Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rebekah on January 29, 2013 at 12:49pm

As a new form of communication, the mores for email are unclear.

I have read if you don't receive a response in a week, send a tickler message. Sometimes things do end up in spam folders when they're not supposed to. And I had repeated problems with email from my wedding caterer, which, yes, did make her appear unprofessional to me, the customer. I noticed she used an obscure email host/provider/whatever it's called.

In my profession, I have read that the standard for a response to a client is a business day. Most try to respond faster.

If a "business" exchange can be boring or annoying, you're doing it wrong. Email is a poor medium for actual discussion. It's good for straight-forward questions, setting appointments, giving straight-forward assignments, and providing information that needs no or minimal response. If you want significant back-and-forth on the prudence of investing in cheddar futures, pick up the phone or arrange a meeting.

An open-ended discussion can be cut-off at any point, because it shouldn't have been begun via email in the first place. I don't think it's necessary to confirm receipt of an email unless there have been problems with email correspondence, confirmation is requested, or the email contains complicated or extensive instructions or information, in which case a confirmation request may be implied. Appointments set by email should be confirmed with different language, but the same sense, as confirmation of a formal social invitation - repeating the date, time, and location. For phone calls, make sure it's clear who's initiating the call.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by David F. on January 29, 2013 at 2:20pm

With spam filters and such the person may honestly not be getting the email.  Switch to calling with and email followup to the call.  Even if the person does not get them you have a paper trail.

The other option when you need answers is to setup the email such as we are doing x unless you email otherwise.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by JonEdanger on January 29, 2013 at 2:34pm

www.emailcharter.org

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jack Bauer on January 29, 2013 at 2:51pm

Its always been an option.  That's the joy of e-mail.  You can contact me at all hours of the day ... and I can get around to it if, and when, I feel like it.

 

JB

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by J. R. Manard on January 29, 2013 at 4:30pm

Are you wasting time with very lengthy e-mails? If so, expect to be ignored. 

Example: I work in RE Development/Invesment. An architect contacted me via e-mail yesterday looking for work. The only relevant information in the whole thing was withheld until the end. I care about what he has to offer me, and that was the last thing that appeared in his message. He was deleted.  

To give you more specific advice on your situation, I would have to better know your circumstances.

 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Phil Swatton on January 29, 2013 at 5:08pm

I'm not sure if you care for the opinion of a 16 year old or not, but for my social circle it's rude to not reply at all to important matters that require a reply. Aside from that, it isn't rude to not reply (although in informal, freindly texting it can be). I don't know why that's the way it is for us, it just is.

• ▶ Reply