Re: FN-FORUM: Objective, Constructive, kick-me-in-the-pants criticism required please!

date posted 8th January 2004 14:42

On 8 Jan 2004 14:49:44 -0000, Paul J White [EMAIL REMOVED] wrote:

>
> Tony Crockford wrote:
>> but you're going against accessibility by enforcing new windows on your
>> users.
>>
> I don't inflict any unrequested popups on users, but I would argue that
> opening related, but 'off site' links, in a seperate window/tab (and
> warning visitors this will happen) is an aid to useability, which
> balances out the accessibility issue.
>
> My 2p, but would be interested in others' thoughts...

Opening a new window for your visitor can be confusing and certainly
breaks their back button, so adds an obstacle to return to your site,
which is why you opened a new window in the first place right? - so they
could still see your site?

I really like to choose a new window/tab whenever I want one, rather than
have it appear automagically - I especially hate my bank that opens new
windows and then when I return to the page I was on re-uses the window for
my next link, so I can't see that it changed (click, click, click - why
isn't this link working....)

my personal preference is to suggest that a new window is possible, but
never open one for the user - all about keeping the back button working,
history intact etc.

http://diveintoaccessibility.org/day_16_not_opening_new_windows.html

hth

Tony



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