"Some web-applications can't work like that. Mine has instant messaging, and I want the IM windows to be there when it loads."
There are already internet protocols for real-time notifications, like XMPP and a whole host of non-open protocols. Re-implementing messaging on a platform that isn't by it's nature a push platform will always be inferior to the real thing.
Wouldn't it make more sense to implement a web-like application on-top of a real-time messaging platform instead of the other way around?
(Though, it's not clear what a back button should be doing in an "instant messaging" interface - will it undo the a conversation? Does a user bookmark a message or a conversation so they can edit/refine individual messages later?)
"Which of these are you suggesting developers do instead?"
I'm suggesting developers use the right tools and platforms for the job.
So you're suggesting there shouldn't be any (for example) instant messaging in the web browser, it should be in a separate application.
Well, it's pretty clear what you mean now, and I guess we'll just have to agree to differ. Real-time AJAX applications in the web browser are the future, and I know I'm not the only one who thinks so.
Also, if you think I'm trying to say the back button should do anything to an IM conversation, you're misunderstanding the whole issue.
There are already internet protocols for real-time notifications, like XMPP and a whole host of non-open protocols. Re-implementing messaging on a platform that isn't by it's nature a push platform will always be inferior to the real thing.
Wouldn't it make more sense to implement a web-like application on-top of a real-time messaging platform instead of the other way around?
(Though, it's not clear what a back button should be doing in an "instant messaging" interface - will it undo the a conversation? Does a user bookmark a message or a conversation so they can edit/refine individual messages later?)
"Which of these are you suggesting developers do instead?"
I'm suggesting developers use the right tools and platforms for the job.