Link should open in new window

Hello Sir,

I just would like to request to dmoz authorities that when a person open a website link from dmoz, it should be opened saprerately in new window.

I think with this dmoz web will stay at place and we will visit the link and if it will be interest to us then ok otherwise we will close it and again will reach to dmoz.

Any suggestion?

Thanks and best regards to all members of dmoz.

Unfortunately there will be people who feel equally strongly that the links shouldn't open in a new window (or tab). If they've found what they're looking for they may want to go there and not have to bother with closing the window containing the directory category.

IMO, the decision about where to open the link is best left to the user. You browser should provide you the option of choosing as you select the link. For example in Firefox, I can ctrl+click or middle-click to get the link opened in a new tab. I get a new tab when I want one, and the link opens in the same tab otherwise. And I never get a new window (although that option is available too via shift+click, should I really want it for some reason).

Great chaos127. Yes the option shift+click, is good but my main mind was that if the dmoz will remain then visitor can get more results about which he is looking for. What do u thinkg?

Chaos was referring to the fact that we had that discussion internally a few times, and have chosen to stay with the current option every time.

We might change our mind at some point in the future, but currently a lot of us feel that having links not forcing people to use new windows is better.

from a usablity standpoint you do not want to open a link in a new tab/window automaticlly (of course there are exceptions). It essentially 'brakes' the back button, and forces users to take further action, which can disrupt the browsing experience.

Greasemonkey script

If you want to always open sites in a new window, there is an easy solution:

You need install the Greasemonkey extension for Firefox, then install this userscript: OffSiteBlank

It will open all offsite links in a new window (or tab if your browser is set that way). In the greasemonkey interface you can then edit the OffSiteBlank script to only apply to dmoz.org

In my opinion opening a site in a new window, should always be a user choice (using Ctrl , Shift or a greasemonkey script) and never forced by the site.

DMOZ OffSite Blank

Regarding my post above, I made a adaptation of the OffSiteBlank script specifically for DMOZ: DMOZ OffSite Blank

It will open any site listed on DMOZ in a new window or tab (depending on your browser settings).

For a directory or search site, I'd agree. For most individual sites, though, I think opening links that take you away from the site in a new window makes sense. And it's quite common.

Of course anyone that wanted the link in a new window can use the right-click menu or the built in keyboard shortcuts. Web sites should NOT try and second guess users, especially in navigation.

I wouldn't necessarily classify providing links to another site as key navigation. We'll have to agree to disagree.

I personally think this discussion will be always in under discussion