Do You Hijack Others’ Emails?
If you do, stop it.
A bad habit that seems to pop up occasionally is replying to all the recipients of an email sent to you with your off-topic news or comments. The original recipient and all those they sent to are left to read your comments or POV on a topic unrelated to the initial email.
Comments they didn’t ask for or may not have an interest in. A message that doesn’t align with what is in the Subject field.
This situation most often occurs between family and friends, where all the displayed email addresses tend to know each other. Therefore, privacy is not a concern.
But what I hear from frustrated little birdies out there is that they are tired of family members or close friends taking over their email communications with stuff that has nothing to do with the email they initiated.
This problem is easily solved. You can preempt email hijackers by using the BCc field.
Narcissism on Full Display
Narcissists think only of what they want to do or say at any given time. And it’s not a good look.
Considering feelings other than their own or how their actions may impact others never crosses their mind. Online users who hijack email conversations tend to fall into this category.
When you want to share some news that has nothing to do with an established email conversation, or if you want to chat about an entirely different topic than the Subject field indicates, it is accomplished in two easy steps:
- If you know all those listed very well, then and only then, hit Reply All.
- Next, change the Subject field to reflect what you want to talk about.
What If You Don’t Know the Listed Addresses?
Do. Not. Use. Reply to all. Period.
Regardless of whether the sender reflects a lack of understanding in protecting their contact’s email addresses, their neglect does not give you implicit permission to email those you don’t know — about anything.
It’s evident that technology is “all about me.” But those who show courtesy by “using technology with knowledge, understanding, and courtesy” (that’s my tagline) have more profound and meaningful relationships.
On and off-line.
