Email etiquette: new topics deserve new threads Aug13 '08

Summary: The subject of the email indicates the topics contained within. If you're going to start a new topic, start a new email thread.

I understand it's easier to just spill out your thoughts in any email that you have open, but by doing so without regard to the subject, you're damaging the integrity of the email system. It becomes harder to find old emails when the subject is entirely unrelated to the topics contained within the thread.

People like to scan their email inboxes for topics of interest/importance, and they can't do this effectively when you ignore the prevalence of the subject line.

People usually commit this mistake in one of two ways:

  1. Changing the topic in an email thread already addressed to individuals that need to be informed of the new topic.

  2. Deliberately finding an old email addressed to the individuals that need to be informed of the new topic.

Number 2 intrigues me the most. Rather than starting a new thread by clicking "New," or "Compose," the person would rather scan their inbox or archives to find an email thread already addressed to the person(s). This is, I presume, to save the step of clicking "New," then manually putting in the email addresses.

It makes me wonder why email programs don't offer advanced features like "hotlinks" that immediately open a new email made out to a specific person. Because clearly the alternative is too much work.

Nevertheless, if you find yourself getting into these habits, consider it not necessarily "wrong," but just a matter of etiquette.

As a side note, a further form of etiquette (which could seem somewhat contradictory) is when you continue threads after a long break, you should always continue from the old thread, if the subject/topic is still relevant to your new thoughts. This is much easier with email systems like Gmail, where you can quickly search for the old thread.

Categories: Email , Etiquette , Rants , Tips

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matthom is published and produced by Matt Thommes - an independent publishing enthusiast, mobile blogger, content creator, informative writer, web developer from Chicago. Never one to conform, Matt intends to promote the effect the web has on our lives, in an effort to intensify, instruct, and clarify all that is happening around us.

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