Writing an e-mail - a manifesto
August 16th, 2004 by Bill
The ChangeThis people have published their first manifestos. The hope is that these spark debate and kindle ideas, and without the acrimony that often accompanies much of contemporary debate.
I’ve only read one, because it was near and dear to me: How to be a Boor by Elly Markson, a manifesto on e-mail etiquette. This manifesto aspires to a world where some thought and some courtesy will help to reduce the junk we all get (spam). But it’s not just about spam mail. It’s also about those of us who are compelled to share everything with everyone. Thus cluttering the world’s Inboxes.
It’s brief, to the point and worth a read. It suggests that writing an e-mail well is like all good writing: it takes into account its audience and treats them with respect.
One usability note: this is the only one of the manifestos I’ve read but if it’s indicative of the others, I have one suggestion - increase the text font. Granted, there’s a keyboard shortcut to increase the font, but the default setting is too small. Is it readable? Yes. Is it easily readable? No.
I’m not old but my eyes are. And I suspect I’m not alone.
Listen to this podcast
