Re: new browser windows

>I recently read an article about Relationship Marketing in which one of the
>key points was "Do not force open new browser windows". This interested me,
>as for as long as I can remember, I have opened new browser windows for
>external links, rather than have the user move away from my site. I've also
>begun indicating that a new browser window will be opened, and to close the
>new window to return to my site. I'm also considering opening a frameset
>within the new window, with instructions to the user on how to return to my
>site, a la Hotmail.
>
>I'd be interested in other thoughts on this.
>
>


As I'm browsing the web, when I want to click on a link it's because its for 
something of subsidiary interest.  I dont want to lose contact with the 
place I am now.  So I find myself as a matter of habit right-clicking and 
selecting "open in a new window".  This is far preferable in my view to 
trying to go back with the "back" button or using the history.  not all the 
pages I go to seem to appear in the history list.  Or they are not obvious 
anyway.

For me, it's a nice plus to have links on a site that open a new window.  I 
can easily close the present window if I don't want it any more.   But I 
dont mean open a new window like the stupid way Hotmail does it -with a 
frame at the top telling me this is a new window.   And I dont mean open a 
new window like those wretched adult sites do -= close one window and 3 more 
open.  Close one and 3 more open.  Close one and ...... bzzzzzzzzz out of 
memory.

But I for one favour the < ...  target="_blank"> attibute in a link in many 
cases.   I think it helps me browse the web the way I want to.

Cheers,
Mike Kear
AFP Web Development
Windsor, NSW, Australia
http://www.afp.zip.com.au

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