The target blank debate
Jeff just sent a link to a the can of worms at Kevin O'Keefe's blog on the debate whether to open links to other sites from your website in a new window (target="_blank") or let them leave your site when they follow the link. I've been back and forth on the idea myself for some time. I don't think there is a one size fits all answer to this question but I think it depends on context.
If I am offering a link to background information which might help you understand the rest of the article as a reference, I am more likely to use a new window to allow the user to skim the article in the other window before popping back with the extra information. The purpose of this link is more like a sidebar in that regard. The rest of the time I provide links to deliberately say "hey, you should check this site out" and if they love me they'll be back :-)
Some really great points I enjoyed:
- "The best blogs send you away ". I agree, the value of the blog is to pursuade you that something is worth your time and you return to my blog because you value my opinion (or like to argue with me).
- "Any true "expert" of the internet would know that there is no room for experts". Quality. Black and white statements are for photographers.