I'm going to keep asking the question until someone from Google
responds.
The question...
Many users of iGoogle do not like the tab(s) on the left hand side of
the screen because they take up a lot of space and we would prefer to
move them back to the top. Is there an officially Google-support way
to remove the tabs from the left? Does Google plan to allow users to
revert to their previous setup that has the tabs on top of the page?
> I'm going to keep asking the question until someone from Google
> responds.
> The question...
> Many users of iGoogle do not like the tab(s) on the left hand side of
> the screen because they take up a lot of space and we would prefer to
> move them back to the top. Is there an officially Google-support way
> to remove the tabs from the left? Does Google plan to allow users to
> revert to their previous setup that has the tabs on top of the page?
I don't think I've answered this question since last Thursday, but I'm
happy to again. The left-side navigation is an key part of the support
for canvas view, and canvas view is an important new feature of
iGoogle. We're planning on continuing to develop and support the new
features (as well as add more new features into the area on the left
in the coming weeks and months), and have no plans to include a toggle
between tabs-on-top and tabs-on-the-left.
Cool, you answered the question. "No plans to improve the new coke
iGoogle to function how the users want it. Guess what, I've just
discovered protopage.com and it's home page is GREAT! I only have one
issue with it and it's the email widget, but I'll find a new one soon
to replace it. Once that's done, I'll occasionally check back on
iGoogle, and if you guys ever come to your senses and fix what you
broke, I might return.
Maybe you should check it out, because Protopage has a sort of canvas
view that is NON-invasive. It doesn't require a toolbar taking up
startpage real estate!
So guess what, going there actually fixes one of the major issues that
New Coke iGoogle has that is angering me.
> I don't think I've answered this question since last Thursday, but I'm
> happy to again. The left-side navigation is an key part of the support
> for canvas view, and canvas view is an important new feature of
> iGoogle. We're planning on continuing to develop and support the new
> features (as well as add more new features into the area on the left
> in the coming weeks and months), and have no plans to include a toggle
> between tabs-on-top and tabs-on-the-left.
Stupid idea to add this feature without giving users the option of
where to place it.
This is just like Microsoft and Vista. They change the interface when
the XP set up was working great and tough shit to the users, deal with
it.
This is not what made Google the number 1 search engine in the world.
People would have bailed out quickly if you tried this crap in the
early days. You guys need to put the crack pipe down and sober up.
I am not a happy, and I am looking for a new home page.
> I don't think I've answered this question since last Thursday, but I'm
> happy to again. The left-side navigation is an key part of the support
> for canvas view, and canvas view is an important new feature of
> iGoogle. We're planning on continuing to develop and support the new
> features (as well as add more new features into the area on the left
> in the coming weeks and months), and have no plans to include a toggle
> between tabs-on-top and tabs-on-the-left.
> I don't think I've answered this question since last Thursday, but I'm
> happy to again. The left-side navigation is an key part of the support
> for canvas view, and canvas view is an important new feature of
> iGoogle. We're planning on continuing to develop and support the new
> features (as well as add more new features into the area on the left
> in the coming weeks and months), and have no plans to include a toggle
> between tabs-on-top and tabs-on-the-left.
Re: 'I don't think I've answered this question since last Thursday...'
Ya think you might want to make that a sticky maybe? You know, to
address the post after post after post of people complaining about it
& asking for it to be put back? Probably something like 'despite
complaints, its staying'? You can word it however you like, but at
least people won't be wondering what Google's stance is about it.
Then maybe we could move on to addressing the problems with the
Official Google Gmail Gadget that no-one seems to know wether or not
Google is aware of? The problem of not being able to click links in
emails, or, for me, not being able to click on the email to even read
it? I've given up on expecting an answer on how such basic
functionality makes it past your testing, I'd at least be happy for
the bug to be acknowledged. Of course, the whole purpose of iGoogle
seems to be defeated...quick at a glance 1 page access to things you
care about...now 'more & more' gadgets are going to have ads--oops I
mean use cool canvas mode.... So now that I think of it...whatever do
what you want. I'm out. Just try not to f-up the basic search engine,
gmail & calendar & ...um I guess thats it.
> I don't think I've answered this question since last Thursday, but I'm
> happy to again. The left-side navigation is an key part of the support
> for canvas view, and canvas view is an important new feature of
> iGoogle. We're planning on continuing to develop and support the new
> features (as well as add more new features into the area on the left
> in the coming weeks and months), and have no plans to include a toggle
> between tabs-on-top and tabs-on-the-left.
> I don't think I've answered this question since last Thursday, but I'm
> happy to again. The left-side navigation is an key part of the support
> for canvas view, and canvas view is an important new feature of
> iGoogle. We're planning on continuing to develop and support the new
> features (as well as add more new features into the area on the left
> in the coming weeks and months), and have no plans to include a toggle
> between tabs-on-top and tabs-on-the-left.
