WICG
No overlays - too strict
I realize this will not be a popular position to take, but preventing all overlays is too strict.
Yes, the overlay that pops up seconds after you arrive on the site to offer an ebook for your email address is annoying. But there are many other valid use cases for overlays, including
- Disclaimers
- Age verifications
- Details, such as those on a page full of board members photos
- Promotional notifications like a one day sale
- Solicitations for donations
- ...and more
I realize you could provide a non-overlay alternative to every one of the cases above, but, in my experience, you would be going too far, and you would have a difficult time getting publishers to get on board.
Instead, I suggest creating a set of guidelines and rules for overlays, such as size, triggers, timing, and perhaps content if this standard is to go that far.
Full disclosure: I am a developer for two prominent digital magazines with multiple properties in Dallas, Houston, Austin and surrounding cities. I am also the guy behind SethsPopupCreator.com. The latter is a hobby business and has taught me all the ways overlays get used.
You may now throw a tomato at me. :tomato:
