target='_blank' considered harmful

[Dan McGarry]

Quick usability note concerning the link to the Ubuntu wiki on 
help.ubuntu.com:

Using target='_blank' in an anchor element without first notifying the 
user that the link, when clicked, will open a new window, is not 
advisable. New users especially find the sudden appearance of a new 
window quite alarming, and often react as if they've done something wrong.

I'd suggest one of two solutions:

1) Insert a parenthetical note to tell users it opens a new window. If 
this choice is taken, I'd further suggest styling the link so that it 
can be visually distinguished from local 'same window' links.

2) Trust the user to know what they're doing and link everything except 
pop-ups in the same window.

Ideally, this would be integrated consistently with link behaviour in 
all visually similar (i.e. official Ubuntu) sites.

Best,

-- 
Dan McGarry		it.psl at fsp.org.vu

IT Consultant
Community Communications Project