[goyo]

Originally Posted by yoyoyoyo

Here are the top 5 reasons why you should beware of opening links in a new window:

I could post a similar list against the _self openning.

In the age of rss readers and ajax/flash technologies (usually can't use the back button) users do expect to open external domains (or even board attachments on the same domain) in new browser window. It gives them faster clearer navigation (different content different window). Also users can change this behavior in most modern browsers (open in same page) if they wish.

If a user doesn't know the difference between a new page and same window than he/she probably can't use your board...as using a vbulletin board is a more complicated task.