We are interested in knowing how other organizations out there approach the blanket emailing of constituents with respect to A) how often and B) whether you stick to plain text or use HTML (with or without embedded images). We started using NetMail very recently. Our marketing team is talking about sending out monthly schedule updates to our membership, plus we are planning to send out renewal notices by email, and then we may have also have occasional special appeals for certain campaigns. I'm blanching at the thought of someone getting three emails in a month from us. Your thoughts? As far as plain text vs. HTML, the issue as I see it is security vs. marketing image. If you only send plain text, you'll never be rejected by someone's virus scan program (spam filters are another matter, of course). Again, a penny for your thoughts... Mark DeWitt Database Administrator East Bay Zoological Society [Email Removed]

We really don't have policy on how often we email our constituents. They get our monthly e-newsletter, renewal notice once per year, and other action alert type emails about 10 to 12 annually (park advocacy day stuff, budget alerts etc). Those who oppose are able to opt out on their own. Bluehornet is the company we use to perform our mass emails and with their system the user can choose between three versions which are : HTML, AOL and text. The user can modify his/her profile at any point from each email sent to them. Since Bluehornet allows an actual email address to be listed as where the email is coming from, we will receive spam blocker verification emails where I will have to confirm that we are not spamming by entering a code. This will delay the email, however it will eventually be accepted. HTML works best because of graphics, forward to a friend function, renewal transaction links and many other important links (text omits all of these functions). Hope this helps. Michael Bankert VP, Finance & Administration California State Parks Foundation

Can anyone who uses Bluehornet or any other third party to send global emails (not NetMail - I have the cost for that) tell me about how many emails you send at a time and the cost? I'm trying to decide if it's worth the money to outsource this. Thanks! Kim Eubanks Systems Director PA Breast Cancer Coalition

We use a company called Savicom.net, and have been pleased. The service is $39/month to send a text only message to about 5000 members. You can send up to 90 KB total text per month, which we never come close to using. On average, we send about 4-6 short messages per month. I have not received any complaints about too much frequency. Of course, those that feel that way can opt out of receiving the e-mails messages via their site. I actually have received positive comments from member's who enjoy receiving these updates. We know e-mail has drived attendance to various programs and events. Laura Letton The Dayton Art Institute Dayton, Ohio [i]--- Edited at 4/19/2004 2:54:36 PM by [Email Removed][/i]