[Life Xpect]

If its a popup opened through a link, then yes i use it.. I don't remember using automatic popups besides one with website alerts e.t.c

[Eric]

Originally Posted by StarLab

I find opening external links in a new browser window (using the target="_blank" attribute) to be quite effective in not only redirecting users to other info, but in keeping your users on YOUR site in the primary window.

Also, this uses no javascript, and usually isn't blocked by pop-up blocker utilities.

Great post and spot on!

I make ALL of my external links open in new windows. It's highly effective in keeping visitors on my site for longer durations.

For advertising pop ups, it's probably not a good idea at all. I spend a lot of money online and if a site tries to shove a pop up in my face I'm gone. If those sites are losing sales from me, certainly they must be losing them from others as well.

[Ajay]

There was a time I used to use popups and opened external windows for external sites.

However, ever since I decided to go XHTML 1.1 on my blog, I have removed all target attributes (since it is deprecated).

Better web practices.

[Eric]

Originally Posted by Ajay

There was a time I used to use popups and opened external windows for external sites.

However, ever since I decided to go XHTML 1.1 on my blog, I have removed all target attributes (since it is deprecated).

Better web practices.

In blog posts there is no need to have external links open in new windows, but in regular websites, especially commercial, you want those visitors to stick around as long as possible.

[Ajay]

Originally Posted by ErictheBlue

In blog posts there is no need to have external links open in new windows, but in regular websites, especially commercial, you want those visitors to stick around as long as possible.

Actually it really depends yet again. But, I agree, on commercial sites I design, I still let external links open in a new window.

[Jamie]

Web Standards rule all.

Its ok to have a link open up another window but it should be done using javacript and it should be clearly indicated that the link will open in a new window. Only use DOM scripting though so that people without javascript/limeted support can still access the raw link.

To do this you should write a setup fuction that uses document.get ElementsByTagName etc this way you can check all anchor tags to see if its an external link(through domain matching or attribute marking) if it is then you can set a new onclick event to open the href in a new window. The will preserve the link for users without javascript.

If anyone wants any example code im sure I could whip something up. Just ask.

Jamie

[TheLastLegion]

95% of the time popups make most users want to go away from your site as it scares the heck out of the users into thinking its spam and spyware incoming.

So ya its best recommended not to do popups unless it is VerY IMPORTANT site annoucmenets which cannot be displayed on the site for whatever reason.

[Ajay]

Check Beware of Opening Links in a New Window [Usability and Information Architecture]

[Eric]

You guys/gals have me thinking now. I can see the points being made.

Back to the drawing board...

[ScottHughes]

Originally Posted by StarLab

I find opening external links in a new browser window (using the target="_blank" attribute) to be quite effective in not only redirecting users to other info, but in keeping your users on YOUR site in the primary window.

Also, this uses no javascript, and usually isn't blocked by pop-up blocker utilities.

I find that users like to use the back button. They get confused when you redirect them to a new window.

I only use the target_blank window when I'm linking to my site.