New Windows

[filkertom]

Serious question: When I post a link, I usually use the "_blank" modifier, so it will open in a new window or tab. Does this bug you? And, if so, why?

ETA: For the people asking how to do it -- as jss1113 mentions below, the HTML to open a new window is: <a href="http://www.yourwebpage.com" target="_blank">

Opening a new tab, rather than a new window, is a function of your browser settings. The usual setting in Firefox is to have a middle-button click on the URL open it in a new tab.

And... a number of people below mention the primary reason I do it: so that you're still at this page, for any number of reasons -- consistent browsing environment, so you can comment here, whatever. In these heady days of infinite browser tabs, I find it much easier to have an extra tab or three open than to use multiple Back commands, or work my way through the History and try to remember what the title of a given page was....

Comments

[mdlbear]

It bugs me. I normally middle-click to open a link in a new tab; when I left-click it's because I'm done with the page I'm looking at and want to follow the link in the same tab. It's annoying when sites break the default behavior.

[ladypoetess.livejournal.com]

I prefer my links to open in new tabs, generally, so I like it this way.

[gypsy1969.livejournal.com]

I prefer the new window, it keeps my reading flow.

[sydb42.livejournal.com]

I usually open links into a new tab anyway, but if I accidentally forget I definitely appreciate it when the link does that anyway. So no, it not only doesn't bug me, but I consider it a feature! ;)

[bald-ruminant.livejournal.com]

Count me among the "_blank" = good faction.

[ericcoleman]

I love it, and keep forgetting to ask you how it's done ... my html skills are a little lacking

[twfarlan.livejournal.com]

Nope. I tend to prefer for new links to target a new, blank window or tab so I don't lose my place on the referring page. Then again, good browsers let you set in preference the option to automatically send clicked links to new tabs or windows for you, so I don't notice much anymore if the link isn't doing that for me.

[valkyrwench.livejournal.com]

I never even noticed, because I habitually right click and open links in a new tab anyway.

[ashkitty.livejournal.com]

I tend to right-click and 'open in new window' by default, so it just means you save me the work. ;)

[selenesue.livejournal.com]

Not only do I prefer it, but I want instructions.

[pixelene.livejournal.com]

I hadn't even noticed since I always right click to open in a new tab or window - so I guess that means it doesn't bug me. ;P

[jss]

Instead of just <a href="..."> you include a target="_blank" in it, as in <a href="..." target="_blank">.

[zibblsnrt.livejournal.com]

What they said.

[eruvanna.livejournal.com]

I like it, it allows me to check out the link w/o having to lose my place on my friend's page

[kestrels-nest.livejournal.com]

No, actually I very much appreciate it.

[acelightning.livejournal.com]

[cjfringe.livejournal.com]

Ditto ditto

[cjfringe.livejournal.com]

Does this bug you? Does this bug you? I'm not touching you.

[kayshapero]

Likewise.

[filkertom.livejournal.com]

See jss1113's comment to ericcoleman, just a few comments up.

[celti.livejournal.com]

Bugs me immensely, which is why I force all new windows into tabs; that way I don't have to worry about other people's practices.

[que-sara-sara.livejournal.com]

Personally I love it, but could you send me the code so I can use it? I haven't been able to find it when I look and I keep forgetting to look when I have endless time.

[crwilley.livejournal.com]

I want new tabs, not new windows - other people deciding I need a new window makes me grind my teeth. So I right-click everything. I know newer Firefox versions will do this for me automagically, but a) I still have a "quaint" version of Firefox at work, and b) old habits die hard, which is the same reason I'm the last person who actually types out the http:// at the beginning of every URL I enter manually.

[maiac.livejournal.com]

It doesn't bug me, but I've the _blank attribute to cause problems for some people when their popup blocker stops the new window from opening and they don't realize why the window won't open.

I'm using Internet Exploder 7 these days, and habitually open links into new tabs.

[controuble.livejournal.com]

Wow - I've learned something new before breakfast. I never knew you could force a link to open in a new page/tab by clicking differently on a link.
I have IE6 at work (and no, we're not allowed to upgrade until they say so) and use Firefox at home. There are a few people in my flist who do this (write their links the way you do) and I love it. Now I know how to do it myself and how to get around the ones who don't.

Thank you :)