Tip: before clicking on a link, hold down the Control key (firefox). This opens the linked item in a new tab. Read the topic, close it, and you are back in your original tab and can click on the next item in the list.
This is a general rule and applies to any lists with links, not just to RootsChat
(handy for search engine results. etc)

Bob
ps
in Opera I have to hold down the Shift key.
I don't use Internet Explore much but when I do it opens a new window, rather than a tab.