Different rates of e-mail
Unless it's a quick hit like asking what time we're meeting, I don't respond to e-mails right away. I like to reflect on information and think about my response before I send something off. If I take the time, it means I can make considered decisions and add more value to an exchange. I refuse to be rushed. This is true of both my personal and work e-mail responses.
However, I find that I'm often on the receiving end of quick responders. What do I mean by that? With personal e-mail, this means I miss out on free movie tickets or an extra space at an event because I take the time to weigh whether I need a social event or not. Friends who don't need to think about it often get the goods. That's fine -- I'd rather pause than commit to something I won't enjoy.
What bothers me about differing responses is the different rates of e-mail at work. Often this means that the first or quicker responder's positions/issues/comments get out and are repeated most. It also means that things that should be handled in a face-to-face meeting will often spiral into quick e-mails where the rate of considered response drops with the ability to push a send button. Misinterpretations abound. People who need to weigh in can't because they're caught in meetings, so e-mail discussions often devolve into senseless quibbles without the right perspectives.
I've also found that there also seems to be some judgment made against people who choose not to respond to e-mails or who prefer to choose the right medium to have an exchange or deliver a message. "She didn't get back to me right away so I went ahead and did xyz". IMHO, if it was that important, there were other ways to reach out to get a response.
I'm not making a plea to return to written letters, but you have to admit that thoughtfulness has been lost in this medium. I have more meaningful exchanges face-to-face and even IMs than I do e-mail these days. There are studies that show that younger people are skipping e-mail and moving straight to texting and IM. Maybe they like how it eliminates the disparity in responses. I know that's why it appeals to me.
If you want to send me comments about this entry, you can e-mail. Just don't expect me to get back to you today.
However, I find that I'm often on the receiving end of quick responders. What do I mean by that? With personal e-mail, this means I miss out on free movie tickets or an extra space at an event because I take the time to weigh whether I need a social event or not. Friends who don't need to think about it often get the goods. That's fine -- I'd rather pause than commit to something I won't enjoy.
What bothers me about differing responses is the different rates of e-mail at work. Often this means that the first or quicker responder's positions/issues/comments get out and are repeated most. It also means that things that should be handled in a face-to-face meeting will often spiral into quick e-mails where the rate of considered response drops with the ability to push a send button. Misinterpretations abound. People who need to weigh in can't because they're caught in meetings, so e-mail discussions often devolve into senseless quibbles without the right perspectives.
I've also found that there also seems to be some judgment made against people who choose not to respond to e-mails or who prefer to choose the right medium to have an exchange or deliver a message. "She didn't get back to me right away so I went ahead and did xyz". IMHO, if it was that important, there were other ways to reach out to get a response.
I'm not making a plea to return to written letters, but you have to admit that thoughtfulness has been lost in this medium. I have more meaningful exchanges face-to-face and even IMs than I do e-mail these days. There are studies that show that younger people are skipping e-mail and moving straight to texting and IM. Maybe they like how it eliminates the disparity in responses. I know that's why it appeals to me.
If you want to send me comments about this entry, you can e-mail. Just don't expect me to get back to you today.
NaNoWriMo
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