8 replies to this topic

[PyroCreationZ]

I'm wondering if it's not possible to change the way external links open?
As it is now, they're being opened in the same page. If I then find the external link to be interesting I start reading and eventually wandering off from UKPS.
If these would be opened in a new browser tab/window I'd appreciate it as I then can keep the UKPS one open instead of clicking the back button xx times.

Just a suggestion

[phildunford]

I agree completely, I find it very irritating.

We discussed this at a meeting some time ago, as the behaviour changed at one of the dreaded upgrades!

Richard said it is a 'web standard' for links to behave this way & so was reluctant to change it. However, I don't think you will find many websites that allow the visitor to escape from the main content by following a link - just would not be good business. Certainly none of my websites behave this way.

How about it Richard?

[BrightStar]

I suppose the counter argument is that too many windows do get messy and if you close them you loose the navigation trail.

In IE 8 the external links work as follows:

click = open link in current pane
CTRL click = open link in a new tab
SHIFT click = open link in a new window

Alternatively you can right click for these options. I'm sure Firefox and other modern browsers are similar...

Edited by BrightStar, 28 September 2010 - 09:48 AM.

[PyroCreationZ]

Yes, as a matter of fact it's the same shortcut (ctrl+click link) and now that it's being mentioned I remember reading this somewhere that opening in the main frame is the standard (as far as I remember).
Though I prefer opening in a new tab. I think the forum should be adjusted if more people agree with me. If not then leave it like it is.
Maybe add a poll for this issue?

[Bob Twells]

It's pretty common for sites to open internal links in the same window and external link in a new window/tab. It helps keep people on the site as the page will still be there when those close the new page they linked to.

[phildunford]

It's pretty common for sites to open internal links in the same window and external link in a new window/tab. It helps keep people on the site as the page will still be there when those close the new page they linked to.

Yes, that's the way I would see it...

[BrightStar]

It's pretty common for sites to open internal links in the same window and external link in a new window/tab. It helps keep people on the site as the page will still be there when those close the new page they linked to.

Hmm, it's an interesting one this.

I certainly used to build sites this way myself using the 'target='blank'' directive for external links, but might think twice about it now. I'm not sure that it holds up so well these days given modern tabbed browsers and web access from so many platforms other than the traditional PC. I suspect this is why recent web standards discourage its use. It's notable that the BBC for example no longer 'pop out' outside links.

The 'shift - click' for a new window paradigm does seems to be increasingly common and is sometimes very useful (on the Windows 7 taskbar for one). Maybe this too will be a passing trend but as of now seems quite strong.

BTW: I've just discovered that clicking with the mouse wheel (middle button) also opens links in a new window...

[PyroCreationZ]

It's pretty common for sites to open internal links in the same window and external link in a new window/tab. It helps keep people on the site as the page will still be there when those close the new page they linked to.

And that's also the way I'd like to see it because imo opening in the same window is bad for the site owner as people will wander off from the site.
Then again this doesn't really apply here as we all come here for one thing meaning we will keep coming back

[Rip Rap]

+ 1 vote to get the external links opening in another window / tab.