I have the tendency to click links in messages, and when I'm done viewing them, I close the window to return to the forum. However, on this forum links don't open in new windows, so I end up to have to reopen my browser and relocate the thread I was reading.

So please let links open in a new window, like most forums do.

Could always just right click - open in new window/tab.

Not much you can do about it now. So try getting used to that option for now.

I click down on my scroll wheel and it opens it in a new tab.

Opening a new window/tab is *wrong*. At least unless a link is clearly marked as having that behaviour. Otherwise it's irritating. Try holding the shift key when clicking a link if you want a new window/tab.

The scroll wheel works for me (Firefox) to open a new tab. That's what I want.
SHIFT-click opens a new window which I don't want.

I'm not following? How and why is that wrong? I've never had a problem doing it that way.

I'm sure there's tons more ways to skin a cat, as others have mentioned.

I think Stefan is saying that a link should open in the same window unless there's some icon indicating that it'll open a new one. I hate it too, because it's too similar to popups. And sometimes I just want to follow a link and am done with the current thread.

To me it appears very logicals that links outside the forum open in new windows. Most forums behave like this, and I'm very used to following a link mentioned in a post and then closing the window to return to the original page.

Things that look the same should behave the same. One link opening a new window and another not doing so is inconsistent and irritating/annoying. Plus the user should not be *forced* to have a new window opened, it should be a choice.

Edit: Good article about the subject: http://www.webaccessstrategies.com/blog ... w-windows/

You mean having an option like this?

I'm not sure what browser you're using - but I'm getting this option with Firefox.

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But, I'm also guessing you were referring to the coders - making the option standard when clicking the link (rather than the user choosing to open it via window or tab).

On a side note - Something I've seen recently are the new ADS that cover up the whole page - you can't escape it, as you have to wait until it fully loads up to click the "X" to close it. Most times it takes forever to load - and sometimes you can't even close the tab/window because it's loading. (mind you I'm on a broadband connection with very rarely slowdowns!)

Going through that menu is too cumbersome. Like said before, I shift-click. And the scroll-wheel clicking works, too. Oh and your menu is so cute. Look at Opera and weep:

I find that first option - "OPEN" a bit redundant!
(kidding of course )

Well, it could be worse. We could all be on IE.