>>-snip-
>>>Sounds at least a bit encouraging. I've come up with another idea (aka lightbulb), that I could have a full HTML page attached to the message, and that page would be a complete input form, with some Java or whatever++ inside, which would then generate a neatly formated text with results, and send it as automatic return mail. Am I sufficiently insane, not sufficiently insane, or this simply can't be done?
>>
>>Dragan
>>
>>Be careful of those lightbulbs, the brightest one tend to burn out the quickest. I think what you propose is technically possible (allthough I don't know much about Java) but maybe not worthwhile, here are a few issues to consider. The receiver will still need a browser to fill in the form, if they have a browser installed then they most likely would have access to a web based form anyway. If you were thinking of actually displaying the form with Java then I would think the amount of code needed would get very large, not just to write but to download with the form, again a web based form would be easier. Java is not standardized (witness the MS-SUN litigation) so your code may still not work on all machines.
>
>Well, this was for those who are rather busy, and do most of the stuff offline, or from a portable or whatever. I may end up writing a minimal Java initial applet first which would inquire for the browser installed and send it back to know which version to send next time.
>

Ah, if the form may be downloaded once and then used many times that changes the equation.

>> In any event it seems to be a lot of work for not a lot of potential return.
>
>We call it "kill an ox for a kilo of meat".

One of my favorites is "swatting (house)flies with a sledge hammer".

>It's just the matter of deciding whether we want to get into this or not. Mind me, the form would be almost the same as in the web-based form, with just a different thing in the Send button - the Java thing. It should only return the results in a neatly formatted e-mail message, nothing else.
>

Again, some things to consider;
Will it act as its own email client or talk to the installed client to get put in the OutQueue? What action to take if Send is selected while offline? Will you allow the filled in form to be stored for later upload? How about saving and sending multiple copies on next internet connection? Is this is sounding more like a mini VPF app?


>> I will reserve judgement on the level of your insanity until you let me know if you decide to proceed.<g>
>
>I'm still thinking. Any fresh lightbulb is welcome... and then I'll go and look for a good shrink :)

The fact that your still thinking about it causes the needle on the insane-o-meter to start registering :)