j9t’s avatarj9t’s Twitter Archive—№ 846

  1. Google Tag Manager (GTM) thread. There are various known problems with #GTM with its use frequently slowing down, occasionally breaking sites. That’s not a surprise: GTM is a tool for marketers that requires, but also allows to bypass, developers.
    1. …in reply to @j9t
      Two of the main issues observed w/ the use of #GTM: 1) Poor security: If you don’t know what you’re doing you can do much harm. The docs even offer insecure methods, like not pushing secure connections (developers.google.com/tag-manager/devguide#use-protocol-relative-url) and adding—Flash (developers.google.com/tag-manager/devguide#actionscript).
      1. …in reply to @j9t
        2) Poor performance. Put simply, anything added through GTM makes a site slower. With the power of GTM it’s a concern to target users who have an interest but likely no background nor support for it. In a way, GTM can be for marketers what candy is for kids. It needs managing.
        1. …in reply to @j9t
          In orbitmedia.com/blog/what-is-google-tag-manager-and-why-use-it/, @CharlesFarina shares great insight: “[We] never recommend anyone use Google Tag Manager on their live site without a few months of training and experience.” A few months. As devs we need to make sure GTM gets the oversight and support it needs.