PLAIN TEXT vs. HTML

Most emails are sent from computers using the HTML format, meaning we can do things like: bold, underline, bullet points, colours etc. These formatting tools help provide structure, sub headings which help the reader understand each section, with bite size chunks & highlighting important points. Bullet points are particularly useful in our busy lives as one can speed read - stops me from waffling.

Many mobile devices convert emails into 'plain text' as it uses less data size, thus less of their resources. In turn it also uses less of your data allowance if using a mobile network. To reduce data size, 'plain text' removes all formatting, bullet points, bold, underline, colour. At best this now looks like one big blurt, at worst it can change the meaning. I would compare it to an audio book - same voice droning on.

When I reply to an email received in plain text, I can convert back to HTML, but for the recipient, it may be converted back. With no formatting it can be impossible to distinguish someone's answers from the questions. Therefore I may reply with my answers in CAPS. Although Caps are universal for shouting, when used for single words within a sentence they are not shouting, it's 'emphasising', also useful when replying in plain text.

If you ever receive any email from anyone in plain text, remember it may not have been sent that way, so please be careful when reading it. If you ever have the choice use HTML it's: A) more professional B) has more impact for the reader's - thus easier to read.