Stop Forwarding Me Emails!
The topic of unwanted forwarded emails is one which I get contacted about all the time. This week three requests on the subject.
Everyone knows a nice way — saying please, thank you, and appreciate your understanding type comments will always work. This situation is amplified due to all the political commentary being forwarded around as if that will change minds or make a point. It won’t. If you care about your relationships, forwarding is not a prudent approach.
Nice Guys Finish Last
What these folks instinctively know is that by making that request, someone may get hurt feelings. And 9 out of 10 times, that is precisely what happens. As a result, many habitual forwarders think they are being thoughtful when in fact, they are reflecting a bit of virtue signaling.
Look at me — I’m thinking of you! Aren’t I nice?
Yeah, they are thinking of you, and I guess that’s nice. The thing is, most forwards are regurgitated memes we’ve all seen before.
Many forwards aren’t all that unique. Some of which are even hoaxes! But it would help if they forwarded it correctly, which includes a nice comment about why they are forwarding that specific email to you, right?
By sending a note with the forward, you aren’t just mass forwarding already-seen emails. Most folks will not get frustrated with forwards when this extra step is taken. Probably because by having to take this extra step, irresponsible forwarders wouldn’t forward so much.
So there’s the conundrum.
I’ll be the “bad guy”!
No matter how kind you are, how gentle, and how carefully you choose your words when making such a request, some will get hurt feelings. Some may even react viscerally because they will think you are telling them what to do. Especially on sensitive topics, they think you need to know about.
So, to help folks out, I’ve got an article to which you can send the forwarders in your life. Let me be the “bad guy”! How do I ask someone to stop forwarding me all those silly emails?
Use the Get the Word Out links below message to the out-of-control forwarders you would like to inform or add to your favorite social sites.
