This lesson is easy as pie!

Formatting e-mail links

Be sure to display the actual e-mail address as the linked text when creating an e-mail link. Though it is technically very easy to link a person's name to an e-mail address, it is confusing to the visitor. For example, which of the following is an e-mail link to send a message to Johnny Doe? The average user would find it difficult to tell without trying the links.

1. Johnny Doe
2. Johnny Doe

On the other hand, when the e-mail address is displayed, there's little confusion.

The staff member's name and position should also accompany the e-mail link.

The link may be formatted in the following ways.

• John Doe, Technology Guru, at jdoe@baytown.org
  
• John Doe
  Technology Guru
  Call (281) 522-8281 
  jdoe@baytown.org
   

How to make e-mail links

Follow these steps to create a link.

1. Highlight the e-mail address that you've already typed on the page.
2. Click the Link button on the toolbar.
3. Choose E-mail Address...
4. Enter the e-mail address on the first text entry field. (You're reminded of the address you're linking immediately above this field.)
5. Click OK.

Practice linking

Edit this page and link the following e-mail addresses:

John Doe 
Call (281) 522-8281
Fax (281) 522-8281
baytown@baytown.org

Jane Doe
Call (281) 522-8281
Fax (281) 522-8281
baytown@baytown.org

It is important to note that note that emails displayed on the Baytown site should be generic, e.g. baytown@baytown.org.