feature request - external links for information page listing

[blackhawk]

There are times when our information pages may need to be linked to external sites. Do you guys think it would be worth the time to add this feature to the admin section, this way the links show in the infobox on the front of the site? (i.e. log into admin -> templates -> information pages. Then create your page title -> edit and either put in text for your page, "OR" create an external URL for that page.

[ridexbuilder]

I can never quite grasp this concept of enticing people AWAY from your store...

Though your question is valid.

[Do it post checkout ]

[met00]

I always had a problem with this in the manufacturers with adding a URL...why move someone away from your store?

Actually, this is a feature I was planning on adding, but within tabs. One client wants to be able to link directly to the manufacturers warranty (actually the mod will be a bit more generic, but that is what he wanted). So, the feature set will allow you to define pages that will open a new browser window to an external URL from within a tab in the description. What I am looking at is you will be able to do is add FUNCT(openlink(url,'display text')) in the tab area. When product_info.tpl.php sees the FUNCT keyword, it will run the function in the ()'s.

Using this method I will be able to create additional FUNCT functions that can be entered into the system that will provide other features at a later time. This functional hooks capability will allow customers to add direct psudo functionality (calls to predefined functions) at different pages throughout the site though the admin backend.

[blackhawk]

There are many good reasons to have external links to other sites - such as business partner sites, financial account sites - manufacture sites - SSL certified sites, backlinks, banners, affiliate links, third party module sites (i.e. "create an osticket account with us today"), etc... It just seems like a good idea to have this feature on the right or left side columns. Having tabs also sounds like a good idea.

[pgmarshall]

bh - I like your original request and since it seems fairly simple - why not add it to the bug tracker - you never know it might sneak into v2.5 ...

Regards,

[blackhawk]

It's in there, thanks for considering the idea!

[met00]

Blackhawk, my problem is not the URL per se, its the URL WITHOUT target=_blank. I agree that there may be MANY reasons for having a foreign URL on your site, but turning control of the browser window over to a foreign URL and thus inviting the shopper to leave your store is downright not understandable or justifiable as far as I can see. If you really need them to "go to"the other site and target=_blank doesn't work for you, then use a modal popup with an IFrame.

[pgmarshall]

r1061 - oscmax2 - Project Hosting on Google Code

URL with target in v2.5

Regards,