I recently wrote a rant about The Trouble with Email, which was possibly the most negative blog post I’ve ever written. Granted, I’ve experienced a lot of email-related frustration lately but, if truth be told, email has played an important role in my life for many years, and isn’t likely to be replaced anytime soon.
Email is usually the way I learn that someone is interested in doing business with me, it’s how I receive most of my work assignments, and it’s often the way I’m notified that a client has made a payment. In other words, I would not be able to run a virtual business without email.
Email also brings value to my life on a personal level. It’s how I stay in touch with friends and family members (although not as much as before Facebook). With everyone being so busy, and keeping different schedules, it’s hard to find suitable times to talk on the phone, but with email, you don’t have to worry about waking someone up or interrupting a meal or other activity. (Not to mention the fact that I’m really not a phone person – I think my stint as a customer service rep in the 80s scarred me for life!)
In other words, despite the spam, the high volume of non-essential messages, and issues of non-delivery, email is still one of the most important tools in my daily life.
What do you think? Is email the greatest thing since sliced bread, or a necessary evil?
I think email is like everything else; great when used properly. And a lot of people need to learn to use it properly.
Good point Jacki! It’s not email’s fault that it’s abused so much!
I could not live without e-mail (and my blackberry!). Spam filters and junk mail boxes look after most of the garbage I recieive so it is really not much of an issue. I too use it to communicate with family, friends and customers. I am often sending messages out late at night or on the weekends when I would not want to disturb them by phone. Has it made me accessible 24/7? Yes – but it is my choice when I check it or send it.
I’m not sure whether email is a blessing or a curse. With all of the electronic communication going on I am afraid people may lose the ability to deal with each & another on a personal basis.
I’m sure most of your readers could relate to your frustrations with email, Janet. And there are plenty. But not having access to it at times when I expect to be able to use it makes me realize how dependent on it I am. Even on a vacation there are people and facets of life one would like to be in touch with – like you! I’m looking forward to being back where email is readily available, more or less, frustrations and all.
Audie, I also have an excellent spam filter (SpamArrest) but I do have to check it occasionally to make sure nothing gets blocked that I need or want to read, so it’s still a mild annoyance, but I agree that being able to read and send email anytime of the day or night is a huge plus!
Dad, that’s an interesting comment and a subject that is frequently discussed. My view is that email is an extension of in-person communication, that allows us to build even stronger relationships by maintaining contact with people we might not be able to see very often.
Kathy, that’s a good point too! Email has become an important part of our lives and we have to take the bad with the good. (kind of like having kids!
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Given that I offer my coaching services only through email and prefer that model (given how much I love the written word), email would have to be the greatest thing since sliced bread.
It allows me to work in a different country and time zone from my clients. It can be abused, but for the most part I don’t let it overwhelm me.
Alex, I would also wonder how likely it is that you’d have moved across the world without the ability to so easily stay in touch with friends and family back home…