I just went down a minor rabbit hole and now I have posted a little poll on the side of the blog. When browsing (blogs in particular and, specifically IHTtS) would you rather have links open in the same window/tab (replacing IHTtS) or that links open in new tabs/windows (based on your browser preferences)? Or would your rather decide in the moment and use whatever method (e.g, ctrl-click) to do it yourself?
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I always have them open in a new tab. I hate losing my place if I forget to middle mouse click or if I accidentally click a link while scrolling.
ReplyDeleteI was reading what exactly the "target=_blank" html command does, and there was a very opinionated article and commentary on default behavior, and what the user expects vs. what the web developer should do.
DeleteI expect it to open same tab, but I don't prefer it. If you do what I expect, then you don't do what I prefer. If you do what I prefer, then I didn't expect it and try to avoid or circumvent those expectations until I learn otherwise.
DeleteNo real winner here.
The article (https://css-tricks.com/use-target_blank/) makes the assumption that the typical user knows what they're doing, and emphasizes user choice. Much of the commentary begs to differ. The dichotomy between expectations and preferences are very interesting. And you're right, if like me (and Jaedia), you always open in new tabs, you might never be aware that the code has changed.
DeleteI don't care. :) I middle-mouse click to open a new tab anyway.
ReplyDeleteThen you should pick the third option.
DeleteI do the same :)
DeleteThe same as Jaedia for me.
ReplyDeleteI recently changed my blog to open external clicks in new tabs. That's the way I browse through blogs personally. I didn't really think about people being offended about it (haven't heard anyone noticing either), so I'm curious to hear what the results to your poll are. :)
Me, too ;)
DeleteUse the default HTML behavior. That way the user can open things in a new tab if she wishes, or as her browser supports.
ReplyDeleteAs well, it's more likely to work everywhere. For example, sometimes pop-up suppressors will kill links that appear in a new window automatically. (Because of intrusive advertising.)
That was the argument from the author of the original post that I linked above. The commentariat had varying opinions on both the expectations and abilities of the end user, not to mention current de facto standards vs "the way things oughta be." At this point, I'm not sure where I stand on the issue. And such a minor issue it seems to be.
DeleteI prefer links to open in a separate tab. If someone is reading your content why would you want them to follow a link away from your site to somewhere else?
ReplyDeleteI am thinking the same thing, but the article says that's a "bad reason."
DeleteUsually on-site links are navigation, so same tab, while off-site I usually prefer to open in a separate tab. But as you can't rely on sites doing what you want, I usually manually choose how to they should be opened.
ReplyDeleteIt was pointed out in the article commentary that major sites like Facebook and Twitter do exactly that.
DeleteNot long ago I would have said I absolutely prefer a new window. But often being forced to try new things turns out for the best ;) Now it definitely depends on the situation and I almost always r-click so I can choose one or the other regardless of browser settings.
ReplyDeleteNew Tab por favor
ReplyDelete