Let's talk about Electronic Mail

My main motivation to own a personal computer was being able to join in the exchange of 'electronic mail' - or, as it is more commonly called, Email. I believed that since Email is convenient, easy and more immediate that others who use Email would easily respond. I hoped for more two-way, reciprocal communication with family and friends. While this hope was not entirely smashed; it was soon put into proper perspective.

For one thing, as with 'snail mail', many folks "just love to get mail". HOWEVER, while these folks have time to read they may rarely to never "have time" to reply or acknowledge received personal Email. So, in that respect it is no different from "snail mail". In my opinion, if a person has time to read your personal email message - they have time to reply. Even a brief reply takes only a FEW SECONDS!!

If we type 'email' or 'how to email' or 'about email' (for example) into our web browser we will find plenty of web articles on the subject of email. I have read a variety of instructions for proper email composition. Some believe that ALL email needs to be "brief and to the point". That may be just fine for business, however, when writing a personal email note or letter we may do better to simply write as if we were penning a traditional "snail mail" letter.

A personal letter or note need not be long and drawn out to be interesting. However, our words do matter and a personal note or letter should be just that... personal.

It helps to tailor a personal email to the reader. For example, when I write to those who I know are "busy and on the go" I want to keep my message shorter and more concise without trimming it down to an impersonal business-like message.

WHO?????

When I receive an email I need to know right off WHO it is from. An email address alone does not usually convey this. In fact some email addresses are downright odd or anonymous and may appear to have no relation to the sender. It is helpful to identify ourselves by putting our name, our REAL name, in the FROM area.