings and you will know! :)
iCalvyn:
So get a domain name which you know you want to retain. And not just for squatting. :)
A|X:
1. Well, none because they prefer have someone do it their way then someone who consults.
2. I know every project there’s a wannabe who prefers things done their way. And I know there are plenty who refuse to advice the client but do it their way because they just want to get the job done.
3. My wings are open but I can’t seem to fly higher with arrogant people holding me down. Hmm…must be a ghost.
Hahaha… its pretty make some sense to me….
Anyway, just a quick one Mr Danny…..
Are you really creative enough te come out with a good website design? Since your comment is a little bit harsh that comment is usually come out from the expert.. :-P
If you are, why don;t you go down and approach MYNIC Management about your damn good design and who knows that they will be like it… Anyway, its could make more sense to public rather than working on to come out with this type of blog…. :-P
Come on Danny… just approach them and get extra bugs rather that do nothing….
As I told a friend, I know 5-10 other qualified designers who could’ve done a better job. So, there’s no need for me to do it. Though I happily appreciate your compliment.
And as I’d like to have assisted MYNIC, would you refer me to their marketing manager or IT director so I could propose to them directly in future?
By the way, this ‘type of blog’ wasn’t made to scrutinize any Malaysia websites but create the awareness and point out what is lacking in our industry. Even when it sometimes may lead to selected harsh realities.
Lastly, it’s not only about the money. Though every freelancer or web firm knows the money is in government projects, I’d rather be happy (and proud) completing a website which’ll do others good.
Together with a client, not against them.
Thanks for your comments. :)
Haaa…. here we go… Mr Danny is here…. :-) How are you mate? Nice to hear from you in this session, so called ‘ creating awareness while blogging’ :-P
Anyway, what you have stated earlier were absolutely right.. Just hope this type of awareness program will be a successful program and more people will get awake of the impotency of web design… Cool mate! :-)
P/S: Dun forget to redesign your wording in your blog to become better mate. You know what…. sometimes when the harsh words and polite words combined, it could be a nice phases to read and hear… :-P
Cheers,
Unix82
Hmm, I’ll look into redesigning the text later. Not planning to alter the plain text any time soon. And yes, you have a good one as well.