Should the current date and/or time be displayed on websites?

[JustForWebmasters]

Hi all,

Here's my question to you: should websites show the current time and date? Why or why not?

[TheRock]

An auction site should -- helps people to guess how much time left for bid closing.

[Ian Glass]

I, personally, like to see the date if it's not too obtrusive. I don't like when a website has the time (dynamic or not).

[westmich]

I think its more important to see the date related to content, i.e. when a page was modified or an article submitted.

[htmlite]

I would say as long as it makes sence to show it for the site contents involved.

People may be viewing that page from very different time zones around the world so would it make sense for them to really know the time showing for that page?

It may would also be notable if it is the actual time showing of the person who created the web page OR if it is the time zone of where the host server is located.

Well... that's my view on it at least

[mattjacob]

I don't think it's necessary to see what the day or the current time is, no matter where you are on the web.

You should hopefully already know what day it is, and to figure out the time, you look to the lower right-hand corner of your screen. I think that the date an article was posted should be somewhere close to the article, and obviously, the closing date/time of an auctioned item needs to be visible, but that's it!

[Phil.Roberts]

Are we talking about server time or local time?

If its server time then its pointless as it will appear wrong to anyone not inhabiting the same time zone as the server. And if its local time then its still pointless as the user will have that time displayed on their taskbars anyway.

[Maelstrom]

I like having the date on a site as long as it isn't in the way. The minute it doesn't look right on the page, it well, doesn't look right

[JustForWebmasters]

But why have it? I agree with colon//. I've just noticed it all over the Web, and thought that maybe it was some "cool" thing to have...to show off that you can write some JavaScript.

IMHO of course.

[Maelstrom]

Originally posted by Corbb O'Connor
But why have it? I agree with colon//. I've just noticed it all over the Web, and thought that maybe it was some "cool" thing to have...to show off that you can write some JavaScript.

IMHO of course.

If they are doing that to show off there js skills than they need some help because showing the time is simple. And actually I almost wish I could change my vote because after reading colons answer I would rethink my opinion on it. It is nice to have but definatley not on every site.

[beley]

On portals or information sites I think it's a good idea to put the date and time. However, on business or e-commerce sites I don't see a purpose behind it. People used to put "last updated on" with little scripts that automatically displayed the current date, but most people know those are scams anyway.

[cybercodeur]

I personnaly like it when the date is shown. It gives an impression of actuality, of recent modfication. It makes the site look more updated even though it's probably not. I like it as long as it's not too obstrusive. It gives a nice touch, nothing more.

I think the time on the other hand is totally useless, unless it serves a purpose on the site.

[Sarah]

isn't it 2 different things?

1. date/time updated
2. actual date/time

the updated time to me is only good if you update your site frequently, I have been on sites that haven't had the date change in over a year and they just look daft..

I don't really see the point of having actual time/date unless its needed like auctions etc..

suppose it depends on what your thinking of using it for.

None of my sites warranted or have any time/date stamps (other than some articles)

Sarah

[Chuckie]

On my professional sites, I always try to put the Date ie current date, it just seems that makes the site seem more current.

I never put the last time the site was updated, it seems stuiped to me. What if you don't update the site for a year, then there is a line of text on your site saying so.

On personal sites, sites that are on the cutting edge of design I never put the date.


Chuck