Email communication part 2

Let's continue improving the world by mastering the old, but not obsolete, email. In the first part, I covered the rules for starting a new email. But now, you’ve received a response. The guy replying clearly hasn’t read my previous post yet, so they’ve added a dozen people to the To and CC fields in a total muddle, simply because they seem important.

Don’t let entropy win the game. Here are the steps you need to take to fix it:

  • Press "Reply All"; we need to catch everyone one last time.
  • Write your text and attach your files. As before, check your references and proofread before moving to the address bar.
  • Take a breath, maybe sip a tea or coffee.
  • Identify everyone who isn't actually required for the matter at hand and move them to the BCC box.
  • At the very top of the email, even before the "Hello," type a brief note: "Moving [Names] to BCC."
  • Ensure that the To section has three recipients maximum (the ones who need to act). Everyone else belongs in CC.
  • Now you are safe to hit Send.

You’ve just delayed the heat death of the universe for a few seconds. The universe and I personally appreciate it. Master this skill for a while, and I will be back shortly.