By a show of hands, how many of you would like me to set it up so my hyperlinks to other sites will create new browser windows.
Also, I think I addressed most of the big complaints from the last time- larger font in comments, etc. Is there anything else?
Maybe one of these days I will sell enough blogads to re-design the site, but for now we are just trying to make things more user friendly the cheapest way possible.
*** Update ***
Alright- I am leaning towards splitting the baby in half. How many of you would like a check box (much like what Atrios has at the top of his page), that you could check and make all links open in a new window? That way
Also, does anyone know where (I think Nancy addressed this before, but I forget) I can find those little button thingees that will allow people to italicize, bold, and hyperlink in the comments?
Thanks in advance.
*** Update ***
RSS feed icon added to the left.
If there are any other RSS feed codes people are using, let me know and I will add separate buttons so people have a choice.
Bert
One hand up for links opening up a new window
greg
One thumb down. If I want a new window I right click and say open in a new window. That’s usually what I do, but I want the choice to be mine.
Rick
Contra Greg, Mac using aesthetes like me don’t have no “right click” button.
So, What Bert Said.
Cordially…
Phillip
New browser please!
Darrell
Sadly, I’m often too lazy to right click, then copy & paste to a new window.. too much trouble.. So my vote is with the slackers. Please open a new window with your links
eileen from OH
I don’t have an opinion, but wanted to jump on this thread to say thank you to John Cole and those who contribute to the (mostly!) civil discourse here. And don’t get too discouraged, John. You’re a voice of sanity – even when I don’t agree with you! Would that there were more on the Right/Republican/conservative/whatever side who were able to look at what is happening in our country with such a keen and unblinking eye.
eileen from OH (mostly a lurker)
Tim F
Switch-hitting cognoscenti like me know that ctrl-clicking in mac works like right-clicking in PC.
That said, links in the comments open in the comments window, which completely borks their formatting. I vote comment links yes, main site links no.
sincerely,
Bob the cat
Anderson
Vote “yes” for new windows.
Still need to say “not submit twice” instead of “no submit twice.”
Also, you would have less duplication if posting a comment gave a “gee thanks” message rather than a “this page cannot be displayed” message.
Mason
IF you open any links in a new window, it should only be done from the comment box. Otherwise, it’s usually best to stick with standard browser behavior. Spawning new windows can drag down older and slower machines.
Once again, I find I must pimp Opera. You can highlight any non-linked address, right click, and select “Go to URL” instead of having to copy and paste. (You can also highlight and right-click search or highlight and right-click dictionary…)
Joe Chumly
I vote no on a new window for regular links.
Joel
As yet another Mac using aesthete I vote thumbs down on browser links opening in a new window. It’s one of my many minor pet peeves. To my fellow Mac users: dump the one button mouse. Get a two (or more!) button model w/–gasp!–a scrollwheel. I love my Mac dearly, but the one button mouse is one of Apple’s most egregious examples of design trumping all.
John Harrold
Thumbs down.
Mac using folks like _me_ can either use the meta button or get a better mouse ;)
Mithrandir
You know my answer! ;-) (AYE! Opening a link in the comments window DOES “bork” the formatting.)
Thanks, John, for this – for everything ….
Russ
I’m with Tim F on this.
Comment links pop; main window links, not.
billkauf
Note that, on most machines, Shift+Click brings up a new window for you—no cut’n’paste needed.
And, if you’re using Firefox on Windows, clicking the middle button or a wheel on your mouse will bring up the link in a new tab.
John, if you still want to do this, taka a look at Atrios’ site: there’s a checkbox at the top to choose whether or not to bring up links in a new window.
(Agreed about comments in a new window, though.)
Greg
I like Tim F’s idea – yes in comment windows, no in main windows.
If you select the “open in new window” option you don’t have to copy or paste anything when you right click.
I appreciate that Mac users are passionate about the platform (and agree that Windows has significant faults) but they’re 5% of the marketplace. That math isn’t particularly difficult.
Jeff Altemus
Put me down for separate windows.
Joe
FULL RSS FEEDS — partial rss feeds suck.
John Cole
A little help would be nice, Joe.
Anyone know what the url is for a full feed?
bg
I’d like a wider column. With your upswing in blogging output these past couple of months, items you post in the morning are sometimes halfway down your very long front page by the next afternoon. At that point it’s unlikely anyone will continue to comment on a post.
Ken
Cue Jaws theme…
Baud
I’ll miss you all.
glc
Well, in any case, hello.
AJ of the Mustard Search and Rescue team
Thanks WG. Fingers crossed for a smooth maintenance.
Ken
@glc: Welcome, as Max Quordlepleen said to the Great Prophet Zarquon in The Restaurant at the End of the Universe.
Layer8Problem
Do you know how much I pay for this almost-top-10,000 blog?!?
WaterGirl
This might be a good time to remind people to sign up for the BJ email list if you haven’t already.
The link is in the sidebar, but here it is anyway for your convenience.
Balloon Juice Mailing List Signup
WaterGirl
@Baud: I will miss you most of all,
Scarecrow!Baud!Baud
@Baud:
Site still up?
How can I miss you all if you won’t go away?
scav
But how will I distract myself?! Ahhhhhhh!!!! Pigeons retired from pecking lab experiments must feel like this!!
Leto
So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen goodbye!!!
*dance dance dance exit stage left
WaterGirl
@Leto: Time to dance back on… infrastructure move is complete.
Again, for clarity, this has nothing to do with the merging of BJ interactions.
oatler
@Baud:
I’m so miserable without you it’s all most like you’re on the site.