Read Before You Write

December 3, 2009 by Judith

As a culture we’ve become lazy. Too many are of the opinion that their time is more important than others so they don’t take the time, make the time, to read an e-mail or a Web site in it’s entirety.

This happens with Web sites and the information provided as well. Assuming a site is well designed and the information you seek is only a click or two away, don’t just jump for that Contact button. Make the effort to click to the info you are looking for and then take the time to read it. Part of E-mail Etiquette is not e-mailing just because you don’t want to take the time to read.

With all the information online and provided by request, the least we can do is make an effort to read it. The volume of e-mails I receive daily through this site that ask questions where the answers could be found with a quick site search, or a click or two, back up my point.

Things don’t get any easier than this folks. To not want to take the time to read what is available to you, because you are too busy not only lacks a sense of courtesy for those who have provided the information for you, but reflects the level of narcissism in your personality.

Always read e-mails sent to you before questioning or assuming. Most misunderstandings can be avoided by doing so. Sometimes, it may be necessary to read an e-mail 2 or 3 times to make sure you don’t misinterpret tone. Read the e-mail out loud if necessary to be sure your are not misreading intent.

At Web sites, make the effort to find what you are looking for before you take up the site owner’s time requiring they provide answers or information already on their site for your convenience. Then ask questions if you require more info or clarification.

By not taking the time to read before you write, you let others know what it will be like to communicate, work with or do business with you. A couple of the words that come to mind; demanding and lazy.

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Comments

2 Responses to “Read Before You Write”

Rodney on December 4th, 2009 12:40 am

Judith, a very good point about reading the whole website before contacting to ask what may be there already. And even more may be there, that you didn’t even know you wanted to ask about. Asking a question sort of limits the answer, whereas reading may open the mind in ways you didn’t know were possible.
Judith on December 9th, 2009 5:28 pm

Great point, Rodney! ;-)