Hi Damian Thanks for the feedback. We use CSS to place an icon in front of the link to illustrate the file format as well as the (filename.pdf, 35k) designation.
Is there anyone out there that supports opening in a new window? If not, it looks like I will suggest we keep it behavior-free. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Damian Sweeney Sent: Monday, August 15, 2005 3:01 PM To: wsg@webstandardsgroup.org Subject: Re: [WSG] accessibility - opening new windows philosophy Hi Ted, I would say let the user decide. Wherever possible I try to provide enough information in the link itself so that the user knows what to expect and can proceed as they wish. Many people will set up their browser to deal with different file types according to their preference (open the document in the browser, open it in the application, download the file). Opening in a new window removes user choice. By providing a plain link you give users the option that you use of `right-click - open in new window`. How do I choose to open a new-window-link in the current window if that is my preference? The only time I open links (to web pages) in a new window is when I have to place a link inside someone else's frame and I warn the user that I'm doing it. I wouldn't use a new window for the downloadable documents you are referring to. Unexpected pdfs are annoying, especially for low-bandwidth users. So, I would recommend something like: <a href="document.pdf">Some stuff (pdf format, 200kb)</a> Include all the info in the link, if you can, for people who only read the links. Cheers, Damian > Hi All > > > > We've had a discussion at work about pdf documents and hijacking the user's > browser / making it more user-friendly. What is the general feeling towards > having pdf and other non-html documents open in a new window? > > -- Damian Sweeney Learning Skills Adviser (online) Language and Learning Skills Unit Instructional Designer, AIRport Project Equity, Language and Learning Programs University of Melbourne 723 Swanston St Parkville 3010 www.services.unimelb.edu.au/ellp/ www.services.unimelb.edu.au/llsu/ airport.unimelb.edu.au/ ph 03 8344 9370, fax 03 9349 1039 This email and any attachments may contain personal information or information that is otherwise confidential or the subject of copyright. Any unauthorised use, disclosure or copying of any part of it is prohibited. The University does not warrant that this email or any attachments are free from viruses or defects. Please check any attachments for viruses and defects before opening them. If this email is received in error please delete it and notify us by return email or by phoning (03) 8344 9370. ****************************************************** The discussion list for http://webstandardsgroup.org/ See http://webstandardsgroup.org/mail/guidelines.cfm for some hints on posting to the list & getting help ****************************************************** ****************************************************** The discussion list for http://webstandardsgroup.org/ See http://webstandardsgroup.org/mail/guidelines.cfm for some hints on posting to the list & getting help ******************************************************