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Choice Between HTML and TEXT Email Messages

It is better to use HTML judiciously in your email content. However elimination of same may not give good results.. The following issues will explain why it is so.

• HTML takes more resources/bandwidth than text

While, HTML provides more flexibility in color, layout, fonts, and image inclusion,. You must use HTML judiciously.. For instance, add just a graphic logo and a two-column format Remember that HTML takes more space and hence an HTML file is much larger than its equitant in text.

• Deliverability problems are more with HTML

HTML messages are caught in spam filters. However, so does the text email also. The new technologies coming online like SPF and Domain Keys should help with this problem.

Nevertheless, text messages are not a definite winner on deliverability issue. Even if they were, you would have to factor in response before you could declare a clear winner in the text versus HTML debate.

• HTML doesn't always render properly

Yes, we need to code HTML specifically for a variety of email clients including browsers, to be sure it is working alright.. Some of the newer versions from email clients will not show graphics unless the sender address is in the recipient's address book. Therefore, ensure the message will be understood even if the images do not appear. This can be achieved by making headlines in text only

At the same time, it does not make sense do everything in plain text. Images are required to convey the message correctly.

”Double click,” may report a decrease in open rates and click-through in the past year, but even that is small in context. These decreases don't justify ditching HTML altogether right now.

• People dislike HTML

It may be a psychological or emotional issue. Many people actually like HTML.as it is easier to read and grabs attention. Some products just lend themselves to HTML email. For example, it is much easier to make a appealing toy by showing a photograph of it than trying to explain its beauty in a few sentences. Sometimes a picture really works wonders

• There are viable alternatives to HTML

There are different versions. While, many suggest we should send a text email with a link to a Web page. Others feel that email should be enough text to arouse sufficient interest to click on the link to the Web page.

However, with the present functions hat one can play with HTML, it certainly is getting priority over the text, to some extent.

• E-mail is about content, not design.

It is true that content and copy of the email are the supreme parts of an email, and the content design, formatting, layout, and so forth should supports this. Even the best picture will probably benefit from a strong copy because it certainly gets your message across. However, this does not rule out the use of HTML altogether. Yes, the need is to use it very carefully

• HTML can be dangerous.

Many feel that HTML carries virus,. so it is better to avoid it. However, so many other programs carry virus also. We can use anti virus software but we cannot stop using HTML, due to this reason. Unfortunately, viruses have become a fact on the Internet. The danger is not limited to email. Certain browsers can make your computer more susceptible to attacks. The best way to protect yourself is not to go online, with your own computer. However, such risk does not outweigh the benefit of HTML email. So it is not a good idea to block HTML for putting virus away from your computer.