Rollovers, discussing rollovers. Options

[bangxdisco]

Why does it seem like one of every 200 myspace layouts has rollovers? They really aren't hard to do.. so why arent people using them?

[libertie]

I for one can't stand links that don't do something - even if it's subtle - when you hover over them. It's confusing to me if I go to a site that has links that do nothing when you hover. Even if it's just going from text-decoration: underline to text-decoration: none. It makes me think, honestly, that the link div is positioned underneath another layer and is getting covered up due to z-index problems.

That having been said, I don't really care for image links for that reason. I prefer text links, but if you must have your navigation mapped on an image, I do feel like it gives the layout a great deal of professionalism if it has a subtle yet noticeable hover effect. I'm sure there are plenty of exceptions, but in my personal opinion especially when there's a very plain-looking navigation system based on an image map, you should be using some sort of rollover effect. If that means changing the text color, changing the background color, underlining, adding a small shape next to it, whatever. I think it's necessary.

P.S. Moved to Designer's cafe as it is a discussion related to web design, not a help topic. <3