Really Good Emails editorial newsletter

Who says so, Email Geek? I don't know about you, but when I was a kid there were few things more infuriating than asking a reasonable question and getting "Because I said so" as the answer. "Why can't I have ice cream for breakfast?" Because I said so. "Why can't I ski off the roof into the swimming pool?" Because I said so. "Why can't I put a GIF in this email about retirement planning?" Because Gary in Legal said so. At some point, we grow up, get jobs, and discover that "Because someone said so" has become the default for our campaigns. The result is technically an email... but in the same way that a rice cake is technically food. Of course, some rules exist for very good reasons. (Particularly the roof thing.) But there's a difference between protecting people and protecting the status quo. And somewhere along the way, we've confused compliance with removing anything interesting. The best way to challenge authority is to understand what authority needs without breaking your creative soul. That's why tomorrow we're hosting a webinar about making emails that are creative, compliant, and worth opening, even in highly regulated industries. Don't be rice cake   And now, an ad from a partner...   Articles worth opening because your eagerness to learn said so: When marketing automation moves too fast Just because you can automate every interaction doesn't mean you should. MarTech explores how overly aggressive customer journeys can trigger psychological reactance, making people resist the very messages designed to convert them. Slow it down > Great email UX starts long before anyone clicks send Your email experience should start well before the email reaches an inbox. From reusable components and accessible design to the tools teams use to build campaigns, the production process shapes what subscribers ultimately interact with. Play the long game > Why lifecycle needs distinctive creative over fast trends Making a great email means being intentional. Scalero explores how to build a creative strategy that connects design, messaging, and audience expectations, giving every campaign distinction before chasing the latest trend. Be strategic > 31 of the best email design examples this year (and what makes them work) You made something pretty. But is it working? Superside breaks down 31 examples to show how thoughtful layouts, typography, and visual hierarchy can turn an ordinary campaign into something worth opening. Be more than a pretty face >   Weird poll of the week You asked. We listened. The weird poll thingy of the week is back! You know what to do: hit reply with your answer and we'll tally up the votes. Then we'll try to explain what it means. Here we go.   Question: Who's the "Because I said so" in your organization? A. Legal. Hasn't smiled since 2019. B. Design. The brand's shade is a matter of national security. C. Leadership. Doesn't like it. Can't explain why. D. Copywriting. Will die defending the Oxford comma. E. Me. I've become the very thing I swore to destroy. Thanks for reading and learning since September 2026. P.S. It really helps if you forward this to a friend, colleague, or ex-lover so they understand what you mean when you reference "RGE's email." Also, we're desperate for friends. Mike & the entire RGE team Try RGE Studio Submit an email View collections   About Us RGE started in 2014 and is now part of Beefree. If you want to send us gifts, fan mail, or anything that does not include stalking or us waking up with you in our living room — you can find us at: C/O Beefree, 450 Townsend St, Suite 1, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA   Written & designed by a real human. Compiled in RGE Studio. Try it out. View online | Unsubscribe | Manage Tracking