On Tue, December 7, 2004 3:48 am, Timothy Payne said: > Please do not post in html > Why? http://www.tmpco.com/textvshtml.html > Thank you > Hey Timothy, HTML permits scripts (Java and Java scripts) HTML permits tag images HTML can set cookies that other sites might inspect HTML facilitates 'active content', goodness what does active imply. - HTML doesn't require the use of these things and all of them can be configured away by the recipient. HTML is not a universal WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) HTML and the 'equivalent' text of a MIME message may not be equal HTML can Carry mixed character sets unnoticed by the sender - Why are any of these a concern? HTML permits volatile external content references - In fact many plain text messages provide links to external content, in fact *your* plain text message included a URL to external content! This "reason" doesn't pass the smell test. HTML can carry text that is problematic to index / search - Huh? The entire web is based on HTML and google indexes it just fine HTML facilitates spammers HTML facilitates spyware HTML rich content hobbles off line interaction. - How? I receive HTML email from family members, no problem. HTML facilitates virus payloads (at work some of must use WindowZ) - Sucks, but is not the senders problem, its yours and your companies. In fact, viruses infected files can be attached to plain text messages just as easily, a properly configured client won't be at risk in either case. HTML permits you to get fired by triggering pornographic references "censorware" to catch employees trying to access "bad" sites that corporate filters trigger, i.e. trigger HTTP proxy (porn, hate sites, hacking sites, etc) - This is just laughable HTML messages are 2 to 50+ times larger than the equivalent text - This seems like the only issue that has any real weight behind it and since the list is voluntary.... If this is such a big problem why doesn't RedHat filter HTML email rather than putting up with all the bandwidth consumed talking about it? In fact, why respond on-list asking people to stop posting in HTML if this is the issue? I don't particularily like HTML messages, but the reasons you cite don't really stand up to inspection. In fact, a counter argument could be made that HTML messages could include content using colour and images to explain solutions much better!. Cheers, Sean