You know it is funny that Google has taken the whole we have no
intention to fix what we broke and we don't really care how upset you
end users are. It is funny because the number one philosophy according
to Google own web site is:
"1. Focus on the user and all else will follow.
From its inception, Google has focused on providing the best user
experience possible. While many companies claim to put their customers
first, few are able to resist the temptation to make small sacrifices
to increase shareholder value. Google has steadfastly refused to make
any change that does not offer a benefit to the users who come to the
site:
The interface is clear and simple.
Pages load instantly.
Placement in search results is never sold to anyone.
Advertising on the site must offer relevant content and not be a
distraction.
By always placing the interests of the user first, Google has built
the most loyal audience on the web. And that growth has come not
through TV ad campaigns, but through word of mouth from one satisfied
user to another.
"
Focus on the User and All Else Will Follow!. Love it.
> I don't think I've answered this question since last Thursday, but I'm
> happy to again. The left-side navigation is an key part of the support
> for canvas view, and canvas view is an important new feature of
> iGoogle. We're planning on continuing to develop and support the new
> features (as well as add more new features into the area on the left
> in the coming weeks and months), and have no plans to include a toggle
> between tabs-on-top and tabs-on-the-left.
How about making the tab column on the left collapsible? That would
be great for IE6/7 users, and would show a willingness on the part of
Google to accommodate users. This would mean is that we can put
away tabs when we don't need them (98% of the time), and get them back
when we do (2% of the time). And many people with limited screen real
estate could enjoy what they have to the fullest.
Accommodating the 80% of us that would be happy with just that would
bring
a lot of good will after all this struggle and invective.
> I don't think I've answered this question since last Thursday, but I'm
> happy to again. The left-side navigation is an key part of the support
> for canvas view, and canvas view is an important new feature of
> iGoogle. We're planning on continuing to develop and support the new
> features (as well as add more new features into the area on the left
> in the coming weeks and months), and have no plans to include a toggle
> between tabs-on-top and tabs-on-the-left.
I also would be happy with the ability to collapse the left tab bar
when unused. I dont minde the canvas view (dont use it anyway) even
have a autohide function would be grand itself!... I think i will
update my suggestions list with autohide....
> I don't think I've answered this question since last Thursday, but I'm
> happy to again. The left-side navigation is an key part of the support
> for canvas view, and canvas view is an important new feature of
> iGoogle. We're planning on continuing to develop and support the new
> features (as well as add more new features into the area on the left
> in the coming weeks and months), and have no plans to include a toggle
> between tabs-on-top and tabs-on-the-left.
I don't think I understand canvas view then. Is it where you hit the
maximize box on a widget and it expands fully? If it is, I don't know
why you also need a way to do it on the left.
The current design is pretty old, still lots of scrolling and the side
could be done but putting it as tabs with dropdown menus, same thing,
less space.
I think people are more upset because this is kind of a microsoft like
attitude and not user driven. Companies change! It does seem like
there a lot of little guys with pretty cool home pages now so there
are other places to go, google is just convenient to use. It was good
while it lasted!
> I don't think I've answered this question since last Thursday, but I'm
> happy to again. The left-side navigation is an key part of the support
> for canvas view, and canvas view is an important new feature of
> iGoogle. We're planning on continuing to develop and support the new
> features (as well as add more new features into the area on the left
> in the coming weeks and months), and have no plans to include a toggle
> between tabs-on-top and tabs-on-the-left.
There are currently several workarounds to minimize or make completely
disappear the left pane. Read thru some of the posts on here and you
will find them. They work fine
I'm quickly getting to the point of leaving this site, just as I left
myYahoo. Google's actions are marginalizing themselves in providing
home pages for a lot of users.
Good luck to them, I've about given up on a rational response from
Google about all this. When things get too difficult, there's no
reason to stay around for the next round of abuse.
> There are currently several workarounds to minimize or make completely
> disappear the left pane. Read thru some of the posts on here and you
> will find them. They work fine
> I'm quickly getting to the point of leaving this site, just as I left
> myYahoo. Google's actions are marginalizing themselves in providing
> home pages for a lot of users.
> Good luck to them, I've about given up on a rational response from
> Google about all this. When things get too difficult, there's no
> reason to stay around for the next round of abuse.
> -Roger
> On Oct 21, 10:04 pm, Jeffav wrote:
> > There are currently several workarounds to minimize or make completely
> > disappear the left pane. Read thru some of the posts on here and you
> > will find them. They work fine
> There are currently several workarounds to minimize or make completely
> disappear the left pane. Read thru some of the posts on here and you
> will find them. They work fine
There are and I'm using Stylish to work around the left pane.
But to some extent that misses the point. Google's responses have left
a very bad taste in my mouth, and even though I have a workaround, I'm
not going to stick around and get a Google-knows-best philosophy
shoved down my throat. I left My Yahoo for iGoogle because they did
the same thing. I'm keeping my eyes open for a homepage that works for
me (my only needs are stock tickers, news, and the time) and when I'm
happy with one then I'll leave. Not only that but it makes me
loathsome to use the rest of Google's services, the same way I feel
about avoiding Microsoft whenever possible.
