Are email links like mailto: bad for Feedback? We all have used forms for sending feedback on websites. Why are forms better for feedback?
Mailto: Email Links
Lets what happens when you click an email link like the one below –
Email me at – yourname@yahoo.com
First, there is buzzing noise of the computer hard drive, which signifies a desperate search by your computer processor to look for the default email client (like Eudora, Outlook). Ok found it! phew! now let’s say it is Outlook Express (Gosh! I have only used Eudora!)
If it is password protected – do you remember the password?
Now the ‘Compose’ email window pops up with recipient’s email filled up, Type subject and text. Click ‘Send Email’.
Has the email actually gone? Have you configured the account settings on the email client? Forget about it if you are on a public computer as in an internet cafe. Also, many libraries have disabled the use of email clients.
Still didn’t go? Is your email account “SMTP” enabled? It is a protocol for sending email from email clients. Most free email web accounts do not offer this facility. The most prominent free email service offering free POP and SMTP access is Gmail.
If all else fails, then note down the email address on your palm (still cant find a piece of paper!)
Open your web email in your browser (still stuck with dial-up!) … Go to compose mail – type the email scribbled on your palm (I hope you didn’t wash your hands!), type subject and text. And Send email (I hope you copied the email address correctly, was it juliaroberts@aol.com or julia.roberts@aol.com !!)
- Grrrrr……
Now we know why email forms are convenient for website users.
Benefits of email contact forms
- You do not have to wait for their email client like Outlook or Eudora to load and to see if you can use it.
- You don’t have to see if your email client is configured to send mail or if your favorite free web email supports SMTP access.
- Forms also protect your email by not revealing it in the page source code and protect it from email spam.