AARP Online Community and Discussion Forums - Re: AARP Games: Red Bar (Website Header) - Page 4

AARPHannah · ‎02-09-2024

We just recently introduced our new website header (the red bar at the top of the screen) to provide a consistent user interface with the rest of the AARP.org website, improve website familiarity, and increase the speed of page load.

We’ve noticed some desktop users are having trouble with the website header bar impeding gameplay. We have determined adblocking software might be interfering, causing the header bar (red bar) to move down the page as you scroll (see photo below). This issue is remedied for some by turning off adblocking software.

For more information on the new website header, read AARP Games: Mega Menu (Website Header)

nctarheel · ‎02-11-2024

@AARPHannah wrote:

We just recently introduced our new website header

We’ve noticed some desktop users are having trouble with the website header bar impeding gameplay.

This issue is remedied by turning off adblocking software.

First of all, did your technicians NOT TEST this major change to your web site prior to populating it out to the users? Of course they didn't or you wouldn't have multiple users, using multiple browsers, complaining about the same issue.

Please, please don't dispense misinformation. As more than one user has already concluded, AdBlocker enabled or AdBlocker disabled makes NO DIFFERENCE.

Finally, having been a member for many years, having used this site for many years, I know for a fact that EVERY TIME there is a MAJOR CHANGE to the site, that there are issues that NEGATIVELY affect the users ability to use the site.

I don't know what testing procedures is used prior to introducing major changes but I know IT SEEMS LIKE there are none.

JohnM729645 · ‎02-11-2024

too many 'pencil pushers' with nothing better to do than fix something that isn't broke

Westover · ‎02-10-2024

I

I turned in off in my add blocker! It let me click on the object that I wanted to block.

AARPHannah · ‎02-13-2024

Hi @Westover, @cmauld, @bonniesz50, @Meleah, @sj8493, @JPM56, @MaryK60871,

We appreciate you reaching out to share the issues you’re experiencing playing games. We are actively working on addressing two issues, i.e., the red bar and the expanded menu. Our technical teams are giving them top priority and it is expected the solutions will be rolled out this month, as each is available. We know they are paramount to a positive gaming experience. Thank you for your patience as the issues are corrected. As more information is available, it will be posted here.

cmauld · ‎02-13-2024

Hello Hannah.

Thank you for listening. I am not using the site right now. I loved playing the games every day and miss that. I also, at least once a week, visit the main site to review what was new and my benefits. I enjoy the benefits of being an AARP member. I have been a member for over 15 years. Thanks again for responding and I hope it gets fixed.

cmauld · ‎02-10-2024

Without the adblocker, the site is useless. All I get are annoying and long-lasting ads! Take out the banner. I don't use the site at all now.

Westover · ‎02-10-2024

Are you kidding me? The moving red banner sucks. Get rid of it.

bonniesz50 · ‎02-10-2024

Agree! You've made the site worthless to most of us with your money-grubbing annoying ads.

Meleah · ‎02-10-2024

This is NOT true. I disabled my ad blocker and the header still follows me down the page and covers the game making it unplayable! This is not ok...how are people supposed to play the games on here with that bar covering the game? Please just fix the problem!

Meleah · ‎02-12-2024

I found a workaround, but it's just temporary and something we shouldn't have to resort to in order to play the games on here. I really do hope they are listening to everyone, and care enough to finally fix the issue so we all can get back to enjoying our favorite games.

Winter2024 · ‎02-12-2024

@Meleah , what is your workaround? 🤔

[*** @Meleah wrote:
I found a workaround, but it's just temporary and something we shouldn't have to resort to in order to play the games on here. I really do hope they are listening to everyone, and care enough to finally fix the issue so we all can get back to enjoying our favorite games. ***]

sj8493 · ‎02-10-2024

Precisely. Some recent change to the website has caused this, and disabling ad blockers makes no difference.

JPM56 · ‎02-10-2024

Without an ad blocker the site is totally unusable.

MichaelM02067 · ‎02-10-2024

Hello Hannah: I'm not sure adblockers are the problem. I had an adblocker in Chrome when this issue initially appeared. I switched to Edge, where I did not have an adblocker running at first, and the problem was mostly better. I've since installed the adblocker in Edge and the I'm still able to play. I just have to be very precise about how far I scroll down so the gameplay stays visible, but the red navigation bar doesn't jump down and interfere. So it doesn't appear that the adblocker itself is not causing the problem. Also, my wife does not have any adblockers and she still has the issue with the banner.

It does seem that there is a broader issue. I'm not sure that the web designers understand the audience very well. We are just looking for a bit of a pleasant pass-time with a simple interface. Most of us don't need to be hit over the head with additional info about membership. And we certainly don't need ads for silly tee-shirts, cosmetics, and orthopedic devices. I'm not sure if the web designers spoke to any actual users, but if they did, I don't think they listened.

bonniesz50 · ‎02-10-2024

Excellent post!

MaryK60871 · ‎02-10-2024

I am a member, and they simply don't have an option for me to put in my member number to get the banner off either, so whoever decided to do this is a complete moron and needs to be fired!

dalind · ‎02-11-2024

I am a member, and have an established AARP account. Had played for months without logging on and still can, but get the same results whether I log on or not.

PatrickP57060 · ‎02-10-2024

I turned off the ad blocker and still did the same thing, I use a laptop. I will find the games on another site because this is just god awful.

MaryK60871 · ‎02-11-2024

It's what I did. I went directly to Arcadia.com. It has most of the same games anyways and no annoying red banner floating in the way. You have one 30 second ad and that's it.

bonniesz50 · ‎02-12-2024

I went to that site and got something else. Do you have another website address for it?

Oh, never mind. I found it. It is arkadium.com. I appreciate your post.

dalind · ‎02-11-2024

I am having the same problem. It definitely changed within the last week or two, and persists on two different computers and different browsers on each. The problem with any Arcadia-based site is they will not run at all without disabling ad blocker for me, yet I have no ad blocker available to block (have tried.) msn has an ugly-colored version of Word Wipe with no option to click ahead to the next game, but it bothers me less than this irritating moving red bar. Please, please, please put it back the way it was!

JohnM729645 · ‎02-10-2024

disabling ad blocker led to other problems with keyed in answers switching directions seemingly at random- ad blocker or not - there is an unreasonable lag between typing & letters appearing in appropriate squares

MaryK60871 · ‎02-09-2024

No, I will just go to another site to play the games. I was thinking of joining, but forget it now. I hope people leave AARP in droves thanks to this stupid selfish decision.

JanH861068 · ‎02-11-2024

I will look for another site and not renew my membership next time. Whoever redesigned the site did a poor job. Please email me when you have fixed this issue.

9442758 · ‎02-09-2024

Well, I am NOT turning off my adblocker for your page so I guess you lost this game player. I am allowed NOT to have ads displayed and follow me on the pages I visit. So sad, too bad.