Posting URL Links in Posts
I often find myself editing links that people have posted. Sometimes its because the link just shows the web address but is not a live URL. Sometimes because they are just too long and take up most of the post. Posting a link from Amazon is a good example of this. For some reason this website actually asks you whether you want the link to open in a new tab rather than making that the default and because "no" is the option you see I assume people don't drop down the menu to see "yes". Can I remind everyone that this forum does have a prescribed method of inserting links. I appreciate that it should just be cut and paste but that often doesn't work correctly.
When posting it helps a lot if people use the link symbol above, see first screen shot. The second screen shot show the open link box and as can be seen the is place for the URL (web link) Next down is text to display, this can be used two ways, either you can paste in the full web address or to make it simpler "here" or perhaps if its a site just the name. I usually don't bother with the title. Below that it would be helpful that posters select open in new window especially for those of us that still use PC's and Laptops. I think that tablets and phones may do that automatically?
I promise I am not trying to teach grand ma etc but it would help if links were posted into the forum by the method prescribed.
Thanks
David
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You’ve asked this before, David, but all it takes is a simple copy and paste of the URL which becomes live (red) when the return key is hit at the end. OK, it doesn’t open in a new tab and some links might be lengthy but that’s not really a big deal in my view, especially when I have the option on my device of opening it in a new tab. I think the IT people should be capable of making all links open in a new tab as happens on other forums without all the palaver of using the link. Why is the onus on us rather than the IT experts when some folk are clearly not even aware of the link?
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TW
We can discuss the shortcomings of this forum until the cows come home, and we often do but I am pretty sure that won't change much? I have several times requested to HQ that links only open in a new tab several times but clearly to no avail. I am just reminding people that it helps if links are added using the link box above and they are marked to open in a new tab. It takes a few seconds longer and it saves time not having to edit links. Its just a polite reminder and perhaps helpful to those that don't realise the correct way of adding a link.
David
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I stand by my comments, David, which you realise are highlighting another shortcoming of the woeful IT system.
May I suggest you make this thread a Sticky if you wish folk to follow your pointers?
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I keep getting told to avoid possible on line scams by not clicking on links .
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