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Joined: Oct 2006
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It seems that *all* links in UBB.threads are set to open in new windows. I personally find this undesirable because it is like the site is trying to control what I do with my browser; generally if I want to keep browsing the same page and open a new link in a separate window I will explicitly do so: I don't want the reverse behaviour.

This is especially annoying in the case of links within the same forum. It's not a case of a site operator trying to stop me leave his or her site (which I don't like in any case); it's worse: even if I try to go from one page on the site to another on the same site then UBB.threads tries to force me to open another window. So browsing a UBB.threads forum requires me to open up a string of windows and close them one by one, or use a browser like Firefox which allows me to force links to open where I want them; but even that work around is not desirable because it requires me to access a contextual menu in order to override the undesired behaviour when I would rather just do a single-click.

So my feature request is that this behaviour be made optional/controllable in the control panel. I think that a minimum there should be a choice between two options:

1. Links should open in new windows.
2. Links should open in the same window.

If you want to make the feature more powerful you could add a third option:

3. Only links to items outside the forums open in new windows.

And in the spirit of customization, you could add:

4. Allow users to set a preference for how links should be opened.

But for me "1" and "2" are the most important. I want to feel that my forums are my friend, not my enemy.

Joined: Oct 2006
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Example:

7.0.1 release announcement:

https://www.ubbcentral.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=167333

Has a link to the release notes:

https://www.ubbcentral.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=167332

The release notes open in a new window. Really not what I am looking for.

Seems the only exception to the "new window" rule is that when I type the text "UBB.threads" into the browser, your forums are automatically turning it into a link (using the "Censor" feature in the control panel?) and that link doesn't open in a new window.

Joined: Jun 2006
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Originally Posted by kieyeoci
Seems the only exception to the "new window" rule is that when I type the text "UBB.threads" into the browser, your forums are automatically turning it into a link (using the "Censor" feature in the control panel?) and that link doesn't open in a new window.


That is actually the Active Text feature (CP > Feature Settings, Active Text tab)

TBH, the behavior of links inside posts is consistent with both the v6 Classic and Threads behavior. I personally think it is fine.

Joined: Jun 2006
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UBB.threads Developer
UBB.threads Developer
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I agree that the behavioris both expected and how things have worked in both products for some time... I understand that you don't like that links to your own site in posts are set to a new target location; but I believe at this point its either they all do or none do...


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Originally Posted by Gizmo
I agree that the behavioris both expected and how things have worked in both products for some time...
Just because it has worked this way for a long time in UBB.threads, and Classic before that, I don't think that's a good reason to hardwire the behaviour for all eternity. User choice is a good thing. I think administrators should be able to turn off this "open in new window" behaviour.

Originally Posted by Gizmo
but I believe at this point its either they all do or none do...
No, the point is that they all do and you have absolutely no choice about it; that's what the problem is. If UBB.threads offerred a choice, "open all links in new windows", or "open all links in same window", then that would be fantastic.

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Pooh-Bah
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Personally, I like that links open in new windows (well, tabs in Firefox wink ), even in your own forum -- that way you don't lose the spot where you've come from. But of course, options are always good. wink


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If it's possible to make it a CP option then why not, though like jgeoff I too prefer that links open up in new windows (or tabs in FF smile ).

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Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel
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All modern browsers now allow right click open in new TAB

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Pooh-Bah
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Originally Posted by ntdoc
All modern browsers now allow right click open in new TAB


Even better is just clicking the scroll wheel button cool


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Carpal Tunnel
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You can but mine is too stiff so a pain to use

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UBB.threads Developer
UBB.threads Developer
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Feels too awkward to click the scroll wheel lol


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We could probably squeeze this in as a control panel option at some point.

Joined: Oct 2006
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K
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I think it's all about choice.

The way UBB.threads currently works, it gives me the following choices (as a forum user):

1. Click on the link and have it automatically open in a new window.
2. Force the link to open in a new tab.

What it doesn't allow me to choose, however, is a third option:

3. Open link in same window, same tab.

What I'm basically requesting here is that forum admins be given a choice of a minimum of two options:

1. Keep the current behaviour.
2. Turn off the current behaviour.

That way everyone should be happy. Admins who want to keep things the way they are can do so. But those (like me) who want to offer their users more choice can turn off the open-in-new window behaviour.


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