[thelist] Pop-up Blocker v. Opening a new window

[Jeff Howden]

Tyme,

><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
> From: T-- [mailto:newsgroups at no-pun.com] 
> 
> > [...] As to the order form, I don't get that at all.
> 
> So that the user can still see the product page in the 
> bg of the new smaller window, if necessary. [...]
><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

Designed properly, this isn't necessary with an online order form.

><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
> The client does like the pop-up window for order
> form [...]
><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

Honestly, it really doesn't matter if the client likes popups.  If popups
make the site more difficult to use, then there isn't any sensible reason to
use them.

><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
> > Without JavaScript?  No, unless you're willing to
> > keep the functionality down to *just* a new window
> > without the extra control of sizes, chrome,
> 
> That is fine for the non-JS users.  That is exactly 
> what they would get with just the target="_blank"
> attribute.  But, even that seems to be blocked by
> some pop-up blockers.
><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

Indeed.  The worst part about it is that non-JS users can't even be told
that your site tried to open a new window, but their system blocked it.

><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
> > [...] detect if popups are being blocked or not and
> > give an appropriate response to the user.
> 
> That is a start. Haven't yet found this coding solution.
> (Searched "javascript pop-up blocking".)  That would
> help somewhat, for now.  Suppose that I need to just
> suck it up and recode both of those sites with different 
> Order Form solution.
><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

I would agree wholeheartedly that that is indeed the correct approach.
Ditch popups for any functionality that is core to the mission of the site
and life will get much, much easier.

 [>] Jeff Howden
     jeff at jeffhowden.com
     http://jeffhowden.com/