However, I totally disapprove of opening links in a new window for one reason only:
If the link opens a new tab/window and I DON'T want one, how do I correct that easily?
If the link doesn't open a new tab/window and I want one I can easily modify my actions to make it happen via keyboard shortcuts or the context menu. Cutting and pasting URLs = pain in the bum = annoyed user
The only way to get by these days is to assume that the user knows what they want and how to get it, and at least provide a consistent experience for the users who don't know those things
Someone previously mentioned those with learning disabilities becoming confused by new windows unexpectedly opening. This also applies to the non-IT savvy amongst us, of whom there are many. A consistent user-experience is absolutely necessary in order to allow these people to cope with the bewilderment they experience simply by being on a computer, let alone the web
The argument that users will learn to cope doesn't hold water with me. Some users will, but there will always be some who won't. I work with one guy regularly who is quite smart and very knowledgeable in his own field but for the last ten years I've been trying to teach him how to save to a disk and he still doesn't get it. He is obviously an extreme case, but I work with many others with only slightly better IT capabilities. Anything which reduces confusion for these folks and increases consistency is a good thing!
Cheers, Lachlan ****************************************************** The discussion list for http://webstandardsgroup.org/
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