Great article, Derek. But I've got some questions on one of your points.
Quote Originally Posted by derekjay View Post
Pop Ups / New Windows

...some websites still insist on opening new content in new windows (pop ups), generally with good intentions. This is a bad idea for two reasons:

1. It's annoying – no one likes them because they cause clutter and remind us of spam

2. It breaks the "back button chain" – think of how many times a day you use the back button on your browser. Quite often I'm sure. Using pop ups or new windows makes using the back button impossible, and will most likely result in the visitor leaving your site. No good.
I'd say pop unders are the most irritating; bordering on criminal disrespect even. Now that's spam! But is it commercial suicide if it's improving conversion rates?

My second question probably isn't as controversial, but I'd appreciate opinions. Navigation and internal links on TFSA open in the same window/tab. However external links in posts do open in a new window or tab (depending on the settings in your browser).

My thinking is once you've done reading a thread you're moving on. However, if you're following a link in a post there's a good chance you might want to come back and either finish reading the thread, or even post a reply. My habit is to pop back to the thread tab or close the followed link tab once I've read that content.

However, that's just me and my thinking.

What would the members prefer? Same tab/window or new tab/window on links in posts?