I would like a small pop-up size page to come up when a hyperlink is pressed. It is to be a "explanation" page. So my question is, how do I set the page size so a pop-up size page comes up instead of a full-size page?

Thanks all.

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www.Signingshotline.com lists EVERY upcoming athlete autograph appearance in the US and Canada

There's a pretty cool script here http://www.microbians.com/ - click on chromeless and follow the FAQ and download links.

Cheers
Andy

------------------
Internet Business Solutions S.L. (Spain)
Dreamweaver Users Forum

<SCRIPT LANGUAGE="JavaScript">
<!--
/**
* Opens the viewing window with no scrollbars and shown parameters
*/
function mypopwin(url) {
remote = open(url, "", "scrollbars,width=600,height=450,left=20,top=10");
}

// -->
</SCRIPT>

And change the width, height, left, and top parameters to set your sizes and distance from upper left corner of screen. This builds a window with just a close box and scroll bars.

Then for your link / popup code, use this format:

<a href="javascript:mypopwin('http://www.myDomain.com/myPage.htm')">MyLinkName</a>

Hope this helps....

Hope it helps,

Dave

------------------
www.Signingshotline.com lists EVERY upcoming athlete autograph appearance in the US and Canada

It would seem natural to use popups for help and explanation on web sites. Why don't you see it more?

I know this because I began my Web career working on a multimillion dollar failed project, and my task on the project was to implement popup help on all words (in this huge healthcare site -- lots of arcane Latin) that folks might not understand.

The problem is that popups fall behind the main window whenever you click on the main window. Lots of users don't understand why or how to get the window back. I recall dreading usability tests because I knew this would be a problem. It's cool to sit behind a two-way mirror watching folks use your site until you're work starts failing on the other side of the mirror. I was told to solve this problem. I said "no problem." Many have said "no problem" in similar situations, and still you do not see popup help on many if any sites.

The only way to keep a window on top when the user shifts focus to another window is to restore focus on that event. This is the rub. Even though you can put a button on the popup window that allows the user to close it, users often (according to tests I saw, it would seem always) don't see it. They completely freak out when they click off of the window and the window not only stays there. It prevents the user from doing anything on the main window.

You either offend the folks who don't notice the "close window" button, or you offend the folks who accidentally click on the main window and can't bring the popup back.

Many a web developer, myself included, has been scoffed at by his or her boss or client for not finding a third option.

I believe that I have more experience with popups than most folks you might bump into. It's not just that project. I once had to implement a brilliant desiger's vision of a site where all links were to precisely sized popup windows that scrolled sideways -- not vertically. It was by far the gooviest and coolest project I have ever worked on. The problem was that only the designer and I could navigate the site. I wish I had saved that project just to show you how incredibly cool an unexpected a Web site could be. Many of you would wonder why anyone would have any trouble with it. But that's because you understand the basic mechanism behind popup windows and because you've been warned. You must understand how popups work in order to not hate them as a web surfer, and then you still probably hate them.

I once used a popup window on my home page to try to boost subscriptions to OutFront News. It did that, but I finally got around to testing my site on a friend's machine who uses AOL. The window popped up at full screen size completely covering the main window even though my cross-browser-compatible script controlled the window size. I wasn't so upset about how ugly it was, but I was amazed that I hadn't fielded more complaints from aol users about such a way blatant attempt to force folks to subscribe to my NL.

I was horrified to see that my script was not controlling the window size for aol users. AOL is the big enchilada. I decided then and there that I would never do another cool web trick without testing it on aol. Since I just can't stand to wait for aol to load, that means I just don't do cool web tricks anymore.

I probably would never have gotten into this industry had I believed at the outset what I have come to believe since. The most effective thing on the Net is a compilation of simple static Web pages containing quality information hyperlinked to other simple static Web pages containing quality information.

This is a lot to read through. I bet I'm just writing to myself right now. I would be overjoyed to learn otherwise. Absolut Peppar on the rocks is not for everyone, but neither is OutFront.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Thomas Brunt:
I've had a couple of drinks.

---

quote:

---

The most effective thing on the Net is a compilation of simple static Web pages containing quality information hyperlinked to other simple static Web pages containing quality information.

---

Great post Tom - But the sentence above really says it all. The "Flash" - Templates, Graphics, "Floating Menus", and all the other "groovy & kool" web tricks will never replace Quality content as the reason for a web site.

Thanks for the insight - now back to the single malt on the rocks

------------------
Gil Harvey
The Host Factory
Resellers are our speciality
"Indecision may or may not be my problem"

A lot of this flash and swish and music and other bells and whistles might have a place, but I still have taped to the top of my monitor something Nancy told me over a year ago when I decided to start learning this web stuff--"KISS"
That's the best advice I ever got.

