That's a great spec for constructing multi part messages, but it doesn't really go in to HTML at all. Is there a standard, for example, for using content-inline-disposition links to use an attached image in the html document? Does HTML email conform to HTML3 HTML4 XHTML1.0, etc? Anyway, I agree that the data should remain structured for as long possible. Perhaps drupal can detect if there's a string (or array of strings) then it's an old school email, or if it's a keyed array of attributes, then construct the multipart message, using drupal render to a default theme or theme function (perhaps specified by a '#theme' key). -Matt On 20/07/2008, at 8:15 PM, Sean Burlington wrote:
Well there's this
http://www.w3.org/Protocols/rfc1341/7_2_Multipart.html
and there's the fact that over half of emails sent are html formatted
;-)
Why should we encourage that? As far as I'm concerned, we shouldn't. That said, there may well be advantages to switching to drupal_render() for email messages. I am in general a big fan of structured data remaining structured for as long as possible. The benefit, however, would not be for HTML mail but for, say, easier email attachments. That such a move would make it easier to send HTML email as well, well, that's a side effect I suppose we can live with.
I have just been working on an email that I need Drupal to send which include both tabular data and a graph
In Drupal 5 the mimemail module worked a treat for this.
Yes I had to work at getting the formatting to work consistently - but then what's new - it's just another dimension to cross browser support.
It would be really useful to have the ability to more easily send formatted mail - the more ways too cleanly hook into Drupal's email sending process the better.
I don't like HTML email - but I don't dictate my preferences to clients.
If they want formatted email with company logos and and 3 pages of legal disclaimers - I may try to inform them of alternatives - but if its what they want and they're paying - it's what I'll provide.
--
Sean Burlington
www.practicalweb.co.uk