Time to Talk about Holiday Email Attachments

This time of year gets crazy with attachments! Hosts send large PDF invitations (or family update letters) to their guests and excited families sharing their holiday photo activities as they occur.

Email often becomes an alternative because folks don’t want to take the time to hand address classy invites, cards, or print photos. PDF invites, photos, and family update letters via email cannot replace receiving a hand-addressed unique invite or card in the snail mail — that is much more thoughtful and enjoyable.

Technology is wonderful when used properly “with knowledge, understanding, and courtesy.” I say that a lot around here. Unfortunately, technology often becomes a crutch without thought or courtesy to the other side and to cater to what we are unwilling to do otherwise.

Is that what you do?

When it comes to attachments, many just “attach” because that is what they want to do or what is convenient at that given moment. Easy-peasy. But, not very thoughtful when considering you don’t know the storage or bandwidth limits of the recipient.

Remember that not everyone has unlimited resources to handle the many attachments you send simultaneously because that is convenient for you. We cannot count on the other side sitting at their computer to download them immediately to keep their inbox clear. This is why asking first when would be the best time to send multiple photos or huge attachments is a courteous gesture to offer.

Email is not meant to replace every form of communication.

All you have to do is take a moment and decrease each image to 1000 pixels in width before sending it to solve that concern. Your camera is probably creating images in the thousands of pixels. Want to send a bunch of files, zip them up.

By being aware of these little issues, you will show an understanding of the technology you are participating in (tech savvy) and that you have consideration for those you communicate with.

Why not brush up on attachment dos and don’ts with my article “Don’t Attach That!” while you are at it?