It happens all the time. E-mails sent specifically to one person, end up getting forwarded to others. Even though it happens all the time, just like many other misconceptions about the online arena and e-mail, that doesn’t mean that it is good practice.
When someone sends you an e-mail, consider it for your eyes only. (And, I have to state this because I will get protests by site visitors if I don’t — this of course does not include threatening or illegal e-mails.) By forwarding private e-mails to others, you are reflecting a lack of character by betraying the trust of the person whose e-mail you are exposing without their permission.
Intentions do not make a difference either. Whether you are forwarding to help or to harm doesn’t make the forwarding in of itself O.K. If you feel forwarding an e-mail to another party can help the person who sent it to you, simply ask their permission to do so letting them know what you hope to accomplish.
E-mails are copyright protected by the author at the time they are created. That’s just how copyright works with written works. So, to forward, publish or post without the original author’s permission is copyright infringement. Take note though; this probably doesn’t apply when on company time using company resources — in the workplace there should be no expectation of privacy.
That said, even in the workplace, one should not forward coworkers e-mails without their knowledge or permission. You may be viewed as petty or untrustworthy depending on your motives for doing so. Either way you have breached a coworkers trust and that can’t be a good thing!
The bottom line? Always ask before forwarding and explain your reasons for doing so.
No related posts.
About Judith
Loading ...![[Take The Email Etiquette Pledge]](http://www.emailetiquettepledge.com/ee-rev-medium.jpg)
![[Email Etiquette Made Easy!]](http://www.netmanners.com/images/email-etiquette-made-easy-100.jpg)
“E-mail Etiquette Tip of the Day
Use the BCc: field when sending the same e-mail to a bunch of folks that don’t know each other.”
Hello Judith,
Thanks for your mailings on email etiquette.
I noticed in today’s “tip” it says “folks that don’t know each other”. I always prefer a bcc or individual email even if I do know the other folks. Not everyone takes good care of their computer and being in someone’s address book when they download a “nasty” can lead to problems for me. So even if I know the other people, I still don’t want a “bulk mailing”. What do you think? Am I being too fussy?
Happy 2010
Barbara
Hey, Barbara:
Bulk e-mails are so impersonal and I don’t think you are being too fussy at all! As a matter of fact bulk mailings are those that I get to last if at all. The fact is if you are in someone’s address book — because they know you — and they are not diligent about protecting their computer, BCc: won’t save you from that.
We are all so busy that we sometimes lose sight of the fact that e-mail is an opportunity to build relationships and have personal conversations.
Hope you have a wonderful New year!
I have a question about emails forwarded to me that include the string of emails that lead up to mine.
Its my understanding that since we’ve all been essentially “introduced” to each other by virtue of the sender leaving all recipients (current and prior) email addresses visible, we are each and all of us free to contact whomever we wish of those visible emails.
Am I mistaken?
Hey, John:
Yes, you are mistaken… Because a Sender exposes e-mail addresses to strangers does not give tacit approval to any of those listed to e-mail folks the don’t know. I do have an article that covers this for you:
Don’t Brush Off E-mail Privacy
HTH!