Using Outlook 2003 and html message format.

When composing a new message at my screen resolution and using the ruler,
the message indicates it is 16 inches wide.  I use the tab on the ruler to
make the message 6.5 to 8 inches wide.

However after I send the message, the recipient receives a message that
might be as little as 1.5 inches wide.  It turns a 15 or so line messages
into a 7 plus page stack of words that really is unreadable.

When I go to my sent messages folder, initially, the message appears just as
I sent it, but then wil change to a similar-to-that-received by others
"stacked" appearance.

Please.  What am I doing wrong and how do I correct it?