Should I open ads in a new window

[ganderla]

I have several affiliate ads on my site and I was hoping someone had some advise on whether or not to have them open in a new window or not.

[hunderdown]

I used to, and then after being convinced that having them not open in a new window increased accessibility, I switched hundreds of affiliate links. No discernible impact.

Some users get annoyed at not being able to use the back button, or don't like extra windows. So I'd say no to new window.

[ronin]

Some users don't like new sites opening in the same window over the top of the old site... and would prefer that the new site opens in its own window.

[mitchell2u]

I am mainly an end-user (but I'm working on my new personal websites).
I have been thinking about this issue very seriously because I know for one website that I view almost daily <snip> none of his links open in a new window and I wish they would automatically. I have to remember to right-click on his links in order to open the new window and keep his site open too.
My reason for wanting the links to open in a new window is because many times the links lead me to other interesting links and after a few clicks his web page would be long gone in my history.
Another point I am thinking about is that when a person visits my website, I want them to still have access to my website and not think that they have to retype my web address. (Remember, not everyone knows their way around their browser...)
So, which is better? Open a link in a new window, or not?
I would have to say it depends on the type of site and which type of users will be visiting it.
If they are newbies, then perhaps a new window is better.
If your site attracts more experienced users, then no new windows.
That's where I am with the whole thought process at the moment. I look forward to any other thinkers. :-)

[edited by: Woz at 1:21 am (utc) on July 12, 2005]
[edit reason] No Specifics please, see Tos#13 [/edit]

[hunderdown]

But some newbies don't like new windows. I guess it depends on the site.

[skibum]

Skip the new windows, it makes for a better user experience, IMHO.

[66sore]

I always set all my links to open in new windows cause otherwise I will lose too many of my surfers.

[ronin]

I understand that it's usability orthodoxy not to have external links open new windows, but that seems to be a dogma based on the asssumption that people don't know how to use a WIMP (Windows / Index (?) / Menus / Pointer) environment.

Operating systems like Windows and OSX are supposed to have multiple windows operating at the same time. That's the core concept of the entire OS. The user is supposed to alternate back and forth between one application and another.

Saying that we should keep all web pages in a single browser window because otherwise it confuses people is playing to the lowest common denominator.

If I go to a directory of script libraries, I don't want each link of the directory to open in the same window... I'd rather have the two or three new windows side by side or overlapping with the original directory behind, or even some of the windows minimised.

That's how the operating system works, isn't it?

[Drastic]

It depends.

If the topic is more general and will likely have less experienced users, I sometimes like to open a new window.

If it's a technical topic with more advanced users, they know how to shift-click to open in a new window. They will more likely be annoyed at you taking control.

What is the goal of that page? Do you want the user to leave through one specific link to then make an action on the target site? No new window is needed, you're getting what you want.

If you have a comparison of other products/services they may also be interested in checking out, a new window may help you get that second look.