BET.com Cleans Up its Act

BET.com recently redesigned their site, if you swing over there you will be please to see that the content is organized so much better then before and thus easier to read. Editorial and news on the site is presented in blogs rather then articles on static web pages powered by overly complex Content Management Systems that don’t allow for user comments and feedback. Don’t get me wrong, you can still find these standard articles (you know, the ones you have to click discuss to actually comment about) but the number of News and Articles in blogs far outweighs this. Throughout the site you will notice a small BET on Blast video player in the top left that actually plays content related to the page a user is on. So for instance, I was in Lifestyle and web only clips from BET Black Carpet played on that page. On the News page, BET News updates play. Smart. My only beef with it is that the videos automatically play, which is fine if I am in the comfort of my own home and only have to be mildly startled because my volume is up to loud. But if a user is at work or some where else and happens to not have on earphones this could pose a problem for the user causing one not to visit the site during work hours and we all know that is when and where everyone visits most websites.

Also don’t be surprised to stumble upon some pages that don’t exactly look as slick as BET.com’s new image, not all areas of the site have been redesigned yet however most main features that haven’t been are isolated to the Community section of the site. One exception being Shine which appears to be in Beta. Not like I have to tell you but you can expect lots of cross promotion to TV shows, mobile ringtones, and DVD’s as well.

One thing that is not sitting quite right with me is the prominent promotion of BET Lounge right under the main module position next to the 106 & Park promo. I had never heard of BET Lounge so I decided to check it out and where I ended up was a mini-site sponsored by Heineken. Before entering a user has to authorize that they are 21 years of age or older by entering in their b-day. All of this is fine and dandy but why is this being promoted so prominently where those under 21 have easy access to it, it is right next to the 106 & Park promo where most of the audience members are high school aged students. Oh, also the wording when you hover over the image reads: “Meet hot athletes, see fresh rides and get the hottest vacay spots.” The copywriter did a great job, enticing. Anyway I don’t want to give the wrong impression, I think the redesign is great and much, much, much more user friendly; creates less strain on the eyes so the great content that is there is visually more appealing to read; but, please move the BET Lounge promo somewhere where it is not so accessible to those that are underage. Perhaps in “The Hot Row” before or after Community. Promote responsibly.