Aussie Andy, Couldn't agree more. The user interface on the AIS site is clunky, misleading, cumbersome, and full of blind alleys.
The Met Office in comparison have a site to be proud of. From their log in page to anywhere on the site takes no more than 3 page clicks. Their "GetMet" booklet is also excellent.
As a PPL student ready to take his test as soon as the weather clears, I have to say that obtaining NOTAMS prior to a flight is a most confusing and unsatisfying proccess. I am not surprised that others have simply given up. Whilst not wishing in anyway to undermine the work of those individuals who have obviously worked so tirelessly to improve the website, it still seems to be a second rate offering. Until it is improved, a "GetNotam" booklet would be a really useful tool, or in its absence, as Mike suggests, if some of the mags could provide a couple of Notam tutorial feature articles it would help.
Mr.W