MySpace Homepage Redesign, Starring Batman.
I really, really like the MySpace redesign. I'm just not a big fan of the execution of The Dark Knight homepage takeover. I don't know…I guess I was just expecting…more.
What do you think?
Facebook comments:
More interesting executions will be coming. Because of how sensitive this launch was (too many eyeballs) there was a decision to make sure and not screw the pooch by going all out on the initial day).
The best part for advertisers though is that you have a 960×250 ad unit right smack at the top below the header.
I’ve got some qualms with the design. In some ways, the old design was great for the site’s audience. here are my thoughts: http://tinyurl.com/3elfrs
Giving up 50% of the real estate on a utility home page tells me this social media site is having problems monetizing users.
Unfortunately, this type of move can create a downward spiral. The louder you shout, the less attention users pay, and cleaner social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, or the aggregators such as Feedly, will tempt the alienated audience. I wrote in BusinessWeek recently that widgets have a similar problem, because the mindset of users of social media is very different from shoppers at Google. When people are socializing, they are in “do” mode — creating content, sharing connections — and ads are the last thing they pay attention to. The ad message becomes peripheral.
Which is why MySpace is now shouting on its home page.
While I agree with your philosophy, I will say though, Ben, that MySpace has always shouted on its homepage. It’s been hosting site takeovers for years, now. And people are still using it. But there’s a reason why many of those takeovers are by movie studios — people DO look at that as content.
The question is…can brands figure out effective ways to use the platform to develop relationships with consumers over time? Will they have the patience?
I sure hope so.
I want to get the old myspace homepage back because I can not click the login button, therefore, i can’t signin.