 <p>the problem with <code>mailto:</code> is that web scrapers can be used to "harvest" into a "spam mailing list". these are common in e-mail marketers (email advertising). also, search engines like Google will also pick them up, making your email a public item, easilty searchable, easily spammable.</p> <p>common methods employed today to prevent spamming thru email is a contact page &amp; following/friending in social sites (since social sites have the ability to block users, spammers won't waste time making accounts and keep friending/following you).</p>