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Re: Popup Window idea

for

From: Christian Heilmann
Date: Jul 25, 2005 9:26AM

> > Actually this back link works when the popup didn't popup and
> > will be replaced by a window.close() when it has popped up. I
> > am aware that there is no real need for a "close window"
> > button, but many designers and usability experts will
> > disagree with me there.
>
> Really? The only reason *to* have a close window link that I can think of
> would be to hint at the fact that the window they are looking at was a
> pop-up window. But there seems better ways to indicate that, so, you're just
> left repeating a basic function of the browser itself. Which seems odd.
>
> Are there arguments to keep a close-window link?

I assume the worst: The classic popup window with some legal mumbo
jumbo to read and no navigation.

Scenario:
- User without JavaScript clicks the link
- Mumbo Jumbo page opens in main window
- User needs to use the browser back functionality to get back to the
previous page

With a back link there would be at least a bit of navigation to keep
the page up as an experience.

Yes, I know that this is bad practice (although very common) and that
users are very well aware of how to use their browsers. I could think
though that information terminal users or real "only one window
instance" browsers could be easier to use with a back link.