I was having a discussion with a friend of mine today about external links from websites. He thinks that externals links should open in new windows so people don't leave the site. I thought that was annoying and really just ticked users off. We thought we would post a poll here to see what others thought. So what do you think? Should external links open in new windows or in the same window?
I think it varies... generally it annoys me too but if it is simply a cross reference thing then it can be handy where as the majority I would want in the same window
I'd have voted "depends" heh... When linking to other internal pages, or even other sites I own, I'll generally just open it in the same window. Many of my external links open up a new one. As a user I'm fine with either way. (Firefox opens them in a new tab)
I think that external links should open the link in the same window because users have the option to right click a link to open a new window (or tab) if they want.
That is exactly what I think. I hate being forced to have a new window open, even if Firefox opens up a new tab. Not everyone has realized that Firefox is better than IE so I have to worry about those IE users still.
If one wants open new window he can shiftclick the link Many sites will refuse to list you if you use popups and/or target _new
I voted no because many have popup blockers and stuff. If you want to open in a new window/tab you can always do that jmf000 said or just right-click the link and go from there...
I have voted yes, it should open in a new window, you want to keep visitors on your site. On some websites, you can't even go back, you are just brought back to their homepage.
That is interesting. I never thought about it that way. Thought I would check the Google webmaster guidelines to see if they say anything about it, but I could not find anything. Perhaps I will ask on the Google Group.