July 27, 2006

Paul Forecki, the top guy over at Voxus PR, just gave me a heads up about a debate on Kevin O'Keefe's blog over whether links should open a new browser window or shoot viewers over to the other Web site. This has been a topic of discussion on the Web for just about forever, but if you are interested in some of the latest and greatest opinions on the subject, go check it out.

I assume Paul brought this to my attention because he is irritated by the fact Marqui has gone for the "new browser window" option but hey, we like it that way. I personally can't stand being directed to an entirely new Web site and then having to fiddle with the back button to return to the site I was originally reading.

And it's all about me, isn't it?

Ok, maybe not. Perhaps Janet and I will do some experimenting in this area.

In other news, CAWOOD's Dana Turell, recently asked Janet and me what we thought about PayPerPost.com. As described by the Web site:

PayPerPost is an automated system that allows you to promote your Web site, product, service or company through the PayPerPost network of bloggers. Advertise on blogs to create buzz, build traffic, gain link backs for search engine ranking, syndicate content and much more. You provide the topic, our network of bloggers create the stories and post them on their individual blogs.

Ok, sounds innocent enough. But if you starting digging into it, you will quickly realize that all posts are reviewed before publication:

Our team will review each post to make sure that it abides by your Opportunity's description.

Of course, they claim they won't tolerate any dishonesty from bloggers, etc. but this definitely sounds a little fishy.

Then again, I absolutely believe in the self-cleansing blogosphere concept so I bet bloggers/readers will catch on pretty quickly if anyone tries to get sneaky with this.

If any company has tried this service -- and is honest enough to confess to it -- drop me a note. I'm interested in your feedback.

Posted by at July 27, 2006

Comments

Paul Forecki email - www.voxuspr.com

Hi Tara. You got it right: I did send it when I noticed the Marqui blog open a new link window. That's what we've been doing as well, but it's something I wrestle with...

Jean MacDonald email - www.smileonmymac.net/blog

I have the unscientifically-insubstantiated opinion that bloggers are savvier users of web browsers than web surfers at large. If they want something to open in a new window, they know a shortcut to do it.

(Heh, heh. I thought we were not using target="_blank" on our blog, as opposed to our site where we do use it for external links, and now I realize that we have not been consistent. Must add that one to the next team meeting agenda...)

Alissa Barron Stranzl email - www.easystreet.com

I used to prefer using new windows for external links from my company's web site. Then, one of our blind customers mentioned that this practice makes it challenging for visually impaired users to navigate a site, because new windows make it diffucult to use a screen reader and effectively disable the "back" button. Since that conversation (I never knew!), I've stopped using new windows -- although there are still many pages on our web site that need to be retro-fitted.

alan herrell - the head lemur email - theheadlemur.typepad.com

You know me, I'm all over Pay per Post!

http://theheadlemur.typepad.com/ravinglunacy/2006/06/pay_per_post_se.html

Tara email - www.marqui.com/blog

Thanks to all of you for your great comments. Alissa, I am somewhat embarrased to admit that I hadn't even considered the impact this might have on the blind community, so I sincerely appreciate you bringing it to my attention!

And Alan...you always have such a way with words!

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