Comment 136 for bug 10883

(In reply to Jorg K (GMT+2) from comment #54)
> There is a lot wrong with this since once again you're mixing *delivery*
> with *composition* format.

I rather suggested that the composition mode should be set implicitly by the delivery format (or vice versa). Apple Mail only has one button to switch between rich text and plain text mode. What's wrong with this solution?

> TB has an intricate system to ship the appropriate format to the recipient
> as stored in the address book:
> Prefers message formatted as ...

This system could be used to set the default mode when starting a new mail or replying to a mail. As I see it, it's only a "guideline" and the user should be able to change the mode during composing.

> So the sender might compose rich text and the recipient will receive
> "embellished" plain text.

So, what's wrong with this? Or what exactly do you mean with "embellished" text? This _kind_ of *text* styling? Same happens if I start in rich text mode/HTML delivery format and switch to plain text delivery format before sending.

> Also, there shouldn't be a formatting toolbar for a plain text composition,
> since you can't apply text colour, size, etc. If you want bold or underline,
> use *bold* or _underline_, all plain text fans know that.

Why? Of course there could be a formatting toolbar even for plain text composition. Actually there is a formatting toolbar when switching from HTML delivery format to plain text delivery format and it *allows* to _format_ the text. It even allows to change fonts (that's something I don't like or understand). Apple Mail removes all formatting when switching composition mode to plain text and disables formatting toolbar.

> As I said before, all that can be said here was said already. I am the
> compose peer in Thunderbird and I can tell you that we will not use the
> delivery format switch to change composition format.

Why not? What is the user story supporting your view? Are you preserving the "real" plain text mode for the fans of plain text mails as those fans don't like a formatting toolbar? Then maybe bug #1288914 should have been implemented by removing all styling when switching to text mode (and the formatting toolbar) as mentioned in bug #1288914 comment 9 as solution 1.

> If someone wants to propose a patch, please go ahead.

What exactly (UI elements, behaviour, etc) do you want to be implemented? A UI element in the composition window to switch from "real" plain text mode to rich text editing? What does this mode switch encompass, e.g., enabling formatting toolbar, enabling the "delivery format menu"? I don't understand why you prefer an additional UI element for this switch to happen.