While the world of NATO-level spam filters has increased (therefore changing the way emails need to be designed in our space), there is still a level of security that gets a bit outlandish at times. Via Windows Live Hotmail, I am subscribed to the Linkin Park email list which is distributed via their record label, Warner. Over the past year, I've been noticing an issue with how I recieve their emails. Allow me to visually take you through the average chain of events I go through when opening up an email from them.
Something to keep in mind: this address is whitelisted with me.
Step 1 - It's Dangerous!
First, the subject line is incomplete. (Vegas? What day?) Second, I get a notification that this message "might be dangerous" even thought it's from an email I've ok'd. Hmmm. Well, let's go ahead and click 'Open Message'.
Step 2 - No Images For you!
Ugh. Another case of a black-and-white Picasso. No 'Click Here If You Can't View This Email' is just stunning for a major record label marketing department to miss. As soon as you see the payoff, you'll see why this email was well-thought out except for the planning and execution.
Step 3 - The Promise Land!
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Other than the giant image at the top, this email is ok with a good text-to-image ratio. The problem is that since that band shot is such an anchor of this piece, it corrupts the entire thing if you can't see it. Why waste all the time creating this if you can't see it? In addition, why isn't there an option to click to view it?
Sigh. Three clicks to see one email? No thanks.