Just Answer Already!

By no means am I the expert on internet intricacies, but I do want to review a few simple rules of email.  Firstly, we all know that once you put anything on the internet, you can’t take it back, or “you can’t un-ring the bell.” 

I have mentioned this numerous times but still wonder why politicos, celebrity weirdos and others  who have tweeted, posted to facebook and/or sent emails that are condemning to themselves or others deny, deny, deny.  Stupidity must be high on their list of attributes. 

Use a clear subject line in your email so it can be found more easily with the search function. Edit your email for grammar and punctuation.  You certainly don’t want people thinking your education ended in the 3^rd grade, so proofreading  your email before you send it is very important. Also, don’t send an email in all caps.  Keep your message short and concise and avoid too many attachments. 

By the way, don’t get caught up in chain letters, no matter what good luck it says it will bring you.  They don’t work!  The person starting the chain letter is doing it to get email addresses from wherever he can.  If you think everyone on the internet is honest and wants to be your friend, wake up.  There are more underhanded scams than you can ever imagine.

There are several other rules I could pass on, but in my opinion, one of the major rules of email etiquette is to ANSWER YOUR EMAIL!!!  When you get an email, or a text for that matter, it would take a second to send the word “okay” or “fine” or “sure.”  Event the graphic thumbs up would be better than ignoring correspondence that someone took the time to send you.   Compare it to answering your door, not saying anything and slamming the door in your visitor’s face. It is inconsiderate and very unprofessional.  These are the same individuals who get upset when they don’t get a response from an email they have sent. 

That reply button was put on your email for a reason.  Oh, and one more thing!  When the email is addressed to more than you, the “reply to all” button should be used, unless, of course, your response would not be appropriate to all the recipients.