New sonic.net webmail application

[nicole7]

I'm not a fan of the new email layout. For one thing, the icons are way too big. They take up a huge amount of screen space, which is totally unnecessary because they're icons. Everyone's used to 20 pixel icons. As long as it's readable, it's fine for it to be tiny--and it then uses up less screen real estate, allowing for lots of room to type and read emails (Something that's especially important on a tiny phone screen).

Which is my main problem with the new set-up--there's not nearly enough room for reading and typing emails. Yes, I can move the slider bar at the top around, but that's kind of a waste of time. I'd rather have a page listing what's in that folder, and a separate page for typing emails. I've used a variety of email applications on a variety of different computers, and that is always the fastest, easiest set-up to use.

Going back to the buttons--they're way too pale. Light gray background with light gray icons? Really not readable. It looks sleek, but anytime the lighting is bad it can't be read. Pretty much the contrast on the whole thing isn't nearly strong enough. Email is all about function--readability, ease of use, and space for reading/writing emails. The graphics should only enhance that.

The folder layout on the side is nice--I like the unread messages icons that show up. But again, not enough contrast (and too much empty space on the left).

Finally, I don't read all my messages. I like being able to quickly mark new messages that I don't need and send them straight to the trash without having to open them. I've looked all over--there's no way to do that with the new email set-up (unless I do a round-about method where I flag and delete flagged). Where are my check boxes for quickly moving messages around!?!

[shirhall]

Squirrel Mail works just fine - basic, easy to use. I DO NOT like the new format because:
1) the light gray type; I can barely read it
2) having to double click on message to read it
3) image blocking on incoming emails; and worst of all
4) the very deep Sonic.net header and the deep top task bar serve only to block half of the otherwise readable email. One can only read a few lines at a time. AWFUL!!
For Pete's sake, SIMPLIFY!!!! We don't need ever more complex formats. I would more than welcome the Squirrel Mail format as a permanent one.

[rodrigo]

@nicole7

Something that's especially important on a tiny phone screen.

Are all of these concerns from the perspective of a mobile user, or are some just general? We've been gathering the feedback and making adjustments, adding features, and fixing issues, one of the main things is that there is a separate interface for mobile devices. This should address the icon sizes.

I'd rather have a page listing what's in that folder, and a separate page for typing emails.

On the mobile version, there will be one screen for listing mail, one screen for viewing mail, and one for composing mail.

On the desktop, there are some settings at the user end to adjust the experience. Settings -> Preferences -> Mailbox View -> Main Options -> Show preview pane will allow you to disable the preview pane. You can also temporarily close the preview pane with the triangle icon in at the bottom right corner of the mail list.

Where are my check boxes for quickly moving messages around!?!

There is currently a way to do this, and it works exactly like selecting multiple files on your computer. Click on one message, and hold ctrl (or command on a mac) and click another message to select it. Click a message, and hold shift, and click another message to select both messages and all messages in between.

There is also a 'select' menu at the bottom of the message list where some simple select operations can be performed.

That said, we have added checkboxes in our development version, and you can expect them to be in place in the next release (which isn't far off).

In regards to overall contrast, point taken, and it's one that's come up a few times. It's a little trickier to address as it's an application-wide thing, but we do hear you, and will address it.

[vita]

With respect to the real estate comments - my comments re the lack of real estate reading emails, reading the inbox, and composing emails - are all in re desktop use. As shirhall says "the very deep Sonic.net header and the deep top task bar serve only to block half of the otherwise readable email"

[rodrigo]

It really helps us if feedback is always accompanied by information such as what kind of device you're using (desktop pc, netbook, tablet, phone, etc), your operating system and browser (and their versions), and your overall screen size and/or resolution.

@shirhall

1) Light gray type where, in particular? Do you mean on the buttons?

2) If the preview pane is open, it is single click to read the message. If the preview pane is closed, then I'm thinking single click to open could end up being an option, or that behavior could be added to the text of the subject (turning it into a link) but a wholesale switch to that behavior runs counter to the paradigm that's in use throughout the app - the paradigm of a standard desktop application. In your file browser on your computer, for example, double click opens. Being able to click on the element without zipping off somewhere else allows other features, like being able to drag & drop messages into folders.

3) Blocking images in email is a standard security practice among modern email clients. External images are a potential attack vector, and we prefer not to expose our customers to attack by default. You can, however, change your settings to always show images. You can set Settings -> Preferences -> Displaying Messages -> Main Options -> Display remote inline images to 'always' to change this behavior.

4) How large is the screen you're viewing the webmail application on? While I agree the button bar area can seem a bit big, especially when there aren't buttons on the page (like in Settings), our header is comparable to those in other webmail applications, most notably Google's Gmail.

[shirhall]

rodrigo,
In answer to your queries and comments:
I am using a desktop PC with Win XP sp3. I primarily use Firefox v. 20.0.1.
1. The light gray type that is unreadable is in the task bar at top and the options bar at bottom. The pale type in other places is likewise hard to read.
2. Why should one have to go to a preview pane? In squirrel mail, if one clicks on the box to the left of the message, the message is flagged and one can move it wherever one wants. The paradigms in Squirrel Mail work quite well, thank you.
3. I can live with changing the settings to allow external images.
4. My monitor has a 19" screen, all the more reason this new format is inexcusable. The header, task bar and menus in Squirrel Mail are brief, simple and entirely adequate. It is of little value to compare Sonic's header, etc., with Google's g-mail or with any one else. The issue is with the format Sonic seems determined to force on its users. Not good P R Dane!
shirhall

[rlnorth]

When I hit reply the window opens to the bottom of the email that I am replying to. I have to scroll up to the top to type my reply.

I'm sure I will get used to it, since I only use webmail. But I sure wish you folks could get a look at the Earthlink webmail. It is very user friendly, efficient and not cluttered looking. Sorry to say that your new system is waaay too busy looking, and the email itself (which is the whole reason we are doing this) is small and cramped.

Apologies for the complaints, I know you are working very hard to please.

Robin N

[virtualmike]

When I hit reply the window opens to the bottom of the email that I am replying to. I have to scroll up to the top to type my reply.

You can change this in the settings.

[rlnorth]

Thanks Mike,
Since most replies go on top of the body of the email, shouldn't the default setting put you there instead of at the bottom?

[Anonymous II]

PLEASE - PLEASE - PLEASE keep Squirrel Mail as an option for those of us who want it. (The even new and improved beta does NOT meet our use needs, whereas Squirrel Mail does.) Maintain SONIC's image of superb Customer Service. Either way, rest assured SOCIAL MEDIA will know the haps. To repeat: Please keep Squirrel Mail as an option for those of us who use it. An immediate note to that effect on the Squirrel Mail Log-In page would greatly allay a lot of angst, worry, and not so positive thoughts re SONIC's admin.