Myself I would say when possible have an alternate txt or html file. I
strongly discourage pdf on  websites unless it is a zip file for download.
As stated by Damian they are annoying for users with modems, and I find them
annoying at all times.
Keep pdf's for printing and inter office.

Bruce Prochnau
BKDesign Solutions

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Damian Sweeney" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <wsg@webstandardsgroup.org>
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2005 6:01 PM
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
>
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