It all depends on the complexity and the purpose of your HTML email.
Version of Outlook is also important.
For most things you can easily directly use Outlook. If you want control
about the HTML code; use a 3rd party HTML editor.
In general for a newsletter you do not embed the pictures within the
message.
AS for not being trapped in SPAM filters; don't spam and use an ISP which
supports sending bulk email. A list server in general works better than
putting everybody on the BCC line. A Mail Merge could work as well but will
take more sending time on your end and more traffic. You again have to ask
your admin how many emails you can send in a certain time period.

--
Robert Sparnaaij [MVP-Outlook]
Coauthor, Configuring Microsoft Outlook 2003
http://www.howto-outlook.com/
Outlook FAQ, HowTo, Downloads, Add-Ins and more

http://www.msoutlook.info/
Real World Questions, Real World Answers

-----

"Rick Altman" wrote in message
...
I would like to survey the group here and get some advice on creating
HTML-formatted email. Most of the time that I produce it, it is almost by
accident -- some weird cut-and-paste maneuver from an existing work. But I
am awash with questions:

- Compose it in Outlook or use my webpage application (Dreamweaver)?

- Include photos by URL reference or embed them in the email?

- Use CSS formatting, and if so, reference an external .css file or embed
styles?

- Various DOs and DON'Ts to insure against being trapped in spam filters.


I would be most grateful for any and all advice and/or for being pointed
to any good online articles on the subject.




--
Rick A.
Pleasanton CA