Less Reply All....More Thinking About if People Care

If you've read any entry in my inconsistent blog you will know by now that I tackle the big issues in life. Squeezing from the end of the toothpaste instead of the middle. Opening presents on Christmas morning rather than its Eve. And of course....email ettiquette.



I'm a huge emailer, I must check it a hundred times a day at least. My gmail account is constantly open at work (whether it's technically allowed or not), and as soon as I get a new email, I drop everything and check it. Thanks for the false alarm Filene's Basement. Now recently I joined a writing team for an online publication that does nothing but publish the complaints of people such as myself. It's actually quite humorous most of the time and thought provoking. Anyway, an email was sent out to the new members of the writing staff welcoming them and thanking them for their efforts and patience with certain technical issues. Ideas on how to market the site better was also solicited by the editor in chief.



All of a sudden, I get 5-6 "reply alls" from these new writers introducing themselves and throwing in their 2 cents about how we can generate site traffic. All well intentioned (as most reply alls are); however, it's annoying as all hell. I get a new message in my inbox and it's Claire writing from Utah telling everyone on the list that she's so happy to be on board. Well that's great Claire, but you just took up 5 seconds of my busy life to say hi! This is not a huge corporation and you're not the new CEO. We all submit a couple of pieces per month and get on with our lives. No one even really knows each other.



Why do people feel the need to reply all with matters that are of no concern or interest to the people on the list? In this case, the editor in chief was the only person who solicited a response for suggestions, and therefore, that reply should have gone to him only. The rest of us don't need to know you or hear your thoughts. I know it sounds nit-picky and perhaps even a little brusque to criticize such people. But the lack of discretion in their solicitation is irritating after a while.



Cuz what happens is some third party chimes in and responds to that person, next a fourth smart ass has a comment and the next thing you know...your inbox is being bombarded with cluttered messages from all these "hilarious" people you don't even know much less value their opinion. This happens with b-day parties that are announced via email etc. Any kind of group activity wherein people don't "think it through" can easily end up like this. If Jack thinks he's funny and wants to throw out a comment, than just reply to Jack.



And if you work in an office and you want to hit up the happy hour really badly cuz you're 22 and anxious to mingle and throw back some Goldschlager...then just reply to the sender and tell them you'll be there. Don't identify yourself as the tool in the office by replying all and saying "Bill and I will be heading up the wet t-shirt competition". We get it....you're excited about drinking with your co-workers and you want to make sure you get the proper attention as the office jack-ass. Don't worry, you'll get the attention. But if you could just leave my inbox out of the equation, that'd be just terrific.