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Re: Opening new windows

for

From: John Foliot - WATS.ca
Date: Feb 7, 2005 2:54PM

glenda wrote:
> an Internet marketing guru
> suggested that I have links open in new windows so that I
> don't lose my visitors. Makes sense in theory, but I wasn't
> keen in terms of accessibility and usability. Any thoughts?
>

Glenda,

I think your "Guru" is an idiot. Here's the analogy I use: You have a
clothing store; Somebody walks in. You lock the door; you won't let them
out unless they buy something, or it's closing time. You might get stung
once, but you won't go back again will you?

Another store welcomes you and spends time assisting you. After spending
some time checking out the clothes racks you thank the clerk for their
service, but don't buy anything that day. But as you leave the store, you
remark to your friend that you'll go back there for sure - good friendly
service, and excellent value!

The web is about links. The web is about information. The web is about
sharing information (why do blogs rank so high in web searches?). Sites
that have valuable, useful information get repeat visits, those that don't
sit there and take up server space. The end.

Trying to "trick" users to stay at your sites is just dumb. It's not 1996,
it's 2005 for gosh sakes. What's that old saw... "If you love them sent
them free..."

If your site offers value and a pleasant user experience, the visitors will
return, no tricks required. At some point, your visitors are going to leave
anyway, if only to turn off their computers Gimme a break...

Accessibility aside, this is just dumb poor usability. I don't always agree
with Jakob Nielson, but he says it best here:
http://www.useit.com/alertbox/9605.html

JF
--
John Foliot <EMAIL REMOVED>
Web Accessibility Specialist / Co-founder of WATS.ca
Web Accessibility Testing and Services
http://www.wats.ca 1.866.932.4878 (North America)