So far I've only seen two arguments to keep using the target="_blank" attribute.
1. Our users are idiots and can't drive there browsers. Web Standards are about catering for the future; it's safe to assume that as more people get onto the Internet then there ability for using the browser will improve. You also have to consider how this attribute will work on say a cell phone, PDA or my favourite mentioned before, direct optic nerve shunt :D. We are not suggesting you remove pop-up windows altogether, just that you use the correct method for opening them, JavaScript. 2. Other applications like Word use pop-ups so I can too. HTML is not an application, if it was then the target="_blank" attribute would come with additional parameters to control the size, placement etc of the window. JavaScript (which is used for building applications on the web) comes with all of these properties so is the perfect choice for opening new windows. I can't believe this argument has progressed so far. XHTML is purely for the presentation of content, that's it. By removing target="_blank" you remove an outdated method for opening new windows (that it was never designed to do I might add!), but you are not removing popup windows all together. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kevin Futter Sent: Wednesday, 16 August 2006 8:50 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [WSG] target=_blank On 15/8/06 5:15 PM, "Tim" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > On 15/08/2006, at 4:55 PM, Andreas Boehmer [Addictive Media] wrote: > >> You cannot expect users to know to Shift-click a link to open the T&C >> in a new window > > Why not? This is one huge assumption that your users are silly and > cannot shift click or right click. > Let them open a new window themselves. I do not assume my users are so > stupid. You know, I'm as computer-savvy as anybody, but I've only just learned that you can shift-click to open new windows by reading this thread (mainly because I use tabs in preference to new windows). Forgive me if that makes me "stupid". I think perhaps you shouldn't assume *anything* about your users, period. You probably shouldn't equate a particular skill- or knowledge-set with intelligence either. -- Kevin Futter Webmaster, St. Bernard's College http://www.sbc.melb.catholic.edu.au/ ------------------------------------------ This e-mail and any attachments may be confidential. You must not disclose or use the information in this e-mail if you are not the intended recipient. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify us immediately and delete the e-mail and all copies. The College does not guarantee that this e-mail is virus or error free. The attached files are provided and may only be used on the basis that the user assumes all responsibility for any loss, damage or consequence resulting directly or indirectly from the use of the attached files, whether caused by the negligence of the sender or not. The content and opinions in this e-mail are not necessarily those of the College. ****************************************************** 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 ******************************************************
