CNET: AOL shifts e-mail graphics policy

AOL is creating a "whitelist" of email marketing companies that agree to abide by its policies, and it will allow them to send graphic-laden emails directly to AOL subscribers. Right now the practice is banned, except for some companies who have struck marketing deals with the giant Internet service provider. Most versions of the AOL software make sending pictures via email much more difficult than typical email client software.

This means that my Internet-challenged relatives will be able to receive more unwanted marketing messages, but still won't be able to directly view the pictures of my dogs that I regularly send them.