pop-up windows

[Kieran]

Hi, what's the general consensus on using pop-up windows for the display of relatively short, specific bits of information. I think they are cool, but I've heard that some people use software that stops the windows from appearing because they are used so often for ads. I just think that some of the information on my site looks better in a smaller, centrally positioned window - and it maintains a visible presence of the main site in the background. Anyone got any comments?
Ta,
Kieran

[Allen]

Heya Kieran,

That question is a tough one to answer. In general, the use of pop-ups should be discouraged. More and more sites use them for ads and so people just see a popup and close it most times. At least that is what "usability stu***s" say.

What I recommend, is using pop-ups as a last means. See if there are other options, then use a pop-up as a last resort. One good use for pop-ups is when you are loading a flash animation or game.

Basically, use pop-ups where it makes sense. I can 99% guarantee you will never see an ad pop-up on HTMLCenter. At least until someone pays us enough so we can all retire on a small island with some models and a T1 line.

Good luck,
Allen

[Till]

Ad popups are pretty disturbing. I agree on that.

However, I believe an exit popup is "all right". For example, prompting your user that they haven't logged out yet, or asking them if they wish to enter your mailing list. Some of them are pretty useful.

Till

[Nate]

Allen,

It disturbs me that you would sell out like that!
Sheesh! For only a small island, a few models, and a T1 line?! At least get a T3!

Nate

[Allen]

Hey Nate.... ain't that the truth!

Actually, I almost think I would just want the island, no Internet at all...

Ok, thats not 100% true

But again, you will never see ad pop-ups on this site unless the company paid us some enormous amount.

[Till]

Originally posted by Nate
Allen,

It disturbs me that you would sell out like that!
Sheesh! For only a small island, a few models, and a T1 line?! At least get a T3!

Nate

Hey Nate!

But the thing is, we would sell out for less: Jenny McCarthy.

Till

[Kieran]

So where is this island, anyway?
The pop-ups I'm using aren't like the ad ones - maybe they're not called pop-ups, they just look like it. For some of the content on my site, I thought it would look and work better if when the visitor clicks on a link to a particular piece of info, eg the program guide for a cinema, it comes up in a small "pop up". I'm definately not into pop-ups that just "pop-up" without being invited. I use Bravenet for some services - they use "pop-ups", but then their services are free. Know anyone that provides remote cgi stuff for free without pop-up ads?
By the way, I live right on the beach, so when you get to the island, give me a wave!
Kieran

[Till]

Oh, that sounds good. As long as you don't overuse them, it's fine. Sometimes they are quite useful. They are just frowned upon when they contain ads.

Till