Dave

Just read the post - and I haven't been on the booze (yet).

I'm sorry but I can't go along with all this at all - granted good content will keep people coming back but if the presentation's not there they're not going to stick around to find it - it's not a case of one replacing the other, combine the two. I don't think Flash is a bell or a whistle - apparently 96% of users can view it and given a choice, then Flash is great, as are graphics and templates, Gil.

Your speech on pop-up windows was a tad misleading, Tom. The pop-up you had on Outfront was unsolicited, you didn't mention that often pop-ups with a link can prove very useful for presenting products or extra information - there's a big difference.

I have no idea what hzarabet wants to use his pop-ups for but there's a very good chance that they'll enhance his site.

I'm all for keeping things simple - often one of the hardest things to achieve - but I can't agree with some of the luddite ideas expressed above - bells, whistles, tricks - call them what you will but to your average internet user they're what are expected and accepted.

Cheers
Andy

------------------
Internet Business Solutions S.L. (Spain)
Dreamweaver Users Forum

I (or Tom) said "bells & whistle" were bad - I said "...web tricks will never replace Quality content as the reason for a web site", IE: he site has content and a purpose THEN the "Bells & Whistles" "MAY" add a bit of style. But without the content and purpose they are not goping to make the site. For the past ten years Yahoo has been the most trafficed site on the WWW, without any Flash, Sound, etc. - why? because it has content.

I have also said before, there is a place for all the "Tricks" on personal, entertainment, and specific sites - But for the overwhelming majority of "Professional / Business" sites Information that is easy to access and clear is why people go there and what they are looking for.
If I am searching for a movie review or a review of a new CD by an artist, I expect (and even welcome) a flash intro and sound, MPG files, etc. But if I'm in the market for anew car I don't want a flash movie of the car on a mountain road, I want specs and information about the car.
When I go to Microsoft TechNet I don't need a movie, animated graphics or sound - I need technical information about the problem I'm having.

There is room for both types of web sites on the WWW, but far too many sites don't have any purpose or have attempted to add "Bells & Whistles" to a site that doesn't need them, in fact would be much better designed without them.

As for popups - I've spent a lot of time on the WWW in the past 10+ years and can not remember any site where a popup added anything to the site. I'm open to any URL that would demonstrate it?

PS: As to people "expecting and accepting", you are correct. I expect and accept bad wheather, colds and aches and pains (as I grow older ), but I don't "like" them...
------------------
Gil Harvey
The Host Factory
Resellers are our speciality
"Indecision may or may not be my problem"

[This message has been edited by Gil (edited 10-06-2001).]

I originaly thought that the pop ups here: http://www.nelsonheaters.com/Products/Heaters/Kits/PLTB%20Selection.htm (click on the "view kit contents" button) were pretty neat and actually were useful. Now I have to go back to the drawing board, I opened the site and actually ended up getting bumped out of the site 'cause I clicked the wrong sequence of buttons. Of course I a couple of Smirnoffs in me when I found this thread and tried it
Any suggestions on how to present the info better without losing the visitor?

------------------
I think, therefore I am, I think.

FYI, the reason I asked about pop-ups in the first place was, in my opinion, NOT be use as a Bell and Whistle, but as a tool.

On my home page, I list two numbers, both claiming to be how many events I am currently promoting on my site. But there
are two DIFFERENT number. So I hyperlinked the words "How Can This Be?", linking to the pop-up page with a brief explanation.

This pop-up is an "opt-in" pop-up (hmm..is that a new one?) Not force fed.

And thank you Thomas, I DID check it on AOL and Netscape and all is fine.

------------------
www.Signingshotline.com lists EVERY upcoming athlete autograph appearance in the US and Canada

quote:

---

Originally posted by hzarabet:
The Great Pop-Up Controversy!

FYI, the reason I asked about pop-ups in the first place was, in my opinion, NOT be use as a Bell and Whistle, but as a tool.

---

...sounds good to me, hope you found what you were looking for - I don't think pop-ups are a bad thing at all as long as they're "opt-in" as you say - same principle as opt out movies and sound.

Cheers
Andy

------------------
Internet Business Solutions S.L. (Spain)
Dreamweaver Users Forum

The rdouglass script above works like a charm!

------------------
www.Signingshotline.com lists EVERY upcoming athlete autograph appearance in the US and Canada

It cannot, nor will it ever, take the place of quality content and no one is suggesting that it should, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have the ability to greatly enhance the viewer's experience while sifting through loads of content.

