The IE6 dilemma.

I’m not a professional web designer/developer, nor do I claim to be. Everything I ever learned about XHTML, CSS, and PHP is completely self taught. This means I know how to code for browsers like Firefox, Safari, and even IE7–but the way IE6 works boggles my mind.

I was reading a fun little post yesterday about why people still use IE6. It was a clever read with some interesting insight, though not backed up by facts whatsoever. Totally the author’s opinions–and they were well grounded. However, I tend to think that most people use IE6 because they have to, they don’t know any better, and Microsoft as well as professional web designers are enabling IE6 users by continuing to code for the almost decade old browser.

Whatever the reason, I made up my mind once and for all when editing the new theme that I would not support IE6. If it worked, it worked–but if it didn’t, I don’t give a damn.

Guess what? It didn’t work. Surprise, surprise.

I’m actively alienating potential readers, and I don’t care. It feels good.

Now, I know that no self respecting professional designer would scrap IE6 support once and for all–though a few are–but what is your reasoning behind keeping the support in? Don’t you think that if more and more websites stopped supporting IE6 users, the visitors would eventually get the hint and upgrade?