For the most part, I don’t open e-mails where the Subject: field is blank unless I immediately recognize the Sender. Most non-subjected e-mails are spam. Not having a Subject: therefore makes you look spammy and generally will have your e-mail end up in my Junk or Trash folder when it is misidentified as spam.
I had this happen several times the past couple of weeks and when I kindly let those who sent me the e-mails know that they should always use a Subject so they don’t look spammy and have spam filters send their e-mail (to me or anyone else) to trash without being read – well, 2 of the 3 didn’t appreciate my advice.
One stated: “if you were up as late as me – you would be too tired to think of a subject too…” Ohhhhh-kaaaay. If you are that tired – go to bed and e-mail folks in the morning.
The other gave me a hard time and told me that I am “too into Netiquette.” Hmmm….. too late – I’m a member of Netiquette Anonymous – the group of folks who just want to help everyone be aware of how their use of technology can help or hinder them. I can’t help myself!
The third was actually very nice and thanked me because they didn’t know that not including a Subject could mean their e-mail got trashed. It is folks like that who keep me plugging away at this keyboard.
About Judith
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Dear Judith,
I have just found your website here and I love it. I cannot believe that someone would actually complain that “they were up all night and too tired to include a subject”-to you of all people. I think your advice is invaluable so far. I think everyone should come see your ideas and take your advice! When I first started using email, I had to learn the hard way about perception, sounding like I was mad when I was not, sounding unprofessional, etc. I wish I had found a site like this back then.
I am going to tell everyone about you and your site!
Sincerely,
Danielle Plomchok
Hey, Danielle:
Thank you so much for taking the time to send your kind words — I’m glad you found me! It is comments such as yours that keeps me tapping away at this keyboard all these years.
If you have a Web site, I do have some free graphic and links that you can add to help get the work out about this very important subject:
http://www.netmanners.com/friends-of-netmanners/
You can also add my E-mail Etiquette tip of the day script too:
http://www.netmanners.com/free-services/tips-for-your-web-site/
I look forward to more of your comments! ;-)