Do You Hijack Other’s Emails?
If you do, stop it.
A bad habit that seems to pop up occasionally is replying to all the recipients of an email sent to you with your off-topic news or comments. The original recipient and all those they sent to are left to read your comments or POV on a topic unrelated to the initial email.
Comments they didn’t ask for or may not have an interest in. Words don’t align with what is in the Subject: field.
This situation happens most between family and friends where all the email addresses displayed tend to know each other. Therefore privacy is not a concern.
But what I hear from frustrated little birdies out there is that they are tired of family members or close friends taking over their email communications with stuff that has nothing to do with the email they initiated.
Problem solved. Email hijackers can be preempted by you using the BCc: field.
Narcissism on Display
Narcissists think only of what they want to do or say at any given time. And it’s not a good look. Considering feelings other than their own or how their actions may impact others is something that never crosses their mind. Onliners who hijack email conversations tend to fall into this category.
When you want to share some news that has nothing to do with an established email conversation or if you want to chat about an entirely different topic than the Subject: field indicates, it is accomplished in two easy steps:
- If you know all those listed very well, then and only then, hit Reply to All.
- Next, change the Subject field to reflect what you want to talk about.
What If You Don’t Know the Listed Addresses?
Do. Not. Use. Reply to all. It’s really that simple.
Regardless of if the sender reflects a lack of understanding in protecting their contact’s email addresses. Their neglect does not give you implicit permission to email those you don’t know — about anything.
It’s evident that technology is “all about me.” But those who show the courtesy to respect others by “using technology with knowledge, understanding and courtesy” (that’s my tagline) have more profound and meaningful relationships.
On and off-line.
