your thoughts on styling external links differently?

[Chroniclemaster1]

Hello xhtmlcoder,

So basically you don't think it's super useful either. I can't think of any website that does this sort of thing.

still not convinced

cheers

This has always seemed to me like it was thought up as a really misguided SEO-type thing. Like your visitor really cares about staying on your website vs. following the information they need so you give them this little warning that says "Wait! You're about to leave the one you love! Stay!!" *rolling eyes* Seriously, who among your visitors is that thoughtful of your webpage's feelings.

I personally appreciate seeing with a small icon that a link goes off-site. I'm much more likely to right-click and open in a new tab when it's external, and navigate normally on internal links.

OK, I stand corrected!!

[eagleseyedesign]

I think all internal links should be buttons (or at least styled like buttons) unless of course their inline links in an article. External links should always be just text links.

[AlexDawson]

That's one step too far IMO, buttons should be reserved for functional links (such as the submission of data), not as a cross-linking method, it's unsemantic to use an input button in place of an anchor reference for stylistic reasons. Plus visitors might be scared clicking a button will signify something more than just "go here".

[Stomme poes]

^ with the exception of main menu links, which popularly are styled button-y are are accepted by the general public.

[bobkerry]

hey my friend i think you should add buttons along with some visual as well as audio sounds but try to make it professional and innovative...
i saw many webpages with this facilities but they were not innovative...try to add touch of innovation

[Stomme poes]

audio links?? aaaaaaaaaaaaah

* runs away screaming *

: )

[busydaye]

What I would say that and my experience says that seening with a small icon and sometimes links goes off site. What I do I opened on new tab every time...