Return Receipts (RR) Controversy

Return receipts (RRs) are a way of knowing that an e-mail has been opened on the recipient’s computer. It does not however, mean they have read it.

Do you have someone in your life who has this feature on for every single personal e-mail? I’ve found those are the folks that seem to want to know when you receive their e-mail even if the content is not critical or important – sort of a control thing.

Or, it could be your friend does not even know they have this option selected. Maybe nicely e-mailing them with a “Did you know…..?” can let them know this is not a feature to be used for every single casual e-mail.

RRs are to be used sparingly. There is no point in engaging a Return Receipt Request (RR) for each and every personal e-mail you send because you like “knowing” when someone opens the e-mail you sent to them. Not only is this a pain for the recipient, this feature is annoying and intrusive!

Can you believe I’ve had folks e-mail me noting they know it is intrusive and annoying but they are going to continue to use RRs anyway?  What kind of attitude is that!? Especially considering one can decline RR requests which makes the whole point moot!

I know when I receive RR requests; I decline. It is none of anyone’s bees wax when I open any particular email. That said, on those extremely rare occasions when it is an important matter and I can understand why there is an RR requested I go ahead and give my approval.

Even if you use a service that offers “Blind” RRs — most e-mail virus software prevents the recipient’s system from sending out any unknown information.  So why continue using this feature — especially if asked to refrain from doing so?

How would you like it if every time you heard a voice mail, answering machine message, opened a postal letter from a friend it was immediately reported back to sender that you had heard/opened their communications?

I’ve never found a reason to use RRs with personal e-mails to friends or family.  Now that I think about it — I don’t even remember the last time I initiated a RR request!  Do you send RRs with every request?  Does the other side accept or decline?  Share your POV on this topic!

You may also be interested in:

• Declining Return Receipt Requests
• E-mail Etiquette Requires Your Reply