So, you're coding along, and one of the execs comes down to you and says "Generic Coder, I want to start sending out HTML emails instead of just the plain text versions that we normally send. I got an HTML email last night, and it was much better." At which point, most coders stop, make a little coughing noise, and wonder how in the world they can explain it to this marketing drone exactly why HTML emails aren't that good of an idea. Well, Evolt.org's latest article just might help you out.

They give a whole list of things that you can tell their representative that might just waylay them from sending out HTML emails. Sure, they're cool, and sure they can help the user understand more of the content in the email (visual versus textual), but there's also other things to consider - like bandwidth use, limitations of email readers, and the fact that, more and more, ISP filters are specifically looking for HTML-formatted emails to catch them as spam.

Sure, there are reasons to send them, and the understanding they can help with might be worth it, but stick this article in your arsenal for later, just in case the situation ever presents itself.

Additional Resources: