Panicked onliners contact me quite regularity asking my advice and help about what they should do after sending an e-mail to the wrong person. "Can I get the e-mail back?" Nope. Once you click Send the e-mail is officially and irretrievably on its way. Comedy of Errors? The last situation … [Read more...]
REPLY:, FWD:, REPLY:, FWD:
Here are 8 tips to keep in mind when hitting the REPLY and FWD buttons in your email program: If the Subject: line is now filled with RE:s to the point that the Subject: line is too long to view or understand easily -- start a new email with an updated Subject:. Never FORWARD an e-mail … [Read more...]
Proper Use of Reply to All
How ironic that those who complain about how others use Reply to All also seem to be those who do not respect the privacy of their contacts by using the BCc: field! If you do not use the BCc: field or don't know where it is, that is no reason or excuse to include all your contact addresses … [Read more...]
3 E-mail Tips for Multiple Recipients
When it comes to e-mail conversations amongst a group folks, whether it be business e-mail or personal, there are a few things to keep in mind. Most importantly, think long and hard before clicking "Reply to All". Unless "all" needs to be aware or cares about your comments -- which is usually not … [Read more...]
They’re Not Replying!
So many onliners believe they are being ignored due to not receiving replies to their e-mails. I get asked about this more than any other topic. "What do I do? They're not replying!" There will be times when no reply is necessary or should be expected. If someone expects a reply to an … [Read more...]
Don’t HiJack Others E-mails
A bad habit that seems to still be in full use is taking another Sender's e-mail and replying to all the recipients 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 that is not related to the original e-mail or … [Read more...]
If You Don’t Know Them; Don’t E-mail Them!
Here is a hypothetical situation I get asked about quite often. Let's say someone has something of interest (usually of interest only to those who e-mail me this type of question) to share with all those names/e-mail addresses visibly displayed in the To: field. Even if you don't know these folks … [Read more...]
When to Use To: or Cc: in Your E-mails
When do you put your e-mail addresses in the To: field or the Cc: field? There really are no hard and fast rules -- you have to use your discretion based on the circumstances at hand. As a general guideline, use the To: field if you want to email several contacts while encouraging their response. … [Read more...]