Error posting links

fermi

Link opening is fairly simple I think.

Web archive show posted links previously had target="_blank" to open in a new window (or tab if you change you browser settings) by default, whereas now that is gone.

jamesd

Oh dear. So MSE really was overriding the preference that the user has set in their browser.

fermi

jamesd wrote: »

Oh dear. So MSE really was overriding the preference that the user has set in their browser.

That attribute sets the default if no preference is set.

The preference a user sets in their browser overrides that. If that preference exists.

For example I have it set to open such links in a new tab instead. If my browser allows, I can set it to ignore and open in the same tab anyway.

fermi

Some browsers may ignore that attribute anyway. I recall some versions of IE did.

fermi

Anyway, what I expect on a forum such as this is that:

- Links posted in a thread should by default - unless you've changed you browser setting to override - open the links in a new window/tab.

- Links that form part of the forum navigation should load in the current window/tab. Unless of course you choose from the context menu something different.

- Other links should open in whatever way makes moist sense given their context. i.e. it makes sense for the forum rule link in the forum bar to open in a new window/tab by default.

I should also say that the above is the way the forum software vBulletin is set to format links by default. By design. Intentionally. By vBulletin. Although it can be changed with a little fiddling.

canterswest

Remember that MSE runs a custom version of vBulletin because it has Skimlinks software to secretly change links without the user seeing.

fermi

Irrelevant. Skimlinks does not interfere with these links in this way. It's also officially supported as a plugin for 3.6 upwards and is a default part of vbulletin from v4.1.2 onwards.

canterswest

fermi wrote: »

Irrelevant. Skimlinks does not interfere with these links in this way. It's also officially supported as a plugin for 3.6 upwards and is a default part of vbulletin from v4.1.2 onwards.

That is rather rude of you, or at least unnecessarily aggressive, to say my post is 'irrelevant'.


I thought Skimlinks might be relevant and how does it interfere with links out of interest?


It is possible that BGs might be grateful for my posts over the past few days since there has been a change of attitude from MSE, or perhaps it was your contacting Martin Lewis on Twitter.


Either way, no need to be rude.


PS I also think I am correct in saying that MSE has a custom version of Skimlinks, at least that it what it claims.

One-Eye

1) The "open in current tab" problem is universal. It is annoying but easily avoided by dragging or right clicking.

2) I haven't encountered the "wrong link" problem on any new posts today.

3) It is still happening on those that were faulty yesterday.

4) The wrong link you are diverted to is actually the EXACT link you have in your address bar. eg:

fermi

One-Eye wrote: »

4) The wrong link you are diverted to is actually the EXACT link you have in your address bar. eg:

Nothing wrong with that post here today. You may need to clear your cache?

canterswest wrote: »

That is rather rude of you, or at least unnecessarily aggressive, to say my post is 'irrelevant'.

Not in the slightest.