XML and XSL win for email blasts for the HTML-Challenged

[brucec]

I will say that I never thought that I could use XML and XSL to create an email blast program for people who find HTML hard to learn or if they don't want to invest in FrontPage or Dreamweaver.

It works and I used this method for two different people who want to send out emails in HTML format.

If you find yourself in this situation, make the XML simple and if possible, keep the attributes to a minimum. Try to make it all elements. Then, tell your client that it is simply a matter of element on and element off: <XML element>code</XML element>

Of course, you will have to code the XSL to make the HTML.

[macrost]

brucec,
Interesting, I have never thought of that before. Just goes to show that XML can do quite a bit of things!

I do love XML transaction interfaces tho. :)

[brucec]

Macrost, there's something new that I never heard of. What is XML transaction interfaces?

[macrost]

brucec,
Well in most general terms, let's go with this example. Say you operated a travel site that had it's own inventory. You wanted to get more serious affiliates in to drive up your sales. What you would do is to create a totally transparent xml interface with your database of inventory all the way through booking. That technology right there allows anyone to have their own "inventory" in their clients eyes.

That's just one example of an xml interface. A good example would be UPS's xml interface that allows real time shipping quotes that can be seamlessly integrated within your site.

Mac