Links are first-class citizens in web pages
Blogging expert Richard Eriksson opened the Internet boot camp today at Northern Voice with the blogging 101 session. The information session covered the basic information such as what are blogs, why blog, what are tags, Rss feeds etc… Although the information wasn’t new to me, it was good to be reminded of the reason why one should blog and how easy it is. I was particularly interested in hearing him state that blogs who link to other sites tend to be read more than others.
One of the benefits of blogging is that you create a two way conversation. By linking to external sites, you allow users to discover new information and you build a reputation of being a valuable resource. Most sites do this of course but there is a difference of opinion on how it should be done. Some sites link to external sites simply linking to them while others target a new page. Personally, I’m not a big fan of opening new windows. I’ve heard the argument that by opening a new window, you keep users on your site, but this isn’t particularly true. Web users will stay on a website because it has the information they’re looking for, or because it helps them achieve their goals — not because the browser window is still open. I asked Richard and he seems to think the same way as I do. Let the user choose. If people go away they can always come back by hitting the back button.
What is your preference? Do you get annoyed when a site opens a new window or pleased?