I am a big fan of the Seinfeld television show. To me, the show epitomizes middle class America comedy in a way no other sitcom has ever managed to do.
In one particular episode, for some reason that I can’t recall, Kramer decides he’s at the time in his life to go without underwear. In a particularly funny scene with Jerry and Elaine, Kramer announces to the world that “I’m out there Jerry and I’m loving every minute of it!”. Free at last, free at last.
What does all this have to do with website design you might ask? Well, read on and let me tell you the rest of the story.
Free at Last from Internet Explorer 6.0
While developing a new website I was faced with the standard task of breaking down the CSS and XHTML code to insert the necessary hacks to make Internet Explorer 6.0 behave. As we all know, IE 6.0 does not comply with web standards and presents nightmare scenarios for web designers who feel they should continue to support this outdated piece of software. The original version of IE 6.0 was released in 2001, making it almost nine years old. Heck, IE 7.0 has been released for a couple years now and IE 8.0 is the current production browser from Microsoft.
I don’t know what came over me, but as I delved into the code and begin to write my IE 6.0 hacks I had a revelation: Enough is Enough. I am through with IE 6.0. I will no longer support it, code for it, or otherwise let it enter into my life as a web developer.
What a breath of fresh air. I immediately felt free from the bounds of some unseen master who has been imposing his will on me for years now. But no more. Finished. Done. Ended. Complete.
I’m Out There World and I’m loving Every Minute of It!
My best wishes to those who continue to use Internet Explorer 6.0. Your trusted friend will continue to serve you in some fashion, but not well I am afraid. Good luck and good riddance!
As for me, it’s time to move past the “boxers” or “briefs” stage of my life. It feels great being “out there”!
