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Among the various filters AOL applies to incoming mail, one in particular, while easily avoided, will completely block your AOL message delivery if triggered. This new filter is an HTML validator which scans incoming messages for HTML syntax and formatting errors. If invalid HTML is detected, the message will be rejected.
The error itself does not need to be a glaring omission to trigger this filter; any syntax inaccuracy may be sufficient. Ending a link tag, for example, with < a/ > instead of the correct < /a > will cause your message to be rejected. This filter was presumably employed to combat a favorite spammer tactic of inserting nonsense HTML code to foil standard content filters.
We always recommend that procedures for proofing email campaigns be established, and that the proofing checklist should include HTML validation. Popular HTML editing software such as Allaire Homesite or Macromedia Dreamweaver already offer effective validation tools, and will highlight any errors on the fly, as your message is being created. For a complete reference spec of HTML formatting, please visit the World Wide Web consortium documentation pages. Also, you can use the HTML validator in your email application or third-party validator such as The W3C Markup Validation Service.
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