What's sad is that I'm sure there's a way for Google to deal with this
issue in a way that satisfies 99.9% of its users and still gives them
the technological capability to do canvasing or whatever. But they're
not. >:(
> I don't think I've answered this question since last Thursday, but I'm
> happy to again. The left-side navigation is an key part of the support
> for canvas view, and canvas view is an important new feature of
> iGoogle. We're planning on continuing to develop and support the new
> features (as well as add more new features into the area on the left
> in the coming weeks and months), and have no plans to include a toggle
> between tabs-on-top and tabs-on-the-left.
Normally I'd expect a company to be completely oblivious to customer
sentiment on the web - but it baffles me that Google is not getting
the message. I'm sure you will be able to keep millions of customers
who are too clueless to switch to something better, but the power
users will leave and never come back. I figured Android will be a slam
dunk, but seeing this product development, I'll stick to Blackberry.
> I don't think I've answered this question since last Thursday, but I'm
> happy to again. The left-side navigation is an key part of the support
> for canvas view, and canvas view is an important new feature of
> iGoogle. We're planning on continuing to develop and support the new
> features (as well as add more new features into the area on the left
> in the coming weeks and months), and have no plans to include a toggle
> between tabs-on-top and tabs-on-the-left.
I'm going to reiterate a few points that were already made.
1. Left-side navigation is not required to access canvas view. You can
minimize and maximize any gadget with a single click.
2. Why are proposed new features like chat being elevated to special
status? These features could just as easily be implemented with
gadgets and therefore included or excluded per the user's preference.
3. What good is a left-side navigation once it disappears after I have
scrolled down the page?
Paul, there is nothing in your statements that makes me believe left-
side navigation is essential for the types of enhancements that you
have added or wish to add to iGoogle. Could you please provide a more
detailed explanation of *how* this is "a key part of the support for
canvas view." I just don't get it. I'm softening slightly on my
opinion of canvas view in general, but the continued obstinate denial
that left-side navigation is unnecessary is getting old. Convince me
that I'm wrong, please, but it will take more than an uninformative
marketing blub to do so.
> I don't think I've answered this question since last Thursday, but I'm
> happy to again. The left-side navigation is an key part of the support
> for canvas view, and canvas view is an important new feature of
> iGoogle. We're planning on continuing to develop and support the new
> features (as well as add more new features into the area on the left
> in the coming weeks and months), and have no plans to include a toggle
> between tabs-on-top and tabs-on-the-left.
But we loathe and despise it. It takes up far too much screen space,
and contains nothing we want to see. If it can't be hidden, I'm going
back to Yahoo. And I assure you, I won't be alone.
> I don't think I've answered this question since last Thursday, but I'm
> happy to again. The left-side navigation is an key part of the support
> for canvas view, and canvas view is an important new feature of
> iGoogle. We're planning on continuing to develop and support the new
> features (as well as add more new features into the area on the left
> in the coming weeks and months), and have no plans to include a toggle
> between tabs-on-top and tabs-on-the-left.
> Cool, you answered the question. "No plans to improve the new coke
> iGoogle to function how the users want it. Guess what, I've just
> discovered protopage.com and it's home page is GREAT! I only have one
> issue with it and it's the email widget, but I'll find a new one soon
> to replace it. Once that's done, I'll occasionally check back on
> iGoogle, and if you guys ever come to your senses and fix what you
> broke, I might return.
> Maybe you should check it out, because Protopage has a sort of canvas
> view that is NON-invasive. It doesn't require a toolbar taking up
> startpage real estate!
> So guess what, going there actually fixes one of the major issues that
> New Coke iGoogle has that is angering me.
> On Oct 21, 6:36 pm, iGoogle Guide Paul wrote:
> > Hi there,
> > I don't think I've answered this question since last Thursday, but I'm
> > happy to again. The left-side navigation is an key part of the support
> > for canvas view, and canvas view is an important new feature of
> > iGoogle. We're planning on continuing to develop and support the new
> > features (as well as add more new features into the area on the left
> > in the coming weeks and months), and have no plans to include a toggle
> > between tabs-on-top and tabs-on-the-left.
What bothers me more about this "answer" is what does Google have in
mind for us? If there is such an outcry on the new release and this is
the basis for things to come, what are the
things to come?
Another thing I saw (which I have not be able to replicate) is when I
went into one of my "tabs" that had only one sub-menu of enhanced
bookmarks, a second thing popped up: "things that you may also like,"
with a list of other Gadgets. Am I seeing things?
> I don't think I've answered this question since last Thursday, but I'm
> happy to again. The left-side navigation is an key part of the support
> for canvas view, and canvas view is an important new feature of
> iGoogle. We're planning on continuing to develop and support the new
> features (as well as add more new features into the area on the left
> in the coming weeks and months), and have no plans to include a toggle
> between tabs-on-top and tabs-on-the-left.
