Net watchers say this is a significant concern. Users know they can try anything and a click or two will return them to familiar territory. That may be the case for some, but a more likely explanation is simply that when fancy new programming tools become available, designers want to use them, Nielsen says. Among the latest innovations are JavaScript and Flash animation, which are increasingly used to program Web sites. Amtrak has a similar explanation.
Users can back out by rapidly clicking twice.
They said a lot of sites are doing this. They're just enormously misguided. Although porn sites are known for opening a barrage of new windows when a visitor tries to leave, most mainstream sites are more restrained. Many surfers find them intrusive and jarring. Hoffman thinks sites that care about their customers will eventually realize that the key to keeping users on site is not tricks, but rather providing useful information and services.