Why is it OK for brands with graphically modern, visually arresting, personality-forward sites to confirm an email subscription using a simple text email with robotic copy? How often are visitors to thoughtfully merchandised online stores invited back with altogether ham-fisted promotions in their inboxes? In how many meetings have marketers waved off email as pass and turned the group's collective attention to a brand new social site they read about on Mashable last week?

Email has a significant impact on the everyday consumer. Yet are we pushing the threshold with new forms of messaging?