Target = Blank

[Gomez]

Is it possible to have adsense ads on my sites open up in a new window on click? I saw this on a large music portal site that incorporates adsense. If it is possible, is it recommended? Does anyone here use that technique? I have alway been told that target="_blank" is recommended for all outbound links so the visitor doesn't lose your site.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks! G

[Zygoot]

No, Google doesn't allow us to change the code.

Maybe the large music site is a Premium partner. They have more options than regular publishers.

[Jenstar]

It is also specifically written in the policies (and hence against the terms) that you cannot do anything that will result in the ads opening up in a new browser window.

[hunderdown]

Also, your statement is debatable:

I have alway been told that target="_blank" is recommended for all outbound links so the visitor doesn't lose your site.

The problem is that using that code disables the "back" button, which is what many users would typically use to go back to a site. If the visitor CAN use the back button, they don't lose your site.

I used to use "target="_blank"" on hundreds of affiliate links on my site. Removed them and saw no appreciable difference in visits or visitor behavior....

[incrediBILL]

It's just like any other rule, you can break the rules if you want, just don't whine when you get caught.

[Rodney]

I have alway been told that target="_blank" is recommended for all outbound links so the visitor doesn't lose your site.

I've actually been told the opposite...to make sure the navigation stays constant and doesn't open any new windows to confuse the user.

I think enough users know how to use the "Back" button so you don't have to worry about losing a visitor.

If you are linking to another site and the visitor clicks the link, then they are probably done with your site.

I've always wondered why most forum software developers choose to make links posted to forums open in new windows.

But to answer your question, opening adsense in new windows is prohibited by Google.

[Gomez]

Cool, thanks for the Adsense link info!

Regarding target="_blank", those thoughts are appreciated too. I had it drilled into my mind when I was an intern at a "dot com" company in 98 and it's probably an old school way of thinking. I like hearing your opinions on it. Who knows, maybe I'll change!