The challenge is, and always will be, to find a way to enhance the viewer's experience and delivery of high quality content without detracting from it with things that take too long to load, are visually distracting or confusing to the viewer, or that simply don't serve a purpose.

ginnie

------------------
Global Presence Web Design

Andy,

I mentioned that solicted popups have significant usability issues according to studies that I have witnessed. The beginning of my post was specifically about the problems associated with using solicited popups to provide help information. There was nothing at all misleading about what I said.

I also have a major dislike for spangly advertising banners, that take so long to load that they prevent me reading the site that they appear on. Do they really think I'll buy something from them, after they've slowed down my access?

Just my two penneth...

clum1

PS - Hey Thomas - how's your hangover ??

------------------
Gil Harvey
The Host Factory
Resellers are our speciality
"Indecision may or may not be my problem"

[This message has been edited by Gil (edited 10-09-2001).]

I automatically get rid of popups informational or otherwise. If I can't find what I want on the main webpage, I'm at the wrong place, and like Gil, will move on.

On the other hand, bells and whistles are a pain in the neck right now mainly due to the level of readily available technology. But given instant loading and faster CPU's, Flash and Swish intros could be very useful and appealing.

Can't say the same about popups however. They're usually just a nuisance and basically something that is not requested, kind of like junk mail or telemarketers.

If there is a really good reason to put something on someone's screen that they didn't ask for, I've yet to find it. I am open to discovery however.

It's like this...when you go see a Steven Spielberg movie, it usually just starts and all the credits are at the end giving you the opportunity to walk out. You already know who's in it, and who made it. Other movies make you wade through interminable names and credits.

Get to the point, I say.

------------------
Piper Bill

"Uiste, agus cluich" said the P/M.

quote:

---

Originally posted by rdouglass:
I just use a simple JavaScript. Put this block of code in the <HEAD> section:

<SCRIPT LANGUAGE="JavaScript">
<!--
/**
* Opens the viewing window with no scrollbars and shown parameters
*/
function mypopwin(url) {
remote = open(url, "", "scrollbars,width=600,height=450,left=20,top=10");
}

// -->
</SCRIPT>

And change the width, height, left, and top parameters to set your sizes and distance from upper left corner of screen. This builds a window with just a close box and scroll bars.

Then for your link / popup code, use this format:

<a href="javascript:mypopwin('http://www.myDomain.com/myPage.htm')">MyLinkName</a>

Hope this helps....

---

This script has been working great UNTIL I changed the name of the page that it is being used on from /index.asp (my default) to /index_pit.asp. I had to do this to accomodate a frame (whole 'nother story).
Now the link to activate the popup just "does nothing".

Thanks.

------------------
www.Signingshotline.com lists EVERY upcoming athlete autograph appearance in the US and Canada

quote:

---

Originally posted by hzarabet:
This script has been working great UNTIL I changed the name of the page that it is being used on from /index.asp (my default) to /index_pit.asp. I had to do this to accomodate a frame (whole 'nother story).
Now the link to activate the popup just "does nothing".

Thanks.

---

Just a guess (I don't use frames - used to, but don't now) - How about trying this: Put the <script>...</script> in the <head> section of the frame page instead of (or in addition to) the content page (index_pit.asp). IOW, put it in the _parent or _top page / code / frame - maybe index.asp or default.asp, etc.....

Hope that helps...

In terms of "unsolicited" popups (automatic, repeating, redirecting, etc.), they are IMO a bad thing. That is doing something that the user does not intend to happen.

However, the "popup" code I provided here opens a new window configured to the size, location, features, etc. that work best for an application that I use in an Intranet. Some applications work better if the user can view various windows at the same time.

Specifically, I use this feature to allow users to view various documents at the same time all stored in a web server - .doc, .pdf, .xls - they're all the same to the user in this respect. They have a window that lists all documents relevant to a specific client. Then, clicking on the link opens a "popup" window containing the document itself. The user DOES click on a line and trigger the popup event; I just find that specifying size, etc. of the window takes care a lot of end-user headaches (real or perceived).

So IMO, popup's themselves are not a bad thing when used under the proper circumstances. Yes, they are bad when abused / unsolicited / etc., but then dynamite is also. Maybe we should call these things something else; maybe we're just dealing with semantics here anyway. Maybe it's just my poor design...

Thomas made a very good, point- that even when a pop-up could be effective, they present a serious design challenge.

The university I attend uses a few pop-ups in their online registration. I think their choice to use "opt-in" pop-up boxes makes sense. But invariably, there are problems associated with the process--e.g. the pop-up also closing the main browser when closed, etc.-- that really reinforce Thomas' point.

So, while there may be room for pop-ups in a clean design, keeping the design functional and appealing to visitors is complicated by their use.