Hi,

I'm too pressed for time to write a complete message but here's some facts:

* Google's the lead SE and sets (and will continue to set) the pattern for others...

* Google's new Toolbar seems to contain an exit console killer:

From the documentation:

"The onUnload JavaScript event is most often used to open pop-up windows as you leave a page, which can be an annoyance. The following feature will clear the onUnload event after loading each page."

* The Pro version of a lead software firewall also takes it onto itself to kill popups (that's what I heard, I haven't verified it, so I didn't write the name of the software).

* Google and the Firewall maker no doubt have good intention. The Road To H*LL Is Paved With Good Intentions.

* I'm personally not relying on exit consoles for my bread 'N' butter. Instead I'm moving to two kinds of "inline popups" (not sure what they should be called) that can't be defeated by anti-commerce measures.

* The best way to look at the popup issue is as it relates to the "hard sell"--if a webmaster makes more money using the hard sell than the soft sell, then use the hard sell techniques like popups. Webmasters: do your buyers visit your site multiple times before buying? If so, sell as hard as you can without discouraging future visits.

Just my opinions, feedback is welcomed and requested,

- Boyd