List Members FAQ

Should I use HTML or plain text email when posting to the list?

For every person who thinks plain text email is the only way to send email, there's another one who thinks HTML email is the best!

There are some practical concerns in sending HTML email, some list services and some lists technically prohibit HTML email; some lists have rules against sending HTML email; in some countries, people pay for local phone service by the minute and HTML email is about double the size of plain text email and therefore, takes longer to download; the sender may choose colors and/or text size that make it difficult for the recipients to read; list members on digest may see the HTML code scattered throughout the message content which makes it difficult to read the text; and some websites for message archives don't display HTML messages at all.

But there are lists where HTML is not only acceptable but the optimal method of sending messages, lists that regularly post attachments (although it is easy to send attachments with plain text messages), lists that share wallpaper or letterhead to use in HTML email and some lists simply prefer it, they like the colors and backgrounds, showing off each member's individual personality.

If you want to send your messages in plain text, the Configuring Mail Clients to Send Plain ASCII Text website is a great resource for learning how to send only plain text email with a large variety of email software and email/webmail providers.