How versatile are "stretch" templates?

[SageMother]

I have seen site templates, not necessarily limited to Wordpress, indicating they are stretch templates, meaning they fill a larger screen.

Do these templates shrink to fit a smaller screen, or is it necessary to constantly scroll horizontally to see everything on each page? Having to scroll could discourage some potential subscribers, which is why I thought I would ask here.

[berlinlife06]

I never knew there were stretsh templates! And as a user, I can tell you: I have a 12 inch screen ad it sucks to go into a website where I have to scroll horizontally. I actually avoid them.

[Jewel]

I'm the same way, berlinlife. If I discover that to completely view a site I have to scroll horizontally, I just won't go there, if I can help it. It really bugs me.

[berlinlife06]

So, if two of us are having the same feelings, than I know that there are so many more out there! So it will be a good idea to avoid stretch templates just thinking of not loosing visitors on your website.

[SageMother]

WoW!

I am glad that I asked this question.

It is always tempting to use things that are new and seem to be an improvement, but with tthe sampling of opinions here, I will be careful when selecting templates, regardless of the type of site I am working on.

Thanks!

[Jewel]

I think that people on forums can really offer good advice about the potential blog or site visitor, so I've found on different forums I've frequented.

As for the horizontal scrolling, yes I know that a lot of others have to feel the same way. It's just one more thing to do to have to see your site, and you know how lazy people are. :)