Why is The Namibian's web site so outdated and slow?

Neo-RP · 8th October 2008, 05:33 PM

As a Namibian currently living abroad, I have to rely on the web pages of our newspapers to keep myself updated. As I did my daily surf check today, it struck me again how seldom I visit the web pages of The Namibian, even though it is my favorite paper in its printed version. The only reason I could find for not checking out the Namibian every day is that its web pages simply irritate me -- they always take ages to load, the navigation is confusing and the look and feel is so outdated.

If I remember correctly, The Namibian was one of the first, if not the first, newspaper to launch a web version. But ever since, there only seems to have been standstill. I mean, they are still using frames, can you believe it, that is not even 2005, that is 2001!

Every other newspaper I know has relaunched its site at some stage, added new features, simplified navigation, overhauled the design, but not The Namibian. Even the Republikein has a sleek website by now. The Allgemeine Zeitung had nearly half a million page impressions just in September, with over 70% of the visitors coming from Germany, so they will most probably be earning good advertisement money.

Can anyone explain why The Namibian is so slack regarding the web? I mean, it is the flagship of our independent media, but in its current form it is embarrassing, outsiders must think we are from the 3rd world

Am I being unfair towards the Namibian, or does anybody share my views? Could anybody talk some sense into Gwen Lister? What can be done to improve the situation? Any suggestions are welcome!

Dude · 11:11 PM

Does anybody share your views? For sure I do! I sometimes just wish The Namibian and The Shebeen would come together and do some cooperation or something. YOu know like local is lekker. That would be perfect, for me at least:My favourite Namibian newspaper and community in one place. Seems to me The Namibian web site has stood still since their webmaster Staby left some time ago. I remember he won a couple of awards for the site back then and then left and that was that. I don't think your comments are unfair since the site is now really outdated and even the community is just totaly unmanaged and out of control.

juikk · 9th October 2008, 09:35 AM

Well Amen 2 the complaints!!LOL!! The slow I experienced. The daily headlines however do get updated and some opinion pieces, but the Forum died a slow and painfull death, partly because of inadequacies in it's setup & functionalities and on the other hand because of the 'TYPE' that frequented it. Here at Shebeen, we tackle issues, not persons....

I for one would not want the same style merged over to the respectible and efficient Shebeen realm. Let Gwen handle her own issues that side...maybe copy this kind of discussion pertaining complaints for the online presence to her as the editor in chief, am sure she can take care of it.

Else Shebeen, keep up the superb job in creating a balanced platform for all Namibians to air their views on and learn from each other in the process...LOL!!! I Lurv Shebeen!!!

Comrade_007 · 04:38 PM

I agree Juikk - I want our Shebeen to remain independent. It would be nice to read all the Namibian's articles over here (as well as from other Namibian news sources) but I think our Shebeen needs to go its own way. Nice idea, Dude, but I don't agree. The Namibian will sooner or later have to do something, and I'm sure they will. They seem to not care much about their online strategy at the moment, or simply don't have anyone to execute it. In the meantime, Shebeen is my place for everything their outdated web site does not offer. Keep it up, Shebeen. I'm just wondering whether our Shebeen is "sticky" enough. Either people are so hooked to Facebook, MySpace and other networknig sites and they don't come here or they are just shy. A few thoughts to ponder.

juikk · 9th October 2008, 10:32 PM

Hmm aba da sticky issue, have got a profile on facebook maself and it serves an entirely different purpose......

Considerin yo statement however, I wonder wot exactly Shebeen does to pull more traffic to it?

Comrade_007 · 13th October 2008, 04:14 PM

Hi Juikk - out of interest: What do you use Facebook for, as opposed to Shebeen? I've been noticing Shebeen trying to get peeps to come over from Facebook, but judging by the number of users it is not too successful. It is interesting, though, how many friends Shebeen has on Facebook. Impressive. What do you think our Shebeen should/must do to attract more users/traffic? What can it do?

I think its futile to try and compete with Facebook. It's in a different league and does not have a community feel to it. It's based on the premise that people will always only prefer individual interests and pursuits. That's why I like Shebeen: It's got a community feel to it, although it needs more development. Differentiation is the right way, I think. But it's got to be more substantial than it is currently the case in terms of local Namibian content. I'm sure Shebeen is aware of that.

juikk · 15th October 2008, 05:33 PM

Well, comrade, facebook is more an extended photo album where one can have lose talk and touch base with friends worldwide in a quick manner befitting the fast paced life we have to keep up wit... sort of an inexpensive way of having a virtual drink with acquintances and buddies.....

Shebeen on the other hand has substance, topics of essence, the intellectual type, the motivated type, the activist type wud refer to facebook and share ideas, thoughts and views, which i think is more value adding than facebook offerings.
No topic of consequence ever get tackled on Facebook, but it serves a purpose to entertain....

In a Nutshell it is all about the respective sites serving different purposes.....

We can still brainstorm about the why's of not pulling similar traffic to the Shebeen though and I got a pretty good assumption, but that is jux a personal opinion about what people prefer to get involved with.....hope d@ helps

Uncle Paul · 16th October 2008, 04:36 PM

You've put it well Juikk, and that's essentially how I also use the two web sites. They serve different purposes, and I don't think Shebeen should even try to emulate Facebook. But Juikk, I'm really interrested to hear from you hoe yout hink Shebeen can attract more Namibians. Send me a PM if you have a minute.

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