Suzanne — Thu, 15 May 2003 20:02:05 +0000

I'd suggest using a server-side script rather than a client-side one (i.e. PHP, CGI/Perl instead of JavaScript).

hotscripts.com
http://www.cgi-resources.com/

Check out the server side scripting forum here at TWF and search for "free scripts" and I'm sure you'll net many more personal recommendations.

There are some hosted ones available, too, for polls and such.

ronhollin — Thu, 15 May 2003 18:45:36 +0000

Sound advice! Do you guys have a "one stop shop" for free scripts that are customizable? I have found a site or two that have cool scripts. What are your favorites. I don't know javascript to well so getting free scripts saves me time.

Suzanne — Thu, 15 May 2003 18:40:37 +0000

It's done using (likely) sessions or cookies to track the user on the site. When the session is destroyed or the cookie expires, a popUp is sent.

I'm not entirely sure about the best way to implement it because it's not recommended (users block popups, see them as invasive, et cetera), and there are many reasons to leave a site (you really want to be on one site all day long, every day? Leaving is to be expected).

Using JavaScript, you'd use onunload(); in the tag to run a function opening the popup window.

From a marketing perspective, it would be better to have a prominent feedback form/link on every page -- akin to the 1-800-How's My Driving numbers on rigs. In a side bar it wouldn't take up a lot of room, and would allow people to send you feedback anytime they feel the urge.

There is some argument that the popup window when they leave gets better responses, but as those sorts of windows are most closely associated with porn sites, I'm not sure the feedback you'd get is what you want to get.