Make Links Stop Opening in New Windows

[B166ER]

This is a common annoyance around here I have noticed. If someone wants a link to open in a new window they will right click it and open a new tab or window. It shouldn't be automatically assumed that they want external links in a new window.

Why not Open Links in a New Window?

Here are the top 5 reasons why you should beware of opening links in a new window:

1. Unless you warn them, Web users are likely to expect the new page to load in the current window. Unexpected surprises can be fun, but not when you're browsing the Web.
2. The act of opening a new browser window resets the back button in that window. The back button is the second most used navigation function (after hyperlinks, source: http://www.useit.com/alertbox/990530.html), so resetting it is a big no-no.
3. To open a new browser window can disorient very novice Web users and the visually impaired. They might not realise that a new window has opened and might struggle to switch between windows.
4. Opening a new browser window disrespects the desires of your users. If they want a new window, they'll ask for one. Don't force a new window upon users unless there's a very good reason to do so.
5. New browser windows can make an already cluttered taskbar even more difficult to use. We've all spent ages hunting through the taskbar in search of the window we want. Don't make this process even harder by increasing the number of windows the user has open.

But Using New Windows Keeps Users on my Site!

Not on its own, it doesn't! Web users will stay on a site because it has the information they're looking for, or because it helps them achieve their goals -- not because the browser window is still open.
If users want to return to a Website, they'll use the back button. If a new window is used, the back button in this window is reset, so users won't be able to do return to your site using this common method (cue frustrated users).



you also might consider that many sites who open all links in the same window also have a little icon next to each link that users can click to open the link in a new window if they so choose.


reference: http://www.sitepoint.com/article/beware-opening-links-new-window/

just my helpful suggestion. take it or leave it =)

 

[ipodtouchhackerisher]

I always just right click and push new tab as its also more convenient!

 

[B166ER]

I always just right click and push new tab as its also more convenient!

yeah but most the time i wouldn't even want a new tab. when im using firefox it already automatically opens links destined for a new window in a new tab. this sucks though because i often have like 50 tabs open so ill get sent to the new page in a new tab and then if i click any tab toward the end while browsing at the link I have lost my BHW tab in a clusterfuck of tabs.