Re: Launching a new browser window

From: Brandi Jasmine <brandi_at_brandijasmine.com>
Date: Tue 13 Feb 2001 17:48:37 -0600

NELSON E. TIMKEN, ESQ. <netimken_at_erols.com> WROTE:
> I recently discovered some java code that places a
> popup (delayed) and then automatically removes it after
> a specified number of seconds...
>
> Since the box does disappear, do you think this would
> somewhat alleviate the original objection?

To some degree. There are going to be people who will
object no matter what - but part of me suspects these
are people who have a naturally anti-business bent and
will gripe no matter what advertising you have on your
page.

Regardless, I would only place it where there is
extremely compelling content, or where it contains
something I think my users will want, rather than just
an ad (like a contest, giveaway, discount coupon) - and
I would put a notice on it saying "If you do not click,
this box will close automatically in X seconds for your
convenience". If you *have* to use pop-ups then I'd
recommend it over the status quo - especially for those
using it when the reader leaves the site. There is
nothing more annoying than closing a page and having
three more pop up. One time I had to CTRL-ALT-Del to
stop it!

Another thing you might try is having it pop up at
random, or try it for a very limited time to see how
your users react. A good implementation of this might
be to have it pop up only the first time the visitor
comes to the page - but that would require cookies or a
login, which some folks hate more than popups.

Kind regards,

Brandi Jasmine
Writer, Digital Photographer, Illustrator
http://www.brandijasmine.com/writer/
www.astrology.ca - www.twostar.com





Received on Tue Feb 13 2001 - 17:48:37 CST