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by Jiocus 1160 days ago
Tabular data isn't hard,

    | Type  | Host/Name     | Value/Points to                 |
    | ----- | ------------- | ------------------------------- |
    | CNAME | s1._domainkey | s1._domainkey.example.com       |
    | CNAME | s2._domainkey | s2._domainkey.example.com       |
    | TXT   | _dmarc        | v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; adkim=s |
Even .csv formatted stuff fares OK in plaintext.

But I agree with you on context and having data visible right there in the email. It's often the case that people forgo using email as the functional communication technology it is and settles with attachments only and the canned byline.

I want to see full markdown, mermaid and the like in email.

3 comments

1. Tabular data in ASCII like that is really bad for accessibility

2. It looks terrible on mobile: https://i.imgur.io/ovzaJDG_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&f...

You both have a point, but this formatting issue is because HN doesn't use `overflow: scroll` for pre/code snippets.

Edit: Realized arguing for CSS properties defeats my point on plaintext. You are right, plaintext is problematic.

I'm on mobile. The tabular data did not work, obviously

Ironic

Except it is hard, even your simplistic example fails - I can't read it on one of the most popular devices - mobile phones

Also, it's awful for any serious editing

Also, add a bit of *formatting* in the cells, and all your plain readability stemming from tabular alignment is gone