Implications of popup blockers for legitimate programmers

[bunner bob]

I wonder what the effect of the growing popularity of popup ad blockers will be on those of us who use javascript for opening windows for legitimate purposes - for instance, to pop up a window with a full-size version of an image when the user clicks on a thumbnail, or create a floating nav bar. I haven't installed such blocking software (I'm on a Mac so there probably aren't a lot of options anyway), but I routinely use javascript for purposes such as the examples above. I wonder if I'm going to have to start including "help" instructions - "if you don't see a larger version of this image and are using popup blocking software, please turn it off and try again". Assuming of course people even know they've got the software installed and how to turn it off (doesn't AOL include popup blocking in its new PC release?)

On the other hand, if there's a way to code around these blockers, be assured that the advertisers will be the first to discover it.

No question, just thinkin' out loud...

[Charles]

If you would open your window thusly

<a href="http://www.w3.org" onclick=window.open(this.href, '', 'height=300,width=200'); return false">W3C</a>

then there wouldn't be a problem.

[khalidali63]

In my understanding,popup windows which are opned when a user clicks on link are not the concern.Popup windows that open itself they are the concern and to be very frank,I do not want anything to happe on my computer unless I demand it.
Ise Netscape7 or MOZILLA browsers they have functionality that will stop un requested windows from opening,I don't see a reason why a developer would wanna open windows when user do not want them???????

Just my nickle in this topic.

Khalid

[bunner bob]

I read an article on zdnet (http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/stories/story/0,10738,2848212,00.html) about popup blockers. The article itself was pretty light but in reading through the response letters I got the impression that a number of these popup blockers work on clickable links as well as onload-type popup code. One writer noted that a particular blocker could be configured to open popups when the user clicks a second time on a link, or shift-clicks - implying that regular single clicks would be thwarted.

Personally I'm not a fan of automatic, clickless popups either - don't use 'em, though I can see legitimate value in, say, a floating navigation panel (and whether THAT's a good idea is a whole 'nother topic).

[Vladdy]

There is NO legitimate reason for pop-up windows. All your examples can be easily implemented within existing browser window.

[WolfShade]

Personally, I can't stand automatic pop-ups. I use a utility called PopUpStopper, and have it set for aggressive pop-up control (no second browser window can open unless I'm holding down the CTRL key.) If I want a pop-up, I'll 'opt in' by holding down the CTRL key; otherwise, the pop-up isn't wanted and, therefore, not seen by me.

The primary reason why I don't want any pop-ups is because of the use of web-bugs and other nefarious devices used in the name of 'marketing' (which, quite often, is a bunch of bull.) What I do and where I go is no one's business, first of all; and I don't want 'customised advertising', either.. I'm broke enough, as it is, I don't need any one pushing me to buy stuff I can't afford. I find that both annoying and distasteful. Banner ads are bad enough, but I can't do much about those (except not use sites that have them, which, these days, means a vast majority.)

As a developer, I *do* sometimes make links open a new window, as per customer request. These are not a problem for me to do, as I understand that the client may wish to speed up the browsing experience by not having to reload a page that was left for another page. Quite different from shoving an advertisement in someone's face.

.. but that's just me.

WolfShade

[bunner bob]

One perfectly legitimate use for a popup is to allow a user to click a thumbnail and view a full-size version of an image in a second window, and not have to reload the first window when they're done. Another legitimate use is to allow a user to view a referenced website in a second window and keep the referring website handy to return to afterwards (without having to click the "back" button). Another legitimate use is to pop up a Flash presentation in a full-screen window for those times when an immersive experience is warranted (and that of course is yet ANOTHER topic...). Certainly these can all be implemented within the same browser window but I like having the option to do otherwise.

[khalidali63]

See when a user triggers a click event,opening up a popup is legal(my opinion).since user did wnat to see the window or the content,but I guess the main problem remain in onload or auto popups,they are nuisance and pain.I am so against of those that I'd rafther go for a legislation against un wanted windows opening.

Khalid

[Reno]

Charles -- I have a brief question about the script that you suggested:

<a href="http://www.w3.org" onclick=window.open(this.href, '', 'height=300,width=200'); return false">W3C</a>

Is it possible to control the look of the popup in the same manner as can be done with traditional js in the document <head>?

For example, is it appropriate for a person to add to your code something like: 'toolbar=0,location=0,directories=0,status=0,menubar=0,scrollbars=1,resizable=1'

[Charles]

<a href="http://www.w3.org" onclick=window.open(this.href, '', 'height=300,width=200,scrollbars,resizable'); return false">W3C</a>

[AdamGundry]

Personally, I think the website designer should be in control of popup windows as a general principle, except where they would violate the standard Javascript security precautions (e.g. none smaller than 100px square).

If the user doesn't like the site's use of popups, the solution is simple: go somewhere else.

However, we have to take into account users' growing abilities to prevent pop-ups, and design sites accordingly. No site should rely on them so heavily that it cannot function without them.

Adam