Background music on websites

I've come across more than a few websites that play background music. Is this the new rage?

Liberty,

I've seen that, too. I wish people would figure out that the music is only helpful if your site is a music site. And, then probably only when the visitor asks to hear some music.

Business sites with music don't seem to think about visitors who are taking a brief break from work. And, suddenly, there's music coming out of their cube, and the boss isn't happy.

Go figure.

Kathleen

Loud music too! The last one damn near gave me a heart attack. I wasn't expecting it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liberty

Loud music too! The last one damn near gave me a heart attack. I wasn't expecting it.

Wow! That's funny!!! I never thought of it like that. My Web site doesn't have music (I personally think reading through text with background music is distracting). However, I most definitely use music in my virtual tours when advertising properties for sale. I find it's an excellent way to capture someone's attention when trying to show photos and hold them there briefly. Was this what you were referring to, as well?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irene Morales Ward

Was this what you were referring to, as well?

I was in my office surfing the web. I was the only person here and it was of course very quite except for the sound of my mouse clicks. I came across this site that started pumping out loud funky music (no lyrics) as soon as the page loaded. It actually ticked me off.

I find "background music" on most websites to be a turnoff. When you consider that visitors are coming from all over the planet the chances of you choosing music that everyone will agree upon are slim to nill. IMO, you're better of without it.

This question is along the same line, but slightly off topic--pertaining to audio, but not music--words. What does everyone think about a website that plays a "commercial" for itself when you open it. Do you think this is positive or falls into the same intrusive line as music.

I'm curious because I actually like it (the first time I visit a new website), because I hate trying to familiarize myself with a new website and like to be verbally directed to the meat of it. Bald Dog's Emcon website was a good example.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RainMaker

This question is along the same line, but slightly off topic--pertaining to audio, but not music--words. What does everyone think about a website that plays a "commercial" for itself when you open it.

I don't have speakers on my computer so it would be lost on me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newbie

I don't have speakers on my computer so it would be lost on me.

Good point!

I can easily see in the future surfers expecting to "hear" messages (commercials) on commercial websites.

Background music on websites

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