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Re: Links in context - or not?

for

From: Peter Krantz
Date: Oct 31, 2008 3:45AM


On Fri, Oct 31, 2008 at 6:08 AM, Webb, KerryA < <EMAIL REMOVED> > wrote:
>
> My initial response was that all users would be better served by having
> links in context, but I said that I'd ask if anyone was better informed
> about this.
>

Links are are inline elements and are designed for being used in
context. Moving the links out of context will create a different
problem for readers in that they may be difficult to find without
editors having to write things like "see second link in the list to
the right". I also get the feeling that you assume that users read
your material from top to bottom, like a paper version. This may be
the case, but it is also common that users skim online texts. In the
latter case inline links may help visually structuring the text and
make it easier to find "hooks" for eye movement.

Regards,

Peter Krantz