The first page, a link leads you to, should always contain the desired information. A person does not want to be taken to a page that has little more than a link and a logo on it. A person wants to go to a useful page when a link is clicked, according to Vincent Flanders. They do not want to see a page that tells them why they should switch to a different web browser, a page asking which browser you are using, a page that explains how to use the pages, or a nearly blank page with a really neat logo. You should never have to ask which web browser a person is using. The server is informed of the web browser and version when a page is requested. You can simply ask the web server, using server-side means, to redirect a person depending on the browser and/or version. Apache, MS Internet Information Server, and most other http server software support this. You should not have to check for browser version in most cases if you have a well designed web site.
I was shocked to see that a prominent news site has replaced their front page with advertisements. This ad redirects you to the 'real' front page after a few seconds, but, I still find it rude and annoying. I am all for advertising, but, I don't think that forcing advertising is appropriate. I am asking the site's server for the news,but, it answers me with something completely unrelated to the news. Context sensitive advertising would seem more appropriate. I don't mind receiving advertising if the information that I requested is along with it. I am even more likely to read the ad if it relates to what I asked for. I have visited many news sites related to computer technology. If I go to a news site that reports latest web technology then I don't mind being bombarded with ads relating to web tech. I am am reading an article about the differences between BrandX web browser and BrandY web browser then it stands to reason that the ads would be for similar technology, maybe the BrandZ web browser. I am relating my opinions on this, but, I am sure that many folks feel